Autohaus Exmoor Beast campervan

Base vehicle: VW Transporter Price from: £39,999 Berths: 2/4 Travel seats: 5 Length: 4.89m Width: 1.90m Height: 2.05m Gross weight: 2,800kg Payload: 450kg

A bewildering array of VW campervans at most shows, with everything from budget conversions of used T6 vans to new fully spec’d Californias at £70k – and even up to Rolling Homes’ Edition 10 with every conceivable extra at £110k-plus.

Here, though, is a camper that looks like a 4x4 but is actually front-wheel drive. And it’s a fully converted T6 that looks expensive but actually has a price tag that’s under £40k. Oh, and it’s named after a beer…

Called the Exmoor Beast, this is the latest model from Autohaus, which is based on the edge of Exmoor. The beer of the same name, incidentally, comes from Exmoor Ales which brews a variety of cask ales. Its 6.6% Exmoor Beast is described as a full-bodied dark porter. I’m sure they’ll throw in a few bottles if you buy the ’van but, err, let’s get back to the camper which shares the rather scary beast’s head logo.

This is a striking-looking camper, its appearance dominated by a body wrap said to be inspired by WW1 camouflage and the off-road stance created via raised suspension. The Bigh lifting springs raise the ride height by 40mm, while their blue colour is matched on the painted brake calipers.

The 18in Wolfrace alloy wheels and chunky off-road tyres further enhance the go-anywhere look, but there’s no 4Motion four-wheel drive. Not only does Autohaus boss, Tony Payne, believe that’s unnecessary but he says the special rubber will get most campers where they need to go.

There’s more cosmetic stuff, too. Aluminium side stepper rails from Vanstyle, black spats around the wheelarches and slatted mouldings on the D-pillars (reminiscent of old Type 2s) complete the look. There’s a rear-hinged Reimo elevating roof here, too.

Inside, this Autohaus is equally eye-catching – as well as eschewing the traditional side kitchen layout for a more ‘weekender’ style design.

It’s the upholstery that’s really memorable – in black leather with vivid blue fabric inserts, it has simulated claw marks to continue the beast theme. The mythical creature has attacked its matching scatter cushions, too!

The rear bench is a crash-tested unit by RIB but here it’s the extra-wide version with headrests and seatbelts for three rear passengers. That, of course, makes into a really wide bed, too, while the fridge is not where you’d expect it – it’s a 30-litre drawer-style unit by Vitrifrigo that pulls out from under the centre of the seat.

That leaves a bit more storage in the galley unit, sited behind the driver’s seat. It’s a modest kitchen but comes with a combination sink and single-burner hob unit by Can, which could be all you need in a camper like this.

The Beast is not short of spec elsewhere, with blackout curtains, cab silver screens, a 30-litre fresh water tank, swivel passenger seat, diesel heating, a table on a cranked leg and gas locker (in the boot) all included in the price. Basis is a T6 Transporter in Startline spec with 102PS engine as standard.