153-163 live-in test.indd

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LIVE-IN TEST REPORT
A GEM REPOLISHED
Auto-Sleeper Topaz on 2.5TDI VW T5 Kombi
A new look for an Auto-Sleeper classic.
Di Johnson scrutinised the changes
I
n August last year, Ian Capes, CEO of AutoSleepers Group, announced that the company
had merged with the European motorhome
conglomerate SeA Group. Italian-based SeA
is best known for its Mobilvetta, Elnagh and
McLouis brands. It also manufactures Miller,
Joint, Dream and SeA.
It will be interesting to see what effect this
broadening of Auto-Sleepers’ horizons will have
on this traditionally British company. Will its
distinct Englishness be watered down? Or will the
merger give it the confidence and financial clout
to push onwards to distil and improve what is
arguably already a desirable product in Britain?
The opportunity to make use of Volkswagen’s
new T5, with its slightly lengthened and resculpted
body, is one to be grabbed by motorhome
manufacturers. This refined vehicle is the base of
choice for motorhome drivers reluctant to forego
the pleasures of driving a car.
THE RIGHT CUT?
The Topaz is a two-berth high top, with a choice
of two single beds or a double, mid kitchen,
and end washroom. Its size limits its carrying
capacity, which makes it more suitable for a
couple of weeks touring rather than long-term
travelling. It would also make an excellent
weekender. Our editor will now, of course, be
deluged with readers’ letters pointing out that
they toured for three years in something half the
size with two kids and a Labrador!
It was love at first sight with the Topaz; it’s
just gorgeous. I liked the colour, an almost
MOTORCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTHLY
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luminous silver, with pale blue and grey swoopy
graphics. I liked the shape of its restyled roof
and I liked the windows, which are blacked
out in the right places to obscure anything less
than interesting from the outside. And lastly, I
loved the alloy wheels. The Topaz reminds me
of a super-fit cyclist wearing the latest go-faster
helmet. Yes, it can live in my garage anytime!
Externally, the locking freshwater filler lives
on the nearside and the waste and freshwater
drain taps are under the nearside valance.
When you need to fill up with diesel you’ll only
have to open a cab door to access the fuel filler.
A neat little stop on the filler cover, which is
trapped by the passenger’s door, obviates the
need for a key.
Decorating the offside are fridge vents, the
Truma water heater flue and the electric hookup point. They’d all look better if they were
colour-matched to the body rather than the
standard white plastic.
Under an attractive rear end (which is
equipped with a heated rear screen and wiper),
is hung the spare wheel.
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ON TEST: AUTO-SLEEPER TOPAZ ON 2.5TDI VW T5 KOMBI
All these white plastic parts would look far better if they were colour-matched to the body.
The key fob’s central locking button is a
welcome sight - something we have all grown
to expect on our cars. Thankfully, this feature is
now fitted on many motorhomes as standard.
‘DIAMOND’ DRIVE?
With a length of 5.39 metres (17ft 8in) and a
good turning circle, the Topaz has good parking
credentials, which will appeal to potential sole
vehicle purchasers. Slipping into the driver’s
seat (on the forecourt of Marquis Berkshire), my
struggle with the sticking sliding mechanism of
the driver’s seat had me panicking about the
ignominy of having to find a cushion to reach
the pedals. However, the slider was new and
stiff, and finally, with help, I got the seat into a
good driving position.
Both front seats are lavished with two
upholstered armrests, plus rake, height and
lumbar adjustment. Eee! Luxury. The steering
wheel can be moved up and down, and in and
out, to suit your requirements.
Aha! But what’s this big lumpy knob
resplendent on the wood-effect trim of the
dashboard, I wondered? This Topaz was fitted
with the optional Tiptronic gearbox: gosh!
I’ve always been against this innovation
(automatic transmission, I mean), partly
because I like the tactile experience of getting
a nice smooth gear change. I’m careful with my
The fuel filler cover is held closed by the passenger door, obviating the need for a key.
pennies and I’ve always understood automatics
use more fuel - something that also eats further
into our planet’s precious fossil fuel reserves.
