Full review

Fixed beds in van conversions used to offer few compromises when mating a transverse double with the six-metre Fiat base. Fixed single beds, meanwhile, are meant to be the preserve of the extra-long ‘vans.

All that has changed with the introduction of a new Westfalia model. The 600 E layout, in the entry-level Amundsen range, now offers twin single beds in the more manoeuvrable 6 metre-long Fiat Ducato. Westfalia has taken the medium-wheelbase 540 D (fixed double bed) floorplan and put the front half into the long-wheelbase van, using the extra length for the single beds.

There is no indication that the interior is any different to other conversions of this size. Even when you open the side sliding door, only the fridge stands out: the cooler’s door is in the doorway.

The raised floor allows the cab seats to be level with the rear seats. The lounge and table are more compact, however – it would be difficult, but not impossible, for four to dine here.

But it’s great to see the number of heater outlets fitted. Also in the lounge is a floor hatch for storage. And there’s LED lighting throughout.

The kitchen doesn’t seem to have lost any space. It offers a two-burner hob and a small rectangular sink with worktop. There are handy drawers above and below the cooler and three decent drawers under the sink.

There’s a small wardrobe at the end of the galley and another open hanging rail between the over-bed lockers and the washroom.

Opposite the kitchen is the small but practical washroom. Storage may be its only shortfall, as there are no cupboards, just four recesses with retaining rails.

At the back is the real reason you will buy this motorhome – fixed twin beds that are more like a very large double in which you can sleep lengthways. There are three cupboards on one side and two opposite. You can lift the whole bed base on straps and fix it to the ceiling, or slide a section of mattress on top of the other.

The plastic container at the foot of the bed is a box for the small gas bottle. It only supplies the hob – the Truma Combi is the diesel-powered version and the fridge is a 12V compressor-type.

This is an abridged version of the full review appearing in the August 2015 issue of Which Motorhome.