On Test Autocruise Alto on 2.2-litre Peugeot Boxer

122 I NOVEMBER 2010 www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

��������������������

�����

Since its takeover by The Swift Group, Autocruise has made significant inroads into the panel van conversion market. This move has been driven by the increasing popularity of the type - many folks seeking to downsize,

but still wanting full-fat facilities in a more user friendly vehicle. Currently, there are seven Autocruise van conversions on offer, including the medium wheelbase Jazz, MMM’s current Motorhome of the Year.

One of the latest models, the Alto, is also very unusual in the market in providing a longitudinal, fixed bed in the rear. In fact, my brain cell can only think of one other British panel van conversion, Devon’s Sapphire, that provides a similar layout - albeit in a much bigger Mercedes Sprinter. The vast majority of permanent bed-equipped panel van conversions follow the trend set by Adria’s Twin where a transverse double bed is set

across the far rear. Built on the long wheelbase version of

Peugeot’s Boxer, Alto uses a front lounge/diner layout that’s well known in many Continental motorcaravans, (also used in sister model Pace, which has its fixed bed across the rear). A half-dinette - with swivelling cab seats - provides seating and eating facilities in a relatively small space, with the advantage that it provides two fully belted travel seats in the rear.

As is the norm with these designs, the main kitchen unit overhangs the side sliding door’s aperture, which, incidentally, is on the UK nearside - something that gives Autocruise van conversions an edge over the opposite-handed Continental competition. Behind the dinette, the fridge and wardrobe stand ahead of the fixed bed, while the washroom is located alongside.

After a quick look at the interior of this ‘van, it’s easy to see that the layout is pretty much

the same as many a low profile coachbuilt. And there, possibly, lies the rub. Will this design work well when installed into a body that’s around 250mm (10in) narrower than an equivalent coachbuilt?

There’s no problem with length, however, the Alto’s linearity providing the six metres that’s a feature of plenty of compact low profile coachbuilts blessed with the same internals.

Having collected the Alto from Swift’s East Yorkshire headquarters, I headed off to the Camping and Caravanning Club’s lovely site at Sandringham in Norfolk, before travelling further south to Suffolk - The Caravan Club’s White House Beach site (members only, and situated right on the coast at Kessingland) my home for the following few days.

BASE INSTINCTS Although old-hand readers might groan, here, it’s important to explain the heritage of the vehicle that this motorcaravan is based

A DIFFERENT ARRANGEMENTAutocruise Alto on 2.2-litre Peugeot Boxer

A rare beast, this high top boasts a layout that’s common in coachbuilts, but very unusual in panel van conversions

122 live-in test.indd 122 1/10/10 09:17:19

Live-in Test report

www.outandaboutlive.co.uk NOVEMBER 2010 I 123

▲

1 View forward shows nearside kitchen opposite

wardrobe and fridge

2 Half-dinette front end includes two belted seats, while the extreme rear is

home to a longitudinal double bed with washroom alongside

3 Alto’s Peugeot Boxer gets 120 horsepower and

six-speed gearbox in standard trim

upon, and for good reason. French Peugeot’s Boxer is actually produced in southern Italy, in the Sevel plant, a facility that’s a feature of a partnership between Fiat, Peugeot and Citroën. Hence, Fiat’s Ducato, Peugeot’s Boxer and Citroën’s Relay are almost identical, apart from badges and mid-range engines: Peugeot and Citroën use the 2.2-litre unit, Fiat, its 2.3-litre motor. There is also a common-to-all-brands engine option - the 3.0-litre 157 horsepower lump - that can also come with an automatic gearbox. However, if you want auto, you’ll also have to buy an Alto that’s based on Fiat’s Ducato, as that option is not available on the Peugeot Boxer. Industry gossips say that Peugeot did not provide any development money for the ComfortMatic auto box, so didn’t get the opportunity to use it. The only other factor is the possible difference in the level of service that you might receive from Fiat or Peugeot - again, the word is that Peugeot has the edge when it comes to after-

1

2

3

■ PRICE FROM: £39,992■ BERTHS: 2■ BASE VEHICLE: Peugeot Boxer■ LAYOUT: Swivelling cab seats

ahead of forward facing bench, rear longitudinal double bed and washroom adjacent.

■ ECONOMY: 32mpg

AT A GLANCE

An unusual take on a van conversion

Words & pictures by Dave Hurrell

122 live-in test.indd 123 1/10/10 09:17:40

On Test Autocruise Alto on 2.2-litre Peugeot Boxer

124 I NOVEMBER 2010 www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

muddy sites. Of course they can always be left at home, as tough parquet-style vinyl sits underneath.

