Hymer T-CL 698 Golden Limited

Berths: 2/5 Travel seats: 4/5 Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato Gross weight: 3,500kg Payload: 450kg

Another month, another special edition Hymer.

Actually, this Golden Limited was announced long before the ML-I 570 ‘60 Edition’ but, again, this looks like a highly appealing package.

And while we’re still waiting to see the first right-hand drive ML-Is on our shores, this upgraded T-CL is at UK dealers right now.

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This time, we’re looking at a Fiat-based low-profile model – at almost £30k less than the aforementioned ‘60 Edition’. It’ll also save you £7,472 compared with a normal T-CL specified to this level, says Hymer.

In Hymer-speak, T-Class means low-profile and a CL is not as plush as an SL (T-SL, for example, gets a double floor). We’re also talking ‘full width’ (2.35m) coachbuilts here. And the Golden Limited spec is available on all three T-CL layouts – that’s 668 with low-level single beds and an end washroom, 678 with single beds over a garage and this 698 with an island bed.

You can instantly spot the special edition version by its Golden White cab, external Style Package and special decals. And you’ll also appreciate the air-conditioning with pollen filter, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel and leather steering wheel and gearknob.

As you step inside, there’s a flyscreen on the door and you’ll soon spot the cab blinds and overcab sunroof, as well as Hymer’s own panoramic rooflight (80cm by 50cm) with additional lighting in a striking gloss black frame.

Then there’s a Tec-Tower in the kitchen and, throughout, the furniture is Palatino Apple with a new Mineral Grey colour for the locker doors. We particularly like the way the top cupboards blend into the overcab area and the integration of extra speakers into the roof space.

The lounge has the usual L-settee on the nearside and a side settee, combined with a permanent table. There’s no window behind the offside seat (the door is, however, glazed), but on the wall here is an elasticated magazine rack. Behind the seat is also a neat pop-up bracket for a flatscreen TV, ensuring a comfortable viewing height.

Beyond the galley, there’s a small step up and a sliding door before you enter the en suite bedroom. Here, the facilities are split – shower on the nearside, well-appointed toilet area with swivel cassette loo on the offside. Each of these areas has a silver tambour door to close it away.

The bed itself has a wardrobe on either side, a pair of wall-mounted headrests for sitting up in bed, reading lights and pockets for bedside storage. You can also slide the mattress back and tip the head end of the bed for luxurious sprawling. The bedroom also comes with net curtains and a small roof vent overhead.

If you enjoyed this review, you can read the full version and more in the June 2017 issue of What Motorhome magazine.

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