Globecar Globescout

Berths: 2-5 Travel seats: 4 Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato Gross weight: 3,500kg Payload: 510kg

MMM magazine - Britain's best-selling motorhome magaizne - reviews the latest Globecar Globescout campervan

Globecar might be Europe’s largest purveyor of van-based motorhomes (all on Fiat Ducato, in lengths from 4.97m to 6.36m), but there are probably better-known brands here and just about every imported marque has a variation on this transverse rear double bed theme.

It is part of an 11-model line-up of fixed bed layouts, in which the only slight surprise is the Globestar 640 DK (with its totally separate shower). Then there are a further six H-Line models, which mostly come with extra-high roofs – as well as some more innovative designs.

But back to the very red Globescout that’s tested here. Apart from the colour there are plenty of little details to like – from the front foglights and gloss black grille (both extra cost items) to the flush side windows (which are part of the Elegance Finish option). If you want an indication of the build quality of a Globecar van conversion, this is a good one, and nothing later in our test led us to contradict the initial impression of top-notch build.

The rest of the drive, of course, was predictably good. The extra weight of the pop-top wasn’t noticeable on the road and the 148bhp engine still seemed too tight to be offering much over the 130bhp standard unit. Chrome-ringed dials and a leather steering wheel are further options here but the Pioneer radio seemed a bit fiddly and looks aftermarket compared with Fiat’s own unit. You don’t get carpets – in the cab or the living area – but, on a campsite in winter, that’s actually a bonus.

The standard spec includes a 3,300kg campervan, offering a decent payload of 510kg. For just £575 you can upgrade to 3,500kg. Even with the rising roof (the heaviest option, at 127kg) and the All-in Package (another 24kg), plus all the other little details, ‘our’ Globescout ended up with slightly more payload than standard, thanks to the chassis weight upgrade. The All-in Package not only includes essentials such as the cab air-con and passenger airbag, but Remis cab blinds, ESP, Hill-Holder, a height-adjustable passenger seat and more. At £1,595 (compared with £2,775 for these items priced individually), it looks good value. Another must-have is the UK Pack (at £1,231). Here we’re talking about cruise control, radio preparation, a painted front bumper, wheeltrims and electric (as well as gas) operation for the Truma Combi heating. With these two packs added, the starting price for a Globescout is £46,416.

The pop-top is not only the weightiest option but the most expensive – including the silver side rails and spoiler fitted here it comes to almost £5k. But, for a few customers, it will make a real difference. The roof is manually operated and very easy to use, with a pair of straps provided to pull it down – at its highest point the pop-top is over three metres from the floor when raised! Here, it’s just about providing an extra bedroom. That it does in some style – as long as you don’t mind the long ladder. And the lack of insulation up there. The mattress is over 2m long and there are flyscreened vents on either side. Kids will love it.

In summer, I might be tempted to evict the children from the upstairs ‘den’ and sleep there myself, but in winter I’d hog the rear bed instead. Here, a neat little foothold makes access easy for those without long legs, while the bed itself (on a sprung base) is flat and comfy. Pillows will go to the offside (because that’s where the reading lights are) but, although the lockers are less intrusive on this side, they are still far too low to allow comfortable breakfasting in bed or a morning with the Sunday papers. On the plus side, however, there’s surprisingly generous locker and shelf space back here. And ventilation is good, too – even the rear door windows open.

Our test vehicle came with a third bed, made from the front lounge, using the table (lowered to half height) as a support. It’s another good berth (and, at £286, a much cheaper option than the roof bed) but it blocks the door, puts the lounge out of action and leaves limited space for undressing.

The lack of any lights in the cab is disappointing and the area between the washroom and the fridge is also very gloomy. On a more positive note, the reading lights can slide on their mounting rails, and the blinds are the posh concertina type.

The kitchen impresses with the amount of drawer-based storage on offer, but disappoints in terms of worktop, even though there’s a small folding flap at the forward end. The hob lacks push-button ignition, and there’s a manual-ignition three-way fridge – clearly Globecar likes to stick to unfussy, proven designs.

Equally, the bathroom retains an older design of swivel cassette loo, but it combines this with more storage and more space to wash/shower than you’d anticipate. There’s even an opening window here, while the raised floor (with shower tray under a trapdoor) ensures more headroom for showering, a comfortable sitting height on the loo and no damage to the tray from outdoor shoes. It’s typical of the practical and thorough approach to design throughout this impressive campervan.

If you enjoyed this review, you can read the full version and more in the May 2017 issue of MMM magazine.

You can get a digital version of this latest issue of MMM magazine here.

Great build quality with lots of practical design and good detailing. From the self-closing sliding door to the well-designed washroom it stands out in a crowded market