Globecar Summit Prime 540 campervan

Berths: 2 Travel seats: 4 Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato Gross weight: 3,500kg Payload: 530kg

There are plenty of fixed bed van conversions on the market, mostly based on the Fiat Ducato and built by continental motorhome manufacturers. There are relatively few based on the medium-wheelbase panel van, though, which makes for a more manoeuvrable, easy-to-park package with an overall length not too dissimilar to long-wheelbase versions of the VW T6 and Ford Transit Custom. And few competitors take the high road, as in high-quality, rather than focusing on price (Globecar’s D-Line models are slightly lower priced).

The new Summit Prime 540 (part of Globecar’s expanding H-Line range), however, takes the upmarket route with a whole host of USPs. Key amongst its many features is the overcab sunroof, called SkyRoof, the first opening skylight of this type to be fitted to a van conversion.

Inside, the floorplan is familiar but the look is a luxurious one with dark woodwork and contrasting high-gloss locker doors. There’s a new Prime Lighting Concept, too, with an illuminated panel around the nearside dinette window and indirect ambient lighting above the top cupboards, as well as LEDs around the central skylight.

Another key feature is the washroom, mounted on the nearside behind the half-dinette. Here there’s what Globecar refers to as a ‘floating wall’ or more usually termed a swing wall, which rotates the washbasin and the wall behind over the loo to create a proper wet-room-style shower. It is a more robust design than some others of its ilk, enabling curtain-free showering and the swing wall locates positively with magnets. Unlike some rival models, the washroom doesn’t have to extend into the aisle for use.

The galley includes soft-close drawers and a compressor fridge that can be easily accessed from outside. Further upmarket features include a flyscreen for the sliding door, soft-feel headlining and framed side windows, while a soft-closing side door is also available.

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