Sunlight T69

Sunlight T69: Here come the Germans? Aiming at the budget end of the market? With an island bed layout? Time to investigate. Germanic quality has been redefined with the 2013 line-up of Sunlight motorhome models – the whole range comprising nine low-profiles and three overcab models, all hovering temptingly around that magical £40,000 mark.

This is Sunlight's flagship low-profile T69 motorhome, with a sub £40,000 starting price, but incorporating the £1,810 Chassis Pack (cab air-conditioning, cruise control, passenger airbag, electric door mirrors, etc) brings it to a more realistic £43,340. You cna opt for the Basic Pack for an extra £750 with a panoramic skylight, mini Heki rooflight, wooden shower duckboard, five-year water ingress warranty, wardrobe and shower walls.
It's based on Ducato’s ladder chassis  (which partly explains the need for a double electric step), though the soon-to-be-released T69 H will use a lowered chassis for more headroom in the shower and the option of a drop-down bed over the lounge.

What you might not expect in a budget motorhome is both an island bed and separate shower and toilet rooms. Though the kitchen is a decent size for a European and the sink is deep, the three-ring hob doesn’t even get spark ignition. However this model has a full-sized oven as well as an upgrade to a 150-litre fridge/freezer. That still leaves some generous storage space. The lounge could conceivably seat up to five.

The compromises?

• Cab seats have covers, rather than being fully re-upholstered, although the additional padding around the head restraints is welcome
• The lounge window blinds are roller only, with flyscreens, and it’s just unlined curtains for the cab at night-time
• The upholstery lacks a genuine quality feel. Covers are zipped, but inside it’s a high-density foam. Seat bases are bare ply.
• Central locking is to the cab doors only.

Good points?

• There’s a double coat hook on the habitation door, two more just inside, and the shoe locker at the doorway is a real bonus
• The sunroof over the cab opens, and there’s some open shelving here, too, helping to keep the lounge feeling suitably spacious.

The over-riding theme really is one of the most solid of builds, without the frills that we somehow deem to mean “luxury”. If you can live with a reduced specification, you’re onto a bargain.