However, after getting into narrow byways
as quickly as possible, the advantages of
not needing to bother with either the clutch
or gearlever rapidly sank in. Backslider that I
am, I think it was after the third village that I
became a fanatical convert. After all, you buy a
motorhome to travel and see the sights and, if
you’re not distracted by changing gear, there’s
more chance to admire the scenery. So, my
ecological principles evaporated in a puff of
dust from the tyres.
If economy is your prime concern then you
would probably not buy an automatic, but if a
turn of speed interests, then I can tell you the S
on the gearlever promises excitement. This gives
a racier driving style. With ‘sport’ mode selected
the Topaz felt impressively quicker. (Just for the
sake of the test you understand, I had to try it
out. Then, I thought I’d better try it out again to
make doubly sure there’s a difference!)
It puzzled me why anyone would pay a
shedload of extra dosh for an automatic and
then need Tiptronic to give them back control
of the gearchange. However, there’s little
braking assistance from the engine when in
automatic. But when the lever is in D (drive) you
can override the automatic mode by moving
the lever into a second (Tiptronic) shift gate.
This permits, for example, changing down on
winding mountain roads to increase the braking
effect of the engine. Or, if you’re a Clarkson, a
particularly sporty driving style.
Peter, my tall husband, used to find our
Trident (based on the T4) very uncomfortable
to drive, partly due to the furniture being built
too close to the rear of the driving seat. He had
no such problems with the Topaz. We both
enjoyed, and were comfortable, driving the T5.
The wood-effect trim on the dashboard will
please those who appreciate such adornments,
while there’ll be no excuse for losing your
sunglasses in this VW. A neat little device, where
a handle to help those less able usually resides
(above the driver’s door), proved to be a spectacle
case with a lovely, damped closing action.
SOPHISTICATED AMBIENCE
‘Nice’ is how I would describe the interior’s
appearance; damning with faint praise perhaps,
but its middle-of-the-road ‘niceness’ will offend
no one and amaze fewer. Whilst updated, it
hasn’t wholeheartedly embraced modern fabric
colours and design. A good strategy, perhaps;
it would be a foolish company indeed that
alienates its loyal following.
The kitchen is faced in wood-effect, with the
lounge upholstery in mid blue with a subtle pale
biscuit-coloured pattern. This colour comes as
standard, but if you want something different
you can have it as an option. A plain version of
the upholstery fabric adorns the high shelves
with hessian-effect stick-on fabric around it.
The plastic mouldings are, well, ‘pale cream’
and the roof area’s padded material is in blotchy
ivory. The washroom is all low maintenance
cream mouldings and should be easy to keep
clean.
LUXURY LOUNGE?
In the smart T5 cab, both front seats have two upholstered armrests, plus rake and lumbar adjustment.
INSET TOP: The optional Tiptronic gearbox adds another dimension to the driving experience.
INSET: No excuse for ever losing your sunglasses.
154 I JULY 2006
I entered the Topaz through the sliding door on
the nearside. An inset step means no messing
with the fold-away variety. With its lengthways
dinette settee, forward-facing single seat (fitted
with a three-point seat belt) and two fully
swivelling front seats, the Topaz could travel
with three safely aboard.
When a camper is used as a sole vehicle,
a seatbelt in the rear for friends or family is
crucial.
I found it difficult to get comfortable on the
forward-facing rear seat. I couldn’t reach the floor
(as is the case with me in most other ‘vans) and
the squab was too long for my thighs (and even
Peter’s). This was despite the backrest cushion’s
loose fitting, enabling some adjustment. I had to
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LIVE-IN TEST REPORT
The front end features a lounge with side sofa and takes full advantage of swivelling cab seats. Blue upholstery comes as standard but different colours can be had as an
optional extra.
The very English interior displays a split kitchen, and a washroom through twin sliding doors to the rear.
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resort to a pillow behind to get comfortable.
The side settee was equally knotty. Its
problems were of the opposite sort, I found the
seat was too short. With the backrest removed
and a pillow substituted I was comfortable,
especially when I had a box to put my feet on.
On the end of the offside high-level locker is
a smart, modern black-and-shiny metal 230V
socket, with a partner fixed to the corner of the
settee base. Sharing the space on this locker is
a smoke alarm, which I duly set off when bacon
and egging; I’ve just got to test these systems
you understand. On the nearside high-level
locker is a 12V socket.
