Hymer Compact 404
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Description
Prices from: £43,090 Price as tested: £46,979 Berths: 3 Travel seats: 4 Type Approval: European Whole Vehicle
Key Features
Model Year
2013
Product Class
Low Profile
Product Model Base
Ford Transit
Price from (£)
£42990
Length (m)
5.99
Berths
2
Belted seats
4
Main Layout
Garage
Full Review
The Compact 303 made a huge impact when it was launched for this season - only it wasn't so much the hymer as it's closely badge-engineered counterpart, Bürstner's Brevio, that grabbed most of the headlines, partly because the Bürstner is much more colourful.
This whole vehicle is more understated, though it's price flatters to decieve.You won't really get an all-new Hymer Compact 404 on the road for the £43,090 price quoted, unless you ignore basically requisite options.
Regardless, it's the massive rear top-hinged, all-GRP tailgate that's the talking point here. Open it up and you have a ready-made shelter (an awning is optional), whilst inside is the (admittedly rather unsightly gramework to make a double bed.
What's more useful however is the way toe frames fold away for a huge stowage area to transport bikes and more.
The 780kg payload here is fantastic, and there's easily enough storage to carry it all.
Bed making is a little involved if you've folded the bed up for carrying, but pretty non-existent if you leave it in place. Access is easy too, using a drawer that opens to create a step.
The washroom makes good use of the space, thanks to a rotating washbasin to give more showeing room.
The kitchen though has basic facilities, again in a confined area - a two-ring hob, seperate sink and fairly generous 104l fridge.
Storage is excellent, whether you compare the Hymer with a van conversion or a coachbuilt.
You really do pay for the extra pizzazz here, most of the flashier options not coming as standard, such as slide-apart twin travel seats or more adventurous upholsteries to make the interior sing.
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Our Verdict
A really interesting addition to the compact market. A stylish, attractive, practical proposition that deserves to build on its initial wave of interest.
Advantages
Great new concept
Rear tailgate
Van width with coachbuilt insulation
Disadvantages
The automotive rear seats are only an option
