Shire Phoenix ML - ultimate showdown review
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Description
Berths: 2 Type Approval: Individual Prices From: £38,750
Key Features
Model Year
2013
Product Class
High top
Product Model Base
Fiat Ducato
Price from (£)
£39950
Length (m)
5.90
Berths
2
Belted seats
2
Main Layout
End Washroom
Full Review
The Shire model under the spotlight is the Phoenix ML, ML standing for Mid-Lounge, the arrengement that keeps it strictly two-berth. Introduced last year, it boasts quite a list of head-turning features.
As soon as the cab doors open it's obvious you're in for something very different. The front seats are hand-stitched, soft brown leather. It's also the large area of floor space between the sliding door and the kitchen unit that's a highlight, being ideal for people with large dogs etc, as well as giving possibilities for wheelchair access.
Behind the driver is the main kitchen unit, with a pull-out worktop extension between the sink and the hob, and a full-sized slide-out storage compartment under the sink.
Further toward the rear, there's a twin settee lounge that converts to a double bed with the help of the tabletop and two extra panels stowed in the overhead area, a rather outdated and unwieldy system, although Shire are considering an updated version for the future.
Plans to change the washroom door arrangement are also under consideration, as here there's a hinged washroom door which opens inwards, requiring a bit of manouvering to get to the toilet on the offside. Once in the washroom, you have split lockers on the nearside, offering clothes hanging space, whilst below is a locker for dry gear.
There's a couple of outdoor chairs to hang on the rear doors, the lounge table also stows beyond the washroom and the showers location here means it can be used both outside and in.
Other noteworthy features include the use of piano-style hinges, insulation for the underslung tanks, Polyvision windows with rounded corners, all-LED lighting the plinth for three mains sockets on the worktop, an external gas tank and more.
Read the review in the June 2013 digital issue of Which Motorhome
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Our Verdict
Highly promising newcomer that has all the hallmarks of a good quality, bespoke build. One of the most spacious vehicles here.
Advantages
Quality bespoke work throughout
Bentley-esque leather in the cab
Masses of floorspace - perfect for pets
Disadvantages
Bed-making could be easier
Washroom access for the slim only