Deploying the two fully-swivelling cab seats
improves comfort. Though there’s no gap
between the driver’s seat and settee, this could
be seen as an advantage for those of us who
like to put our feet up to relax. We found that it
was in the cab seats that we spent most of our
campsite time.
A compact, driver-friendly motorhome with
good fuel consumption is bound to have its
compromises. The single-glazed sliding main
There’s plenty of room for a weekend’s groceries in the
fridge, while beyond is a pull-out larder with a safe place
for bottles - it’s a must-have for us wine gluggers!
▲
A three-point seatbelt is fitted to the
forward-facing single seat.
The grippy patches on the rear bumper make the
tailgate a practical exit.
156 I JULY 2006
windows, in the lounge, were slightly below my
eye line when seated.
The windows seemed small, probably due
to the heavy mouldings carrying the concertina
cassette blinds. Once again the best position is
in the cab where the windows are slightly higher
and you can survey the views.
Peter was glad of the full standing headroom
throughout. But what really lifts the ambience
of the lounge is the Seitz Heki roof light. It’s the
sort that you wind up - and it makes such a
difference on dull, dreary days.
ELEGANT EATING
There are plenty of alternatives for the partaking
of victuals. Two tables are available, one small (of
the cranked swivelling leg variety), which stores
in the wardrobe, and one larger one (with a centre
leg), which has a home above the cab. Careful
thought has to be given to how and when you
arrange your meals, as with both tables erected
it’s difficult to move around inside.
The tables are interchangeable so you could
choose to eat with the larger table between the
passenger seat and the forward-facing rear.
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LIVE-IN TEST REPORT
Conversely, you could cosy up side-by-side on
the settee, using the larger table. It’s only when
you’re trying to feed three that things get more
intricate and no last-minute trips to the toilet
would be tolerated by the cook once dinner is
served.
Realistically, the Topaz will probably be
used by two. This would allow one of the tables
to be left at home, freeing up some valuable
storage space. I would choose a compromise.
Reducing the size of the large table would give
you a greater degree of flexibility in moving
around the interior, while this strategy would
save a little storage space.
Several times during our stay at Four Oaks
Caravan Club site near Henley, I resorted to
exiting the ‘van by way of the top-hinged rear
tailgate. When you have the tables erected, it’s
better to use this door and walk around the
outside if you’ve left your handbag in the cab.
I was happy to use this route as there are two
grippy protection strips on the bumper, which
help make this is a practical access point.
Closing the door, when coming in from this
direction is a bit tricky, but I managed it OK
several times.
Above the front seats are small spotlights
to illuminate your novel or culinary efforts. On
I see it as an advantage that there’s no gap between the driver’s seat and settee,
especially as here where feet-up lounging is a welcome luxury.
either side of the lounge, above the sliding door
and the window opposite, are two efficient
inset striplights. Installed on the ceiling above
the lounge and kitchen are two, more stylish,
strips. The lighting is very effective with plenty
of options.
PREPARING THE COLLATION
Auto-Sleepers understands the British need to
be able to do the washing-up in the motorhome.
Them ‘foreigners’ prefer to take their clobber
over to the camp wash-up sinks to deal with
the aftermath of a meal, but in Britain we like to
have the option of doing it in the ‘van, especially
There are two tables to choose from but once erected they can be in the way.
Now that’s what I call a sink - the deep drainer makes it great. Why can’t they all be
made like this?
Though I admire the white and platinum crockery it takes up loads of space. Access to
the shelf beneath would be improved if the lump of deep trim above it were removed.
Piezo spark ignition is provided for the hob and grill. I wondered what was behind
the wood to the right of the grill; some useful storage space perhaps?
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The Topaz features a commendably flat double bed but its shortish length might prove a problem for some.
when it’s chucking it down.
With this in mind the designers of the Topaz
have provided us with a decent stainless steel
draining space and washing-up bowl. It’s
embossed with a slightly textured finish, which
seems to prevent things skidding about as much
as they might. The bowl is also large enough to
accept a frying pan or big saucepan.
