DETAILED REVIEW

Words: Peter Vaughan

Photos courtesy of Rimor

The Rimor Seal 12P

At 6.48m long, the 12P is one of the shortest in a range of 14 Seal models, covering a variety of fixed bed designs. This one adopts the classic French bed format – once hugely popular but which has now disappeared from many makers’ portfolios. It’s described by Rimor as a new model for 2022 but, in reality, it is closely related to the 12 Plus which has a similar floorplan but with the addition of a transverse electric drop-down bed up front. Deleting the extra bed has allowed Rimor to fit a tall fridge/freezer in this version.   

The specification

All Seals are based on the latest Fiat Ducato, so benefit from the new dashboard, the latest Multijet 3 engines and electric power steering. Cruise control, twin airbags and cab seats with armrests are also standard. Bigger changes concern some of aesthetics and details inside. For a budget-priced ’van, the Seal has quite a striking interior with more than a dash of Italian style. That’s particularly obvious in the kitchen, where there’s a new highly patterned, 3D-effect splashback. A wall organiser has been added, too, for condiments, etc.

Unfortunately, the three-burner hob and matching stainless-steel sink fill most of the counter, though, so with both lids raised there’s not a lot of preparation space. The galley’s storage is quite generous, however, and includes a drawer for cutlery and utensils. The top lockers have handleless doors with a contrasting metallic strip and, above them, ambient lighting is included.   

The kitchen

Forward of the habitation door, the kitchen extends to include a 136-litre two-door fridge/freezer with room for either an oven or microwave above. On the side of the fridge is a backlit mirror (check your coiffure before you go out!), as well as a small removable pouch.   

The lounge

Opposite, the galley is a pullman-style dinette – a rare sight in a 2022-spec vehicle. It’s quite a formal seating arrangement, though comfortable here as long as you’re tall and, if there are only two of you, then you can lean against the side wall and put your feet up to relax. The side window is large, so there’s a good view out and, for travel, there are not just the three-point belts on the forward-facing bench but also lap belts on the rear-facing one. Isofix is available as an option.

Pleated blinds are a surprise at this price point, while the microfibre fabrics have a new quilted design and are said to be water-repellent and washable.  

The bed

Aft of the dinette is the 12P’s French bed, which has side and rear windows adjacent giving plenty of daylight at the rear of the ’van. Mini spotlights are provided for bedtime reading.

In the day, the bed has the usual French bed shape, with a cut-off corner that allows easy passage into the washroom alongside. Here, however, there’s the welcome addition of a flap and extra cushion to make the bed into a proper rectangle – so no more feet hanging over the edge at the corner. It’s a super-long mattress, too, measuring 2.05m by 1.38m.   

The washroom

You step up into the corner washroom (which has an opening window, useful worktop and a very practical angled mirror for make-up or shaving) and then down again into the separate shower, which has super-generous headroom of 2.07m – this is clearly a ’van to consider if you’re tall.