Full review

Take one Fiat Ducato long-wheelbase panel van and install a front lounge, centre kitchen and bathroom and rear fixed transverse double bed. No less than 14 manufacturers offer this type of ’van in the UK. As all of these offer the same basic layout, it’s the details that are going to make you say yes or no to buying them.

The Pilote V600F presents as a stylish example of the type. With dark wood furniture highlighted by white panels, it looks good inside. Pricing is set to be competitive, too, although it won’t be the cheapest, starting at just under £40k. That price includes the Comfort Pack (TV bracket, Remis cab blinds, cab seat covers, air-conditioning, passenger airbag, cruise control and exterior lighting).

You get the 130-horsepower Fiat motor with six-speed gearbox. It’s good to drive, with plenty of power on tap. With its stylish new nose, the Ducato simply looks far better than the competition. In the cab, a new design for the seats – with twin armrests – is the biggest practical improvement. Pilote shuns the new Fiat radio (shame as it’s a good unit), installing a standard device in the dash.

Swivel the cab seats and they join in with the rear twin travel seat to complete the four-person lounge-diner. There’s a very decent table with swing-out extension, quite comfortable seating and good lighting.

The kitchen majors on storage space, both in a great range of drawers and a big, two-door fridge/freezer. But just a two-burner hob does all the heating of food. A decent-sized sink is fitted, though, and while worktop is found wanting there’s a flip-up unit at the forward end and a good chunk of flat space above the fridge.

The transverse bed has a lot going for it as it’s plenty big enough and comfortable. The wardrobe is not large, but the hanging space slides out for easy access. There’s a hatch in its base, too, so you can achieve a bit more drop for longer coats. The under-bed area is, as expected, big on storage – bigger when the bed base is raised.

The washroom offers a sliding door that’s easy to use and a sliding basin that leaves an uncluttered showering area. Stowage in here is ok, too.