A glass lid drops down to cover the sink, and
a separate stylish mixer tap is installed beside it
in the worktop. To enable the lid to be closed,
you must swing the tap back over the narrow
strip of worktop. The tap spout carries its own
small burden of water which will, in the fullness
of time, drop its little load onto your worktop.
Helpfully, Auto-Sleepers has supplied a small
end-stop to prevent this from happening. Try to
guess, dear reader, how many times I blissfully
turned on the tap without removing this useful
device!
Under the sink, behind a bottom-hinged
door, is a pull-out cutlery drawer with some
extra space beside it for utensils. The metal
handle on the door provides somewhere to
hang tea towels. Below that is a 60-litre fridge
with freezer compartment. Beside it is a pullout
wire shelf unit with space (and restraints) in the
bottom for two wine bottles.
Aircraft-style overhead lockers with a small
shelf under, on either side of the kitchen, are
where you must find space for light provisions.
This is not easy, as the offside locker contains
Auto-Sleepers’ excellent crockery in bespoke
recesses. Much as I admire the white china,
with its platinum line around the edge, it does
take up a lot of room. This makes it difficult to
store anything else here.
My other bone of contention is the nylon
restraining straps. At my height, getting the
plates out of the cupboard without damage, and
158 I JULY 2006
without letting the straps come free from their
tensioning slots, is a trial. (Once they have their
freedom, the task of getting the straps back in
the right place is also a struggle; possibly not
helped by my lack of height.) Never mind, at
least Auto-Sleepers has tried to make sure the
crockery can survive some rough travel (and not
many others provide real ceramic tableware).
The restricted height of the shelf underneath
frustrated me. Between the shelf and the
cupboard is a large decorative moulding. If this
were removed the size of the access aperture
would be much larger, making it a useful place
for small plastic containers of tea, coffee and
sugar (or suchlike).
On the nearside lies a glass-covered twoburner Smev hob, over a grill. Both have piezo
spark ignition and I found them easy to light. For
those in a hurry the right-hand burner is faster,
with the other good for simmering. The grill pan
is a good size and boasts a non-stick coating.
Under the grill is the main provisions and pot
cupboard, with two side-hinged doors giving
good access. I noticed that, to the right of the
grill, there is possibly some wasted space. If it
were my ‘van I’d want to know if there were any
necessary bits of equipment in there - or just an
empty, exploitable, void behind the woodwork.
Above the hob is another top-hinged
overhead locker, containing four wine glasses
(real glass) restrained by spring-clips. Well,
we started with four but a collision during
washing-up spelled the early demise of one of
them. This cupboard will be useful for lighter
provisions, and it also has beneath it what will
be yet another under-utilised shelf, due to its
restricted-height opening.
On either side of the ‘van, above sink and
hob, are low windows fitted with concertina
blinds which, although small, add considerably
to the natural light in the kitchen. And, as the
sink cover is glass, it doesn’t obscure the light
coming from the window when raised. Though
only tiny, this kitchen is surprisingly workable.
It’s my belief that Auto-Sleepers has
shortened the bed and increased the size of the
kitchen. With an enlarged sink and improved
worktop area beside the hob, Topaz aficionados
will notice the difference, but tall sleepers might
well complain.
DOUBLE OR SINGLE TONIGHT?
Many couples change their ‘van, just to get the
sleeping arrangements they find they prefer.
There seem to be two camps; one insists on a
double bed, another wouldn’t dream of putting
up with anything less than singles. Personally, I
like the option of both, if possible. Only when it’s
blisteringly hot do we take the singles option,
but it’s nice to know it’s there if you need it.
The Topaz gives couples the choice,
but deciding on singles brings with it some
advantages. However, first I’ll explain how the
beds are assembled. Let’s jump in the deep
end and start with the double.
Firstly, swivel both front seats; achievable,
but by no means easy with the driving seat.
Then, release a catch on the base of the forwardfacing rear seat. The base slides forward easily
to meet up with the passenger seat. Pulling it
forward allows the back to drop.
The bed before you is flat but for the front
seat, which droops slightly. From the cupboard
above the cab, retrieve two wedge-shaped
cushions. These fit onto the front seats, cleverly
and effectively flattening them to match the rest
of the bed.
