Description

Berths: 2 Prices From: £42,390 Type Approval: European Whole Vehicle

Key Features

Model Year

2013

Product Class

High top

Product Model Base

Peugeot Boxer

Price from (£)

£43090

Length (m)

6.00

Berths

2

Belted seats

2

Main Layout

Rear Lounge

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Full Review

Not for the first time the UK's Van Conversion floorplans differ considerably from the rest of Europe. We like a large rear lounge, and this is what Autocruise has given us. Add up its various guises and the Rhythm is easily the UK's best-selling high-top.

The Rhythm features two full-length settees in a rear lounge. This gives the capability to fully sprawl out in front of the TV or just sit looking out at nature.

At bedtime, there's also the choice of using those 6ft 2in settees as twin single beds, or with a bit more effort, converting the seating into a generous double.

Upholstery is just two choices - the standard offering here, of the more expensive (£450) Impala, with it's self-cleaning properties. This 'van has all the autocruise hallmarks, including high-gloss ivory locker doors with positive catches.

Again, you'll find it difficult not to opt for the Comfort Pack, as well as in this case the optional Thule awning in black. This does still leave the pricing very competitive.

As long as you never need rear travel seats, keeping this model strictly two-berth has myriad ergonomic advantages.

The kitchen is large enough and extends across the sliding door entrance, but still leaves easily enough access via the slide-out step. It contains Thetford's Triplex cooker with sink alongside, and Dometic's 8-series fridge. The inclusion of a microwave oven does compromise storage.

Despite the space to play with due to it being a two-berth, the washroom is rather 'compact'. The washbasin however is of the drop-down variety, representing modern thinking. The showerhead is of the efficient trigger variety and the tray has two plugholes.

The Rhythm isn't short on luxury touches though, despite it's two-berth billing, the Truma Combi 2 system with Drivesafe means you can use it whilst driving, arriving to instant hot water and a balmy living area. It really is a feature that will have you wondering how you coped without it.

The Peugeot cab is lifted by the 'walnut' dashboard inserts that are part of the Comfort Pack and as with the Accent the exterior is limited to the powder blue.

The payload, despite losing 54kg to the Comfort Pack is still a huge 500kg, easily enough for a couple regardless of where your touring takes you.

Read the full review in the June 2013 digital issue of Which Motorhome

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Our Verdict

As the UK’s number one, again think of this as a benchmark. It’s very well priced and specified, albeit it perhaps a bit of a plain Jane.

Autocruise Rhythm - ultimate showdown review