Dethleffs Globebus I4

Berths: 4 Travel seats: 4 Prices from: £57,790 Price as tested: £64,460 Type Approval: European Whole Vehicle

Barring limited edition models, the Globebus is the most recent addition to the Dethleffs range. This Globebus I4 boasts a fresh, new look which is particularly apparent in this A-class model, where the lines are softer and smoother, less American feeling than before.

This I4 comes in at around £65,000, around £8,000-10,000 more than a comparable, well-equipped British low-profile, though there is no A-class comparison, nor is there likely to be.


Design Quality

The single rear beds in this A-class extend the vehicle length to 6.75m,  a modest size for an A-class but the longest in the Globebus range. It's the width though that makes the Globebus unusual, a full 180mm shorter than Dethleffs' Advantage and Esprit A-classes.

Some A-classes feel large and daunting, but the slimming down here has paid off. The Globebus is as easy to drive as a low-profile right from the off.

Combined with the low-level camper chassis from Fiat and the optional 148bhp engine, this I4 shows how not all Ducato based vehicles are equal.

The lower chassis also means the vehicle overall is a surprisingly petite 2.62m, giving a feeling of stability that many other A-classes just can't match.

The only downside here is that the Dethleffs' mirrors are not quite as good as the original (twin lens) Fiat ones, and the gap between the drivers seat armrest and cabinet alongside is too slim to access the handbrake.

The Kitchen

The spec of the galley area can't be faulted. Containing a 90-litre fridge with removable freezer, oven and grill mounted where you can check the toast without needing a stepladder, two mains sockets, plenty of lighting.

As we know there's always a 'but' though. In fitting the Thetford Duplex oven/grill, Dethleffs had to do away with the German market version's twin drawers, cutting down on much-needed storage.

The lighting on the fridge is an old-fashioned push-button affair and using the hob requires lighting with a flame.

The sink is shallow and there's no place to dry plates, in fact the dearth of workspace here is the biggest issue.

The Bedroom

If the galley leaves you unhappy, muttering about German motorhomers eating out every night, you may be placated by the bedroom.

Two steps provide access to a pair of superior single beds with cold foam mattresses on sprung wooden staves as standard. The beds are extra-long, measuring 6ft 8in and 6ft 10, and with a centre cushion between the beds you've almost got a 6ft 3in wide double to waist height.

There are loads of open, lipped shelves for any number of night-time sundries and the heater ducting around both beds is the sort of detail that shows you Dethleffs are keen to provide an all-weather camper. 

The standard spec inboard fresh water tank and the Truma Combi 6 heater will be firm favourites in any weather though.

Storage Solutions

The rear garage measure 2.00m across the width of the 'van, with internal height of up to 1.08m and a garage width of 0.77m to 0.96m.

There are shelves for smaller items, swivel LED lights so that you can see them and the gas locker (sized for two huge 13kg cylinders) is here too, along with the Combi boiler in its own compartment where it can be reached for maintenance.

Dethleffs recommend no more than a 150kg payload for the garage.

Inside the main body of the motorhome there's a teeny, tiny wardrobe but opposite, under the offside bed, is a more useful, large shelved cupboard for folded clothing.

There's storage under the single inward-facing seat too, which is easy to get at as the base tips up on sprung hinges.
 

You’ll buy the Dethleffs Globebus I4 motorhome for its stylish looks, the way it drives, the superb beds and the generous garage storage. It offers A-class attributes in a surprisingly compact package - not much longer or wider than an extra-long Fiat/Peugeot van conversion.