Now release the catch on the base of the
settee and pull into the middle of the ‘van. The
back flattens to reveal an extra cushion behind
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LIVE-IN TEST REPORT
Twin single beds make a good sleeping choice in this compact ‘van.
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it. This is all very easy to achieve. You have
what looks like a double, apart from the gap
between the two front seats. It’s now time to
go back to the overcab storage to pull out an
upholstered bench with two drop-down legs.
This apparatus fills the gap, admittedly not
too solidly, but since you’ll only have your feet
resting on it, it’s not a concern.
You now have a flatter than average double
bed, but the length at its longest point (the
passenger side) is 1.8m (5ft 11in). Bit of a
problem here, my husband is 6ft 1in... He’s not
one to complain and the level of snoring coming
from his side of the bed indicated that he must
have had some sleep. Be advised, the Topaz is
not a ‘van of choice for six-footers.
The next night at Four Oaks (I only found
one ancient oak, where are the other three?) we
tried the singles. This is a simpler arrangement.
Lose the backrest from the settee (if you upend
it in the washroom there’s still room for a nighttime visit) and swivel both front seats. Flatten
the forward-facing rear seat and put the two
wedge-shaped cushions on the front seats.
Using two singles allows you to leave
behind the upholstered bench with two dropdown legs, and, in a small camper, the space
it vacates is precious. We tried using the beds
without the wedge-shaped cushions to save
further space, but found their contribution to
our comfort was such that they earned their
keep.
Whilst it’s possible to get to the toilet with
the double bed made up, keeping to the two
singles layout makes it much easier. You
can even make yourself a cup of tea (if the
snoring is keeping you awake) without much
disturbance of your partner.
A SUPER SHOWER
Passing through the kitchen to the rear of
the ‘van, you enter the washroom. So many
motorhomes have washroom doors that are an
absolute pain to shut, or open for that matter.
They flap about, don’t close properly or you can
see through them. Oh, and many take up far too
much room.
The Topaz has sliding doors between
Twin sliding doors separate an easy-clean washroom from the rest of the interior. The wardrobe is located in here too.
The cranked-leg table stows in the wardrobe with the
cab black-out/insulating screens.
160 I JULY 2006
the kitchen and washroom that are real star
performers. They are so discreet you wouldn’t
even notice them until needed. Two bulkheads,
with a slot between, provide space for the
doors to virtually disappear. Just two, smallbut-effective catches show that the doors
are there at all. One of the door edges has a
metal slot along its length; the other door has
a tongue. These fit together perfectly. Brilliant!
Well done, Auto-Sleepers.
This is very much a moulded bathroom with
cream its colour theme. With a bench cassette
toilet on the nearside and drop-down basin
above it, you are provided with a practical
layout. I like bench-style loos. The valve control
is in a much more accessible position than a
swivel cassette toilet, and its recessed toilet roll
holder is tucked out of harm’s way.
When emptying the cassette, open the rear
door, remove a panel from the side of the toilet
and pull the cassette out to the rear. Simple
and, I would think, a lot cheaper than making
yet another hole in the side of the vehicle.
Drop-down basins seem to bear the brunt of
a lot of criticism, but they do have advantages
in a small washroom; space saving being the
biggest, of course. Their other plus point is that
they’re a decent size. Whilst they always feel on
the flimsy side (it would not be a good idea to
lean on them heavily), this delicate feel would
encourage careful use. Most of the time they
are folded up out of the way and this spacesaving trick is probably their biggest benefit.
The basin has a shiny mixer tap which is
independent of the mixer tap/showerhead, and
toothbrush holders are built into the moulding
of the basin. Above the sink is a small cabinet
with sliding mirrored doors but I found these
doors a bit fiddly to operate. Beneath the basin
is a useful deep compartment with a dropdown door. There was plenty of room for two
overstuffed washbags and more in here.
The showerhead is in the nearside corner
and a high, moulded shelf with fiddle-rod
runs above the rear door. On the floor of the
washroom is a ribbed mat. This is a much better
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LIVE-IN TEST REPORT
solution than removable carpet. We found we
frequently used the rear door for coming and
going, so the mat saved the GRP wet-room
floor of the washroom from the scouring effects
of grit. A towel ring, domed ceiling light, liquid
soap dispenser (strangely positioned on the far
side of the washroom) and plastic curtaining
complete the washroom’s amenities.
