Horizon MCV

Berths: 4 Travel seats (inc driver): 4 Base vehicle: Mercedes Vito 114 LWB Maximum weight: 2,800kg Payload: 750kg

Volkswagen’s top-notch position in the campervan market now has yet another challenger. The old Mercedes Vito was no match for the T5, but the new one is the first to offer Euro VI engines – and it comes with many options that are more usually seen in the car market.

Almost as new is the Horizon brand, formed as a partnership between Kingston Campers and Mercedes-Benz dealers City West.

This Horizon MCV (Multi Concept Vehicle) is a bit of a looker, as Horizon has kept its branding subtle and the Reimo roof is barely noticeable. It looks every inch the plush people-carrier.

Production models will offer twin sliding doors, the offside only providing access to the external barbecue point and outside shower. There will also be a second table here and an awning rail above. A Fiamma roll-out awning above the nearside door is standard too.

In fact, this conversion is high spec throughout (gas heating and the roof bed are both included here where others charge extra) – making the £49,995 starting price justified. Full leather, duo-tone trim is standard and the granite worktops add style to the galley. But the Horizon’s real party piece is its electric reclining seat/bed mechanism. It can be stopped in any position in between for truly laid-back relaxation.

Production models will have a slightly shorter bed so that fridge access is not impaired, while the large storage area underneath is being modified to accept a Fiamma Bio Pot portable toilet. That frees up the kitchen to offer a reasonable amount of storage.

The boot area behind the seat is quite small. In contrast, the wardrobe is so huge it makes more sense with optional shelving.

But you’ll still buy this camper because of its base vehicle. Here the best news is surely the new 7G-Tronic-Plus torque converter automatic gearbox. If you’re going backwards then a camera pops up and sensors help you.

Beyond all the gizmos, the Vito would be a very easy vehicle to live with. Its ride quality is close to limousine-like.

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

You’ll buy this campervan for its Mercedes three-pointed star above all, but its electric bed is novel, too, and it’s well equipped.