Rapido Van V68 high-top campervan

The latest version of Rapido’s single bed campervan

Words & photos: Peter Vaughan

The Rapido Van V68 

Rapido has reduced its Van range to just two models this year, the six-metre V55 with a transverse double bed and the longer V68 with lengthways singles. Both models have detail changes for the new season, with the most noticeable being a switch to Peugeot’s Boxer from the Fiat Ducato.

The French lion comes with 140bhp as standard or 165bhp as an upgrade (with Heavy chassis), while the Fiat cab remains an option for those seeking automatic transmission. Of course, the change makes minimal difference to the V68’s external appearance, although the graphics have also been updated. Framed habitation windows are a plus but the lack of glazing in the back doors leaves the rear looking rather utilitarian.

The interior

The biggest news is inside, where you can now order Luceo furniture (shown here) as an alternative to the more classical Nacarat. The new option is described as having “a sleek look” which combines handleless top lockers with a white woven-pattern wall finish, matt white drawer fronts and black edging to the worktops. The layout, however, remains a continental classic – half-dinette front lounge, rear twin beds. 

The lounge

The lounge has a wall-mounted table with extension leaf and a backlit side window, while the bench seat is more shapely than many. 

Automotive-style head restraints are fitted and there’s a TV station above but you’ll need to dip into the options list for an overcab Skyview sunroof – as standard, you do get a full-height walk-through into the cab, though. Touch-operated reading lights for both swivelled chairs are a welcome feature.

The kitchen

The galley is alongside the offside sliding door, as you’d expect, but it does look especially compact. That’s partly because the tall 128-litre fridge/freezer (with automatic energy selection) rather dominates here. It does have a small work surface above, though, despite its height – this is a huge cooler to find in a panel van!

The kitchen seems more practical once you’ve raised the worktop extension, and the deep sink and stylish gas-on-glass hob are both appreciated.

Better still, there are three large drawers, which are locked centrally and incorporate a cutlery holder and bin. Alongside those, a pull-out rack for tins or bottles is the sort of detail more usually seen in bigger motorhomes. An oven and grill is optional but will, of course, eat into your storage space. 

The washroom

Opposite the kitchen, the washroom is in the typical location but slide back its tambour door and you’ll be impressed. It’s a stylish small room with a round white basin mounted on a contrasting countertop. A roof vent and towel rail are fitted, and the wall recesses for toiletries are a neat addition.

Then, when it comes to showering, the basin, mirror and wall behind all swing to the left, leaving a decent space for a hose down, complete with a teak-style duckboard and a separate showerhead.

The bedroom

The rear bedroom has windows on either side, but not in the barn doors, as we’ve already discovered. But, inside, the design seems much more polished, with moulded trim panels and reading lights, as well as room to sit up in bed.

The sleeping arrangements are, of course, in twin beds, each with Bultex foam mattresses. The berths measure 1.95m and 1.93m long (manufacturer’s figures) and have a long centre cushion between, so you have the full width of the camper to stretch out in at shoulder level. The marginally shorter nearside bed has an overhanging wardrobe at the foot. 

The V68’s third berth is more usable – and more adult-friendly – than is often the case. It’s 1.85m long and runs across the vehicle, which does block the entrance but allows a much better bed. Note, however, that the two large infill cushions do take up a lot of space in the garage. If you don’t need three berths, the rear stowage area is generous and a removable false floor can be deployed to divide the zone.

Where to buy

In Ireland, Rapido has dealers north and south of the border – Thompson Leisure in County Down and Cara Motorhomes in County Limerick.

In Scotland, the dealer is Dicksons of Perth.

In England, there are five outlets representing the brand – Spinney (Knutsford) and Brownhills (Newark) look after the Midlands and north, while Simpsons is in East Anglia, Highbridge covers the southwest and the company’s original British dealer, Wokingham Motorhomes, is in Berkshire.