When you’ve had your shower, finding clean
clothes is a doddle, as the small wardrobe takes
up the other side of the washroom. Above the
wardrobe is a further cupboard which suffers a
bit from the dreaded mouldings disease. That’s
to say, you could get a lot more in if the corner
spaces weren’t so blinking well rounded. It’s
easy to clean, but I’d rather have the space.
THE IMPORTANT BITS
Space heating is provided by an Eberspacher
diesel-fired heater, fuelled from the vehicle’s
tank. This is not the quietest heater but it’s
effective and saves precious gas supplies. The
heater’s control is positioned on the offside wall
in the lounge with the exhaust exiting from a
pipe outside. The whiff of diesel exhaust can
sometimes waft into the interior if you leave the
wrong window open.
When on site you can make use of the
mains electric water heater, but all is not lost if
camping without hook-up, as gas operation is
possible too. The control panel for this device
is near the base of the settee in the middle of
the ‘van. Both the space and water heating
controls are simple to operate.
A 12V control unit, with water tank and
battery level indicators, is positioned above
the doorway to the washroom. A rocker switch
allows you to test the vehicle and leisure
batteries. There’s no indicator for waste water
levels on the panel - but pump, lights and
master isolators are included there.
Secreted under the settee are two miniature
Beneath the settee there’s space for bedding. The battery, water and space heaters, reside here under a screweddown cover.
circuit breakers and the residual current
device (a unit that helps to stop electrocution
in the event of a dangerous fault). These are
commonly known by the acronyms MCB and
RCD. Also stowed under the settee are the
leisure battery and the water heater. Water and
waste tanks are underslung on the offside.
A CLASSIC RECUT?
The Topaz is a very attractive ‘van which
drew admiring glances by the score as we
drove through Henley. It’s real eye-candy and,
although marginally longer than the previous T4based Topaz, it’s still parkable in most spaces
allocated for cars. If you’re in the market for a
second vehicle, it might make economic sense
to choose a Topaz as it won’t depreciate at the
speed of light, like normal cars or fun vehicles.
It’s a recognised and valued British brand,
which means when it’s time to part with your
old friend, you shouldn’t be too shocked by the
dealer’s part exchange offer.
The Topaz might make a good motorhome
for you if you wish to use it as a sole, or dualpurpose, vehicle. The proviso is that you’re of
average height. If this is the case, and you really
enjoy driving, it’s worth giving it some serious
consideration.
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SPECIFICATION
SUMMARY
WE LIKED
• External appearance
• Automatic gearbox option
• Smooth, powerful engine
• Large sink and drainer
• Washroom
• Hob with spark ignition
WE WOULD HAVE LIKED
• Longer and softer beds
162 I JULY 2006
• A different storage location for
the small table
• Kitchen tap that doesn’t
dribble when travelling
WE DISLIKED
• Impractical shapes of lockers
and oddment shelves
• Shape and proportion of rear
travelling seat
THE VEHICLE
■ Base vehicle and engine type: VW T5 Transporter Kombi LWB, 2.5-litre
common-rail turbocharged and intercooled five-cylinder diesel engine
■ Output: 96kW (130bhp) @ 3500rpm
■ Max torque: 340Nm (251lb ft) @ 2000rpm
■ Gearbox and drive: Six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, fasciamounted selector, front-wheel drive
■ Brakes: Dual-circuit, all-round self-adjusting discs with servo-assistance,
ABS, EBD
■ Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion
■ Suspension: Front: Independent MacPherson struts, offset coil springs,
telescopic hydraulic dampers, anti-roll bar. Rear: miniblock coil springs
