Dethleffs Esprit I 7150-2 EB

Berths: 4 Travel seats: 4 Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato Al-ko Maximum weight: 4,250kg (3,500kg as tested) Payload: 876kg (on 4,250kg chassis)

For 2016, the Dethleffs Esprit range continues to offer choice: low-profile or A-class, three exterior paint shades, two body lengths, single beds or an island bed - and that’s before you get to the options.

But this year’s models only have a double floor which houses generous fresh and waste water tanks and a small amount of additional storage, accessed only via trapdoors inside.

Our test model looks as good as it will drive, too, thanks to the twin options of alloy wheels and Titan Silver metallic bodywork. The redesigned A-class nose is less imposing than its forebear. The habitation door loses the arched top, although it gains a window and 220mm in width.

There’s a choice of high or low rear beds, and on our version the 750mm-high loading doors and 820mm maximum internal height mean bedtime comfort is favoured over bike carrying. Still, this is a massive load area and with a further outside locker under the foot of the offside bed, you’ll not be short of storage.

Inside, the low beds are just 690mm off the floor, and, despite cutaway sections, are generous. Tip-up supports on a ratchet system at each bed head only go to make this a great bedroom, while a simple infill creates a double bed more that’s over two metres square. Overhanging wardrobes at the foot of each bed are high enough not to interfere with sleeping.

Then, with the toilet compartment door swung round across the aisle, the rear of the motorhome gains a private en suite. The space below the large showerhead is unlikely to disappoint.

The so-called Gourmet kitchen looks the part, with its giant-sized centrally locked drawers, while practicalities include a top-notch metal tap, kitchen roll holder, and two bins. There’s an extractor, too, and a Thetford Duplex oven and grill. There’s not a great deal of worktop, though, and the three-ring hob looks old-school compared with Hymer’s full slot-in cooker. But there is a massive 190-litre HPC high performance fridge/freezer opposite.

The lounge feels big, thanks to the wide entrance, huge windscreen, sunroof and generous ambient lighting. The inward-facing perch is too small for much more than occasional use, but the L-settee and Aguti captain’s chairs make up for that. No one is going to feel shortchanged by the drop-down bed (if you need it) either.

This is an abridged version of the full review appearing in the January 2016 issue of What Motorhome.

This Dethleffs is a must-see for anyone seeking a top-quality ’van with fixed, low-level single beds.