Full review
WHILE the VW-based Mallard has impressive storage for its size, this Fiat Mallard has the MWB Ducato 33 as its base. It’s therefore significantly larger than short-wheelbase Fiat or VW conversions which usually feature this type of layout.
This additional size provides scope for alternative bed layouts, and offers loads of extra storage space. It would make an excellent ‘van for folk needing a wheelchair, and Murvi can adapt the Mallard specifically for this purpose.
Inside, the tough ‘corporation-bus’ upholstery is bombproof, and I’m not being derogatory.
I have personal experience of this particular fabric. I left the door of our ‘van open daily to the blazing sun of Spain for two winters without any fading or signs of wear-and-tear. This durability is so important five or six years on, when you have to part with your pride and joy.
The MWB Mallard, at 17ft 9in, is a pretty big, small camper, if you get my drift. And the appearance of the new Fiat’s slightly aggressive bulldog snout has made the old Ducato look decidedly dated.
Of course the main improvement, in the Mallard we tested, is the extra space available; it’s a bigger van, though it’s still a classic camper with side kitchen – but no washroom. Since many motorcaravanners mainly use campsite facilities, this isn’t of any consequence to its intended audience.
Murvi also have designed in some interesting features which make this ‘van particularly practical. It’s the versatility of the rear bench seat (fitted with two three-point seatbelts and one lap strap) that makes it novel.
There are shaped cushions down either side of the bench seat, so it’s possible to sleep across the ‘van. You won’t need the extra cushion in the rear when sleeping in this fashion, you could leave it at home, though it comes in handy as a parcel shelf with storage under. Extremely tall folk need the extra cushion to make a massive longitudinal bed.
The tracking for the seat runs from behind the front seats to the rear doors. This allows the bench to be pulled close to the front seats, providing a genuine dining area.
Four can eat in comfort, though I couldn’t reach the ground when sitting in the swivelled driver’s seat; if I’d sat in the passenger’s seat there’s a drop-down footrest.
The table is lightweight, with a folding leg. It clips onto a rail fixed along the front of the kitchen units, and stores against a rear door. And it’s not only in the dining department that the full-length tracking comes in handy. There are six locking positions, which are more useful than you’d think.
Pull the seat forward and you have a 7ft 3in (2.20m) space to play with in the rear; a couple of bikes perhaps? Or push the seat to the rear to give space for anchoring a wheelchair.
Down the offside are a Dometic 60-litre three-way-fridge, a grill, two drawers fitted with cutlery and crockery, a three-shelf cupboard and a locker suitable for a Porta-Potti.
Above these are a Smev four-burner hob with spark ignition, a stainless-steel sink and drainer and two 230V sockets. Topping all this are two hinged solid worktops/lids and an additional flip-up worktop at the rear. It’s little details like this extra worktop that can make life in a motorhome kitchen more relaxing.
There’s no wardrobe but on one of the rear doors is a hanging rail to take a posh frock or tuxedo.
There’s not room here to list all the extra bits provided in the Mallard. They include things you’d normally have to buy anyway before setting off on your first trip, so it’s great that they’re part of the inventory. It’s a spacious ‘van with loads of storage, all the kit you’ll need, and a flexible and adaptable bench-seat/double-bed... at a very attractive price.
A full version of this review first appeared in the January 2008 issue of Which Motorcaravan. To subscribe to the magazine, click here.Content continues after advertisements
The move from VW to Fiat has resulted in lots more space in the Mallard and the sliding seat makes it a versatile MPV and carry-anything camper