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We probably all dream of getting away from it all and, for some of us, that means away from other human beings. It means being more adventurous, swapping Tarmac for gravel, sand and mud. Exchanging the cosy comfort of campsites for a deserted beach or a wild hillside. Far from the madding crowd… The reality, of course, is that most campervans and motorhomes are front-wheel drive and like soft and loose surfaces about as much as kids like homework. Even farm sites can be a challenge when the grass is sodden, as it was for months in the early part of 2024. So, perhaps, the only surprise in the current boom in 4x4 campervans is that it’s taken so long. Specialists in the sector, like market-leader, RP, have been joined…
We saw it as a concept at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf last August (see November issue and our video at motorhome.ma/dusscpv23) – now the new-generation VW California campervan has made its debut in production form and the first deliveries are promised later this year. The new model introduces important innovations such as sliding doors on both sides, an optional hybrid drivetrain and a touchscreen control panel in the living area, linked to an app. But the biggest news, perhaps, is that the new California is, for the very first time, in no way related to the Transporter van. Instead, the new campervan is based on the Multivan MPV – a passenger car with its roots in Volkswagen’s MQB platform (which has sired many cars from VW, Audi, Seat and Škoda).…
Next in the summer show schedule is the popular event near Norwich. The introduction of the Boston Jive Big Top was so well received at the Norfolk Motorhome & Campervan Show last year that it will not only continue to host free jive lessons every morning, but free rock’n’ roll classes will also be available each afternoon. Resident DJ, Mark Bale, will keep the tunes in the big top flowing all day, while in the evenings the main venue will host talent such as Rockin the Joint, Lowrider City Rockers, Cody Lee & the Boogie Boys, Shane & The Korrados, The Roustabouts, Little Dave and Sun Sessions and The Backbeat Jivers. The headline entertainment will see Mark Robinson & The Counterfeit Crickets, Steve Halliday as Elvis and Whole Lotta Shakin…
HERE’S something of a rarity – a mainstream manufacturer (part of the mighty Trigano Group) building a specific 4x4 motorhome. The new Xtura, which was launched in January at the Stuttgart show, isn’t a two-wheel drive’van with a 4x4 option, it’s all-wheel drive as standard. It comes from Eura Mobil, a marque that has only recently reappeared on the UK market via M and C Ltd in Hull (so right-hand drive is available), and, unsurprisingly, it’s based on the Mercedes Sprinter. Its maker describes the Xtura as being for “superlative independence”, claiming that the 330Ah lithium battery, 3kW inverter and two 120W solar panels can give you “independent power for up to 30 days.” Just as important if you want to truly get off the Tarmac, Eura Mobil says its…
THE Grand Canyon S – that’s S for Sprinter – is a long-standing model in Hymer’s campervan range but this season it received a major makeover, with key design influences from the amazing, award-winning Venture S (the one with the staircase and incredible inflating rooftop bedroom). This, however, remains a more conventional campervan and one at a slightly more attainable price point. It is available as a rear-wheel drive model or, as here, on the 4x4 Sprinter. Merc’s 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive adds £6,200 to the base price, but then it’s compulsory to choose either the Equipment line Plus CV (£5,760) or Premium CV equipment line (£7,710). Both packs include the 10.25in MBUX display, cruise control, sat-nav, DAB radio pre-installation and the electric parking brake. You also have to opt…
IF you went to the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC back in February, you won’t have missed this campervan. In fire engine red, with grey geometric graphics, it’s hardly a vehicle for shrinking violets. Other colours are available, as well as a medium-wheelbase version (called Dune), but even in a more subdued shade, the Oasis would look ready to deal with some kind of camping Armageddon! It’s not even immediately obvious what base vehicle it’s built on, as MAN branding has been substituted by Kaktus across the new mesh grille and the standard bumper has gone, too, with its angular replacement looking like it’s almost designed for a bit of ram-raiding. Inset lights and a winch are then joined by a row of circular spotlamps on the…