with semi-trailing arms, telescopic dampers
■ Tyres fitted: Michelin Pilot Premacy XSE 235/55 R17 103Y
■ Spare wheel position: In cradle under rear
■ Fuel tank capacity/type of fuel: 80 litres (17.6 gallons) diesel
■ Instruments: Speedometer with trip and mileage display, tachometer,
coolant temperature, fuel gauge, digital clock
■ Warning lamps: Airbag fault, seat belt warning, ASR, ABS fault,
indicators/hazards, coolant warning, brake pad wear, fuel level, oil
pressure, front or sliding door open, tailgate open, engine oil level
low, rear fog light, alternator charge, handbrake on, exhaust emission
warning, electronic immobiliser, diesel pre-heat, headlight main beam,
washer fluid level
■ Windscreen wiper controls: Stalk-mounted control operation: slow, fast,
interval and flick wipes, intermittent wipe for rear, and wash options
■ Immobiliser/alarm: Ignition key activated electronic immobiliser. No
alarm fitted
■ Other features: Radio/cassette player, ASR, twin airbags, lockable
1/6/06 13:47:46
glovebox, five cubby holes, oddments tray on dash, twin door pockets,
twin arm rests, adjustable top seatbelt mountings, heated rear screen,
electric mirrors and windows
PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMY
■ Achieved 30-50 mph acceleration time: 6 seconds
■ Fuel consumption during test: 33mpg overall
THE CARAVAN
■ Body type and construction: Kombi window van with moulded GRP
high top roof
■ Insulation: Sides, roof and floor 8mm (3M Thinsulate)
■ Conversion NCC badged as EN1646 compliant: Yes
■ Warranty: Base vehicle three years, conversion two years
■ Number of keys required: Two, one for ignition and doors, one for fresh
water filler
■ Windows and doors: Base vehicle windows single-glazed, flush-fit
sliding openings in side door and offside window, high top fitted with two
Seitz double-glazed acrylic top-hinged windows. Nearside located sidesliding door and top-hinged tailgate give access to living area
■ Additional ventilation: Heki wind-up rooflight in lounge, push-up vent in
washroom
■ Blinds/curtains: Internal quilted screens to cab, cassette concertina
blinds and roller flyscreens to all other windows
■ 230V AC system: Mains hook-up. CEC charger and power supply unit
with RCD and two MCBs. Two mains sockets, above sink and above
heater outlet
■ 12V DC system: Panel above washroom door controls fresh water pump
and lights, analogue meter indicates freshwater level and condition of
leisure and vehicle batteries, 12V socket above hob
■ Capacity of caravan battery: 80 amp hr
■ Lighting: Diffused fluorescent; two in roof, two at sides above lounge
windows, one circular light in washroom, two swivelling halogen
spotlights in cab
■ Cooking facilities: Two-burner Smev hob with grill under, both with
spark ignition
■ Extractor fan/cooker hood: None fitted
■ Refrigerator: Dometic RM4213S three-way with freezer compartment,
capacity 60 litres
■ Sink and drainer: Stainless steel combined rectangular sink and drainer
with glass lid, worktop-mounted mixer tap
■ Water system: Shurflo pressurising pump feeds hot and cold water to
kitchen, washroom basin and shower mixer tap
■ Water heater: Truma Ultrastore, gas/mains operation, capacity 10 litres
(2.2 gallons)
■ Fresh water tank: Externally-mounted underfloor, capacity 70 litres (15.4
gallons)
■ Fresh water level gauge: Analogue meter displays full range
■ Waste water tank: Externally-mounted underfloor, capacity 60 litres
(13.2 gallons)
■ Waste water level gauge: None fitted
■ Space heating: Eberspacher D2 Airtronic, diesel-fired, blown-air, one
outlet in lounge
■ Gas locker: Accessed by lifting tailgate, vented, fixed regulator. Capacity
2 x 4.5kg butane or 2 x 3.9kg propane cylinders
■ Washroom: Located across the rear, screened from kitchen by pair of
sliding doors, dismountable shower head with mixer tap, drop-down
