Compass Avantgarde 194 motorhome

Compass motorhomes are back for 2019. The brand has been dormant for some years but now the sister marque to Elddis is being reintroduced with motorhomes – both low-profile coachbuilts and campervans – that are closely related to the Autoquest range

Compass Avantgarde 194 motorhome

Compass motorhomes are back for 2019. The brand has been dormant for some years but now the sister marque to Elddis is being reintroduced with motorhomes – both low-profile coachbuilts and campervans – that are closely related to the Autoquest range. In Compass form they wear the previously popular Avantgarde moniker. The arrival of a new layout in the Elddis Autoquest range is also mirrored in the Compass Avantgarde line-up, so the 194 is one of six coachbuilts available.

It has a rear single-beds-over-garage floorplan that’s likely to be compared with many imported rivals. The garage here is a good size, with 1.09m maximum interior headroom, though the load height is not as convenient as some. Then, inside, the twin beds have two high steps to provide access and they measure 1.80m (nearside) and 1.82m (offside). Modest mattress sizes, though, are offset by there being no impediment to sitting up comfortably in bed – an all-too-rare feature. There’s a TV bracket at the foot of the offside bed, too.

Where the Avantgarde really differs from its imported opposition is up front, where you’ll find side settees rather than a half-dinette. Adria, Chausson, Pilote and Rapido are all offering lounges like this now, but the Compass goes its own way when it comes to the travel seats. Rather than adapting the settees to face forward, cushions are removed, bases folded away and a pair of collapsible Aguti passenger seats is revealed.

The Compass beats its continental competitors on kitchen space and cooker spec – with a separate grill and oven – but loses out in terms of fridge size (85 litres).

The washroom design is attractive – complete with countertop-mounted basin – but you’ll need to pull a curtain around for showering and there’s just one drain in the shower tray. Most continental models would put a greater emphasis on freedom from using campsite showers, but here extra space has been allocated to the kitchen instead.

As with its established sister brand, Compass pricing is very keen on this newcomer – at sub-£45k – but you’ll to need find an extra £1,218 for the Lux Pack (cab air-conditioning, cruise control and passenger airbag).

Berths: 4
Travel seats: 4
Base vehicle: Peugeot Boxer
Gross weight: 3,500kg
Payload: 586kg

A very British take on the fixed-single-beds-over-garage floorplan. The spacious lounge, fold-away travel seats and well-equipped kitchen are big pluses but the beds are not especially long.