Full review

VanTourer is the newest name in the UK in fixed bed van conversions. Consider it as a rival to other premium imports, such as Globecar, HymerCar and Westfalia.

Here, we’re focusing on the extra-long (6.36m) model with lengthways rear bedroom. Unusually, it also offers a choice of Fiat and Peugeot bases. Importantly, the Peugeot (called Activ) is the ‘value’ option (a 130bhp 630 L is the same price as a Fiat with 115bhp) – but there are fewer options and packs on the Peugeots.

There are plenty of extras to add. The show vehicle had the Chassis Package Plus (air-con, cruise control, etc), Comfort Package (everything from cab blinds to additional electric sockets) and the Prime Package (alloy wheels and cosmetics), as well as the 150bhp engine, Comfort-Matic robotised gearbox, Isofix, etc – taking the total price to £63,227.

It’s at the rear, though, where the 630 L has important differences when compared with similar models. For a start, although you sleep lengthways, the bed is, in fact, a giant double measuring 1.92m by 1.83m (with a cut-out and step at the foot to ease access). The bedroom area also has two side windows, storage pockets and plenty of high-level lockers with shelves and fiddle rails for practicality.

There’s a large boot area under the bed that’s uninterrupted by gas or water tanks (the latter are under the campervan and the fresh is heated and insulated), and, if you want to load taller items, the foot of the bed can be hinged up to increase capacity. Meanwhile, the head section of the bed can be raised at a comfortable angle for lounging with the morning papers while you gaze out of the rear door windows (though you’ll need to fold it flat if either of you wants to get up).

If you want extra berths, it’s possible to have an elevating roof with 2.00m by 1.24m upper bed. This is a £4,490 extra (plus another £690 if you want it colour-coded) and it comes with a telescopic folding ladder that can be stowed on the overcab shelf.

The kitchen (in the usual place, adjacent to the sliding door) includes a 90-litre compressor fridge at eye-level, a large worktop extension and three large drawers but there is, currently, no oven option.

Opposite, there are two styles of washroom available: the standard one (seen here) or a version that expands into the corridor using rotating polycarbonate doors is a £1,170 option. This derivative features the upmarket Dometic loo, an opening window and fixed basin, but space is a bit tight and you’ll have to use a curtain for showering. The bonus is that access through the vehicle is always available.

Up front, the half-dinette might be an aspect that looks conventional, but here (as part of the Comfort Package) it can be extended sideways (by 150mm) to give more spacious passenger seating. It’s another feature that shows that a lot of thought has gone into these VanTourers – just watch that you pay only for the options you really need and don’t tick all the boxes.

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