Dolphin Pursuit Sport

Berths: 2 (optional 4) Travel seats: 5 (inc driver) Base vehicle: Volkswagen Transporter T5 T28 Highline Panel Van Maximum weight: 2,800kg Payload: 440kg

Southern dealer Dolphin Motorhomes is offering an interesting take on a burgeoning sector – pre-owned Volkswagen T5s given a campervan conversion.

In this instance, Dolphin has teamed up with a local converter Wild Camp. It expects prices for its Sport Pursuit models to start at just under £40,000. But don’t under-estimate the work that goes into a ‘proper’ VW conversion like this.

Dolphin is not messing with a mixture of bases, but is offering all of its Pursuit Sports on recent T5s in Highline trim. Standard features include metallic paint, alloy wheels, cruise control, CD/radio, Bluetooth connectivity and cab air-conditioning. Plus all Pursuit Sports boast tinted rear windows, running rails and just a hint of graphics.

As for the conversion, it’s a roll call of respected products, topped off with a Reimo elevating roof. Also here, in a standard VW camper side kitchen layout, are a rear RIB seat/bed, Smev hob/sink, and a Waeco compressor fridge.

There’s also a Mikuni diesel-powered heater, Propex hot water supply and Kiravans double front seat on a swivel.

This last means the Pursuit Sport is a five-person vehicle for travel. As ever with the RIB seat, it’s a tad narrow as a double bed. But it does leave some useful floor space and fridge access at night.

It’s a smart-looking interior. The bold furniture strikes you immediately, and the upholstery dares to be different. It’s a hard-wearing, easy-to-clean vinyl, but it lacks the kind of breathability you might expect of a material you sleep on. Alternatives are on offer.

The table is larger than most, but its stowage might want a rethink, as it’s tucked behind the driver’s seat and impinges on its adjustment.

Storage is generally good. Extensive under-seat space includes access to the Porta Potti. But some aspects could be improved. The main kitchen locker is too large, making it too easy for items to move around. And the ‘wardrobe’ at the back is just a large cupboard – lacking a hanging rail and only allowing access when the tailgate is open. Finally, although the heating system is neatly tucked away in the driver’s seat base, the 10-litre water heater steals a lot of kitchen cupboard space. Surely a water heater is a luxury for a T5 campervan anyway?

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

Dolphin joins a crowded market, but this conversion has a few touches to push it just above the norm.