CMC Reimo Lucky Starr

The newest Reimo VW camper range mates a fixed rear seat (with three seatbelts) to a galley with a grill, while retaining the classic layout

Lucky is the conversion style here, while Starr refers to the fixed rear seat/bed. You could, in theory, order your Lucky Starr with just the 83bhp engine based on the window van. But the official start point is the SE T5, with the 101bhp engine and five-speed manual gearbox. The 138bhp and 178bhp six-speeds, along with DSG automatics, and even all-wheel drive, are among the additional upgrades

You could also have your Lucky on the short (as here) or long-wheelbase T5. Plus, rather than Reimo’s Superflat elevating roof (again, as here), you could go for a high-top. This is all before you get to tailoring the camping kit to suit your specific needs.

ON THE ROAD
On a mix of motorway, town and country driving – all rattle-free and rather refined, even with that ‘basic’ 101bhp engine, performance is lively enough. The gearchange is slick, there’s plenty of oomph in that 2.0TDI engine (although the extra for the ‘140’ is a very tempting proposition).

Rear seat safety in campervans is a much talked-about subject these days. The Starr seat is fixed and allows for seating for up to three with full three-point belts and adjustable head restraints.

KITCHEN
It's acceptable to have a two-ring hob in a campervan like this. The grill takes up a lot of storage space (you can order your Lucky without). Water is pumped to the tap via a portable container stowed at the back, where it’s easy to load/unload/remove for cleaning/leave behind at home. Likewise, the gas locker offers two-way access. Locker provision is superior to many other VW-based conversions, thanks to overhead units to the kitchen as well as the rear seat.

SLEEPING
Making the bed is so straightforward, but it’s easier to have a clear run at it – getting your fellow camper(s) out of the way is key to your success. If everyone’s off to the pub, make the beds up first (you have been warned). The optional upper bed is even easier. With the roof up, you just pull it down on its struts and it’s ready-made, with a one-piece mattress. Despite its decent overall dimensions, it’s really there more with kids in mind.

WASHROOM
There’s no shower here, of course, although a Porta Potti is supplied as standard, neatly stowing in its own floor locker, ready for smaller emergencies.

Reimo products – from roofs to seats to furniture – seem to be that bit higher quality than others (which no doubt explains the flattery of quite a few imitations). Aside from the quarter of a century of experience behind them, CMC Reimos do have one critical advantage: they’ll hold their price better on the used market than some lesser known conversions. The balance of furniture versus bed size is right and storage is excellent (for one so small).