Advertisement
Weinsberg CaraCompact Edition Pepper 600 MG motorhome
Sections:

Key Features

Model Year 2018
Class Low Profile
Base Vehicle Fiat Ducato
Price From (£) 49,699
Engine Size 2.3TD
Maximum Weight (kg) 3,500
Berths 3
Main Layout Garage
See full details
Advertisement

At a glance

Berths: 2+1 Travel seats: 4 Base vehicle: Peugeot Boxer Gross weight: 3,500kg Payload: 820kg

Full review

Here’s a name that may be unfamiliar, but it’s one you’ll be seeing increasingly on our roads. Weinsbergs are favoured by Camperco, one of the larger rental companies with nationwide outlets, but it also sells them new with attractive prices and high spec.

Though having upmarket siblings, Weinsbergs are designed to appeal to a more budget-conscious clientele and include panel vans (CaraTour and CaraBus) and overcab coachbuilts (CaraLoft), as well as several families of low-profiles, but no A-classes. Two of the low-profiles are known as CaraCompacts; they are slimmer than usual, at 2.20m wide. The 600 MEG features two single beds, while this 600 MG comes with a transverse rear double above a large garage. The CaraCompacts are also available as special editions, known as Edition Pepper.

Its low chassis, restrained alloy wheels and striking, copper-coloured graphics look good. Walking around, you’ll notice large garage doors on both sides, a reversing camera, Thule awning and a roof-mounted satellite dish – all standard equipment. Also, unexpectedly, there’s a lion on the bonnet. Yes, alone in the Weinsberg line-up, the two Edition Peppers are Peugeot-based. Boxers have no automatic version, though you can upgrade the standard 2-litre, 130bhp engine to 160bhp – one of the few optional extras available.

Inside the cab, the familiar Sevel layout at first seems to offer little that’s novel. But the gearknob and steering wheel (with radio controls) are leather-bound and there’s cruise control and automatic climate control. The DAB radio/CD’s large touchscreen incorporates sat-nav and a reversing camera monitor. Both cab occupants enjoy twin armrests and airbags, whilst ESP/Hill Holder/Traction Plus does its work unseen.  

Once inside, there’s a large Euro-lounge (the half-dinette provides two belted rear seats) up a small step at the front. A central washroom sits behind it on the nearside, with the kitchen opposite and, beyond the fridge and wardrobe (either side of the aisle), the transverse double bed lies above the large garage. So, it’s a conventional layout primarily for couples but four can travel and there’s an occasional third berth on a lounge bed.

The lounge can seat five, with two on the comfortable, swivelled cab seats, two more on the half-dinette settee (less comfortable as the seat backs are rather upright) and one on the inward-facing seat by the door. All are around the easily extendable, wall-mounted table but, as it’s wall-mounted above the rear settee, only three can view the 24in Avtex TV.

The kitchen strikes as being straightforward, with its three-burner (auto-ignition) hob with darkened glass lid and lidless, large, circular stainless-steel sink surrounded by plenty of work surface, particularly with the extra lift-up flap. There’s no oven or grill but there is masses of storage, with a capacious, shelved cupboard overhead and, below, a full-width drawer including cutlery tray, a humungous shelved cupboard (no problems regarding giant-sized cereal packets), plus a 145-litre fridge with removable freezer compartment.

Content continues after advertisements
Advertisement
Advertisement

Opposite the kitchen, the washroom has the shower cubicle to the left and, facing the door, a swivel toilet almost tucked underneath a shelf containing the washbasin. Surely this can’t work? Ah, but cleverly the basin slides out of the way (on a rail) into the open shower cubicle, giving full loo access.

Although set high above a large garage, reaching the CaraCompact’s double bed is less awkward than in many competitors because the two large wooden steps are much kinder to naked tootsies than a cold, hard alloy ladder. Once you’re up there, the large bed has two comfy mattresses over sprung slats, useful shelves over each bed end and cupboards along the back wall, which is tastefully illuminated by ambient lighting.

The third, occasional bed in the lounge is wider than many, but still flawed. Bed-making is rendered awkward by the sheer weight and bulk of the table, which must be dismounted from the wall, half its leg removed, then reattached to a lower bar. Sounds simple, but it’s not that easy to accomplish. Settee and seat cushions are then rearranged, but the foot cushion slopes away uncomfortably.

The CaraCompact’s payload is impressive. Even with a 3,500kg gross weight, it headlines at 820kg. That’s more surprising, because, as noted, the table is heavy and furniture and fittings are robust and solid. Much of that mass could be stored in the, err, massive garage (maximum 250kg within, we’re told), which has two equal-sized doors measuring 1.05m by 0.74m. It would easily store bikes (there are a couple of tying points), a barbecue, chairs and other holiday clutter, plus a spare wheel (though Weinsberg doesn’t supply one, relying on gunk). There are handy shelves, a light and hot air vent, and the gas cupboard, which, carrying two 11kg cylinders, is reached through an internal door and is sensibly located over the back axle. 

If you enjoyed this review, you can read the full version and more in the Summer 2018 issue of MMM magazine. You can get a digital version of this latest issue of MMM magazine here.

 

    

 

You can also read a review of the 2022 model here.

Content continues after advertisements
Advertisement
Advertisement

Expert motorhome advice to your door!

Why not subscribe to one of our fabulous magazines and get expert advice, travel ideas, technical help and all the latest news for your motorhome and your motorhome adventures!

MMM Motorhomers' Magazine

Want to know more about MMM magazine?

Every month MMM has articles written by motorhomers who have been there and done it, from great UK and European (and further afield) tours, campsite reviews, owners' reports and DIY projects among other things. MMM's tests, reviews and expert buying guides are not to be missed. MMM's technical advice is a must and includes everything from weekend jobs to longer-term DIY projects. And much more!

About MMM magazine  
What Motorhome Magazine

Want to know more about What Motorhome magazine?

Every issue of What Motorhome magazine provides essential buying advice for anyone looking to buy a new motorhome or campervan or upgrade their existing model. With a pedigree of over 30 years of offering the best motorhome and campervan buying advice, every issue of What Motorhome includes more new motorhome and campervan reviews than you will find in any other magazine.

About What Motorhome  
Campervan Magazine

Want to know more about Campervan magazine?

Campervan is the exciting monthly magazine that will give you all the inspiration you need to explore the world in your campervan. Every issue is packed with real-life campervanning experiences, inspiring travel ideas in the UK and further afield, the best campsites to stay on, campervan road tests and reviews of the latest models, and much more!

About Campervan magazine  

Our verdict

Here’s an entry-level motorhome at under £50k, but one that certainly doesn’t feel budget or back-to-basics. It’s also a slimline model, which avoids feeling cramped, despite losing 10cm or so of overall width. It’s very highly specified for the price, especially for a German-built model, has masses of storage and few downsides. We were really impressed.

Advantages

Spacious garage
Very high specification throughout

Disadvantages

Lower spec window blinds
Window at bed head

Sign up to our free newsletter

Join our community and get emails packed with advice and tips from our experts – and a FREE digital issue!

Sign up now!

Subscribe to the best motorhome magazine

Access the latest issue and a decade of previous editions – all fully searchable!

Discover more

More dedicated motorhome content

Advertisement
Advertisement