Hobby Premium Van 65GE
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Description
PRICE FROM £40,995 PRICE AS TESTED £51,406 OPTIONS FITTED Comfort Pack, 146bhp engine, Quickshift 6 gearbox BERTHS 3 TRAVEL SEATS (INC DRIVER) 4
Key Features
Model Year
2013
Product Class
Low Profile
Product Model Base
Renault Master
Price from (£)
£42645
Length (m)
7.12
Berths
3
Belted seats
4
Main Layout
Fixed Single Bed
Full Review
Hobby has introduced a range of Premium motorhomes for 2013 with glossy white bodywork and contrasting sleek gloss black windows.
There are five different models in the Premium Van range, all based on the Renault Master with low-frame camper chassis.The smaller models feature transverse rear double beds over the garage, but the larger ones use their extra length to fit in two lengthways single beds, which can be joined to form a giant double bed.
The 65GE features front dinette that can be made up into a large transverse single bed, which could possibly be used by two small children.
OUTSIDE
The star feature of the Premium Van is that its coachbuilt bodywork is not much wider than the Master cab, with a low-profile roof that makes the vehicle look more like a van conversion from a distance.
IN THE CAB
On the road, the vehicle also drives more like a van conversion, with great handling thanks to its low-level chassis and impressive pulling power from the Renault engine.
Our test vehicle was fitted with the 2.5dCi 146bhp engine and an automated gearshift, so it was an absolute doddle to drive.
In standard specification there’s a six-speed manual gearbox and 125bhp.
INSIDE
Stepping inside for the first time, you’re instantly struck by the modern interior, with glossy white locker doors contrasting with dark wood. All this makes you feel like you’re in the first-class cabin in a modern aircraft, rather than in a motorhome in a muddy field!
Lounge
The layout features a lounge area just behind the cab seats.
With these turned to face the rear, there’s space for five, with an extension of the table top rotating out from under the main table to allow people in the swivelled driver’s seat and the small offside seat to dine at the table.
There’s also good lighting, with three under-locker spotlamps. And a large Heki rooflight, together with a panoramic window above the cab, let daylight flood in.
Kithcen
the kitchen occupies space on the UK nearside, with the washroom facing it.
With a glossy black worktop that has a white glitter effect, the kitchen looks very classy.
There’s a large circular stainless-steel sink, plus a three-burner gas hob. A Spinflo oven and grill is a £450 option.
The fridge is a slim tower unit with a gloss white door to match the rest of the furniture.
There’s also plenty of food storage, with large drawers that have a quality softclose mechanism, plus roof lockers and even a pull-out wine rack!
Washroom
The washroom has a similar upmarket feel to the rest of the interior.
It boasts a clever design with a sliding vanity unit that contains the washbasin.
When you want to have a shower, the unit can be slid across so that it covers the toilet and reveals a much larger space for showering.
The shower tray itself is quite large, so space shouldn’t be an issue.
Bed
The bed feels Art Deco because of its curved central section, creating a gap between the two single beds, if that’s the set-up you prefer.
If you want a large double, a curved infill cushion neatly fills this central space, making for a massive sleeping area.
Being above the garage it’s quite high, but it’s fairly easy to step up into bed, more so with the two singles.
Read the full review in the December 2012 issue of Which Motorhome
Our Verdict
A luxurious single-bed motorhome, with the dimensions of a large van conversion, and a lorry load of style.
Advantages
Stylish modern looks
Relatively narrow body
Practical washroom
Well priced
Disadvantages
Rear garage may not be tall enough for some cycles