basin with mixer tap in plastic moulded unit with storage cabinets above
and below, Thetford electric-flush bench cassette toilet
■ Seating: Side-facing two-seater settee on offside, forward-facing single
seat on nearside, two swivelling cab seats
■ Table(s)/storage: Small table mounts on cantilever arm beside sliding
door, dedicated storage in back of wardrobe, large table mounts centrally
on pedestal/floor socket, dedicated storage above cab
■ Berths: Two: in two longitudinal single beds or alternative longitudinal
double
■ Rear restraints: One three-point seatbelt fitted to forward-facing rear
seat
■ Wardrobe: Offside rear, location in washroom, front-to-back hanging rail
■ Flooring: Removable carpet over wood-effect vinyl in living area, fixed
carpet in cab
■ Additional features: Two small overhead lockers in kitchen area,
levelling pads for the front seat squabs to create flat beds, soap
dispenser, towel ring, shower mat, black and chrome power sockets
SUPPLIED BY
Autosleeper Topaz kindly supplied for evaluation by:
Marquis Berkshire, Oxford Road, Chieveley, nr. Newbury, Berkshire, RG20
8RU. Tel: 01635 248888; web site: www.marquismotorhomes.co.uk
E&OE
Overall width 1.90m (6ft 3in)*
LIVE-IN TEST REPORT
Overall length 5.39m (17ft 8in)*
DIMENSIONS
(*Denotes figure supplied by base vehicle manufacturer or converter)
■ Overall length: 5.39m (17ft 8in)*
■ Overall width (excluding mirrors): 1.90m (6ft 3in)*
■ Overall width (including mirrors): 2.18m (7ft 2in)*
■ Overall height: 2.56m (8ft 5in)*
■ Length of wheelbase: 3.40m (11ft 2in)*
■ Length of rear overhang: 996mm (3ft 3in)* as measured from centre
of rear wheels, 29.3 per cent of wheelbase
■ Turning circle (kerb to kerb): 13.2m (53ft 4in)*
■ Driver’s maximum leg length: 1.09m (3ft 7in)
■ Step-up height to caravan: Step one 400mm (1ft 4in), step two
80mm (3in)
■ Door aperture: 1.37m x 1.02m (4ft 6in x 3ft 4in)
■ Interior length from dash: 3.60m (11ft 9.5in)
■ Interior length behind cab: 2.8m (9ft 2in)
■ Interior width at waist height: 1.55m (5ft 1in)
■ Interior height: 1.88m (6ft 2in)
■ Work surface height: 955mm (3ft 1.5in)
■ Table dimensions: Small: 540mm L x 400mm W x 702mm H (1ft 9in
x 1ft 3.5in x 2ft 3.5in). Large: 890mm L x 430mm W x 702mm H (2ft
11 in x 1ft 5in x 2ft 3.5in)
■ Bed dimensions:
Lounge double:
Mattress length: 1.80m (5ft 11in)
Mattress width: 1.73m (5ft 8in)
Mattress depth: 103mm (4in)
Or two singles
offside single:
Mattress width: 620mm (2ft 0.5.in)
nearside single:
Mattress width: 570mm (1ft 10.5in)
■ Washroom: 880mm W x 560mm x 1.85m H (2ft 10.5in x 1ft 10in x
6ft 1in)
■ Wardrobe: 800mm W x 360mm D x 900mm H (2ft 7.5in x 1ft 2in x
2ft 11.5in)
■ Gas locker: 280mm W x 700mm D x 380mm H (11in x 2ft 3.5in x 1ft
3in)
■ Gas locker door aperture: 250mm W x 320mm H (10in x 1ft 0.5in)
■ Max authorised weight: 3000kg*
■ Unladen mass: 2650kg*
■ Load capacity: 350kg* (254kg including essential habitation
equipment*)
PRICE
(all prices include VAT)
■ Standard model: £36,200 (on the road)
■ As tested: £39,472 (on the road)
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
(*starred items fitted to test vehicle)
■ Base vehicle options: 2.5-litre 130bhp engine (£1116), 2.5-litre
174bhp engine (£2761), 2.5-litre 130bhp engine with Tiptronic
auto transmission £2291)*, 16-inch Toora alloy wheels for 104bhp
and 130bhp engines with T32 chassis (£587), 16-inch Miyato alloy
wheels for 104bhp engines (£475), 16-inch Miyato alloy wheels for
130bhp and 174bhp engines (£370), 17-inch Solace alloy wheels
for 130bhp and 174bhp engines (£981)*, 17-inch Borbet CW alloy
wheels for 174bhp engine with T32 chassis (£1175), Pearlescent
metal paintwork (£171), 200kg payload increase only available with
manual transmission (£411)
■ Caravan options: TV aerial with booster (£196), choice of upholstery
(£205)
JULY 2006 I 163
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