Auto-Trail V-Line SE 635

Berths: 2 Travel seats: 2 Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato XLWB panel van Gross vehicle weight: 3,500kg Payload: 510kg

Launched two years ago, Auto-Trail’s V-Line range saw the company revisit panel van conversions for the first time for many years. Except V-Line was radical, with a grafted-on GRP extra-high roof on top of the original steel Fiat high-top, a back door-replacing rear panel and coachbuilt-style overcab sunroof on most models and a flat floor inside.

These original V-Lines are now called V-Line Sport. In contrast, the new additions to the range for 2016 – V-Line SE – are completely conventional with rear lounges.

As the longest of the new SE group, the 635 offers the most internal space. But the one thing you might expect in a long ’van with a long lounge is the option to have two single beds, as well as the certainty of a double. You do indeed get the option of a lengthways single on each sofa. But on our prototype they measured just 1.74 metres. Production models will have the kitchen unit moved forwards (reducing the opening in the doorway), so the nearside single bed will be a smidge over six feet long. Alternatively, a job lasting seconds pulls the two sofas together, backrests drop in and there’ll be a double measuring almost six feet square.

The living area presents as stylish but not overly modern. Aft of the driver’s seat, there’s space for a low cupboard, its top featuring a trio of TV-serving sockets. Those in the swivelled cab seats can watch telly and even dine, as there’s a pedestal table. There are plenty of downlighters fitted too.

At the other end, the lounge provides relaxing space aplenty. Meals are taken from a single-leg table between the sofas which is a tad small.

For a van conversion, the kitchen is well-equipped, with good storage provision. Thetford’s half-height cooker is spot-on. A slab of worktop sits between the cooker and sink and a flip-up surface is generously sized. There are plenty of drawers in here and two deep cupboards.

Water tanks are underslung, so vulnerable to the cold. But £250 will see them fitted with heaters. Gas supply, too, comes from underneath as this ’van eschews cylinders for a fixed tank you can fill with LPG.

The bathroom has an integral shower, but does include a drop-down basin and plenty of stowage.

Finally, stowage is ok: an adequate wardrobe above the equally adequate fridge, reasonable room under the lounge seating and enough room for bedding above the cab.

This is an abridged version of the full review appearing in the November 2015 issue of What Motorhome.