A PLACE TO RELAX In the time-honoured fashion of half-dinette-based lounges, both cab seats swivel to face the rear bench - a wall-hung table in between providing a surface to eat from and work or play at. The best feature here is the fact that the floor has been raised (the vehicle’s original rear floor is some 150mm, six inches, lower than the cab), thus all the seating is at the same height. The table is quite light and easy to remove: it stows in the locker above the cab. This leaves a much more lounge-like space, although there’s little opportunity for feet-up slouching. However, the cab seats make good armchairs and, with cab seats

turned to face each other, plus the forward-facing bench, it is possible for a couple to ‘lounge’ with legs partially supported. Mealtimes see good dining for three (from the driver’s seat and bench).

As with all fixed-bed layouts, the rear double stands ready to provide proper feet-up comfort and should not be forgotten.

COOK’S PLACE Galley accoutrement includes a drainer-less sink (with fold-down mixer tap) and a modest two-burner hob both under hinged glass lids. There’s work surface at both ends, courtesy of a hinge-up slab at the forward end and an integral surface to the left of the hob. Below, lurks a Smev box grill that can also be used as a warming oven, with the emphasis on warming, not cooking.

A pair of drawers, two cupboards, and a letterbox-style locker provide low-level storage, while above, crockery stowing space lurks behind a bi-fold door - its partner designed to be a home for your flat screen TV.

Across the aisle, the fridge stands, raised to waist height, and easy to get at. This is a compressor-driven unit, so uses no gas, running solely on 12V electricity. It has an internal light and full-width freezer compartment, and while it’s not huge, it will swallow a good amount of chilled comestibles.

Secure latching sees the door held top and bottom, but the test ‘van’s example proved tricky to open. As this Waeco-made unit is nicely put together, I suspected that merely adjustment was needed.

Although Autocruise fits a larger-than-standard leisure battery to accommodate the fridge’s thirst for 12V power, lovers of extended ‘off-grid,’ and wild camping would be well advised to increase leisure battery capacity. I’d fit a solar panel too, and indeed, my own ‘van is so equipped.

So what’s this galley like to use? Well, the first thing to say is that modest meals will be the easiest to make, given the space and cooking kit available. The biggest constraint for me was the lack of a drainer, however, a tray (which I didn’t have with me) on the lift-up worktop would solve the capturing-suds problem when washing up. As is often the case, it’s the simple addition of working

4 5

7

8

sales, parts and servicing.Back to the subject of this test, and -

laudably - it’s the 120 horsepower that’s fitted as standard in the Alto. Nothing wrong with the 100bhp motor of course, but aside from twenty more eager gee-gees, you also get a six-speed gearbox that provides a nice high top gear - the motor spinning at just 2500 revs when doing 70mph. The test ‘van was fitted with options, including alloys that look pretty, plus the Comfort Pack of kit that provides some things that I deem essential - cab air-con, cruise control, and passenger airbag.

ROAD GOINGMuch writ-about, the Sevel cab is one of the best to inhabit: it’s comfy to sit in, car-like to drive and rarely ache-inducing, even on long journeys. My route involved every kind of road, and the ‘van performed very well indeed - happy to pootle in higher gears, and feeling eager enough on fast roads to encourage me to threaten my licence’s spotless condition. The motor’s smooth and docile nature brought a smile to my face.

In the rear, conversion noise was amplified by the vehicle’s firm suspension over rough roads, but this is no different to many other Sevel-based motorcaravans. Only the Heki roof-light’s blind rattling annoyed: closing same seemed to solve the problem.

DECORATEDThere are no fabric options, so Alto owners are stuck loving, or hating, the neutral fabrics, which, to my eye, look fine. Different materials - dare I say sacking-style - fabric and faux suede are partnered to good effect, while medium-brown wood, with contrasting dark high-gloss strips, make up the joinery. Locker handles are particularly impressive, executed in strong metal, and featuring spring-loaded, positive latching and anti-rattle dampers. Down below, Berber-style removable carpets look great, but are a tad light-coloured for

122 live-in test.indd 124 1/10/10 09:19:09

Live-in Test report

www.outandaboutlive.co.uk NOVEMBER 2010 I 125

▲

NOVEMBER 2010

surface that makes all the difference: prepping ingredients can be done with both the sink and hob lids raised. I’d also add a couple of thick, heat-proof mats, then have somewhere to place hot pans.

A neat half-round rubbish bin (that accepts plastic carrier bags) is mounted on the forward end of the kitchen. Hinging it forward (something that’s done in order to change the bag) also reveals a cubbyhole behind that would make a nice hiding place. Good weather during the test allowed me to discover the pleasures of washing-up with the side door open - sunlight steaming in.

AT YOUR TOILET The, lengthways, fixed bed design, with washroom alongside, places constraints on the bathing space that tend to make it narrow, even in a wider coachbuilt. Here,

you get around 650mm (2ft 1.5in) of width - quite slim, but usable, as long as you’re not too broad in the beam. That said, the room is quite long, and this helps to create a feeling of space.

The room’s tambour door is a good idea, not least because it can be left open at night, giving easier access in the dark. An integral shower means a - single-drain - wet room floor that’s neatly-moulded to include a plinth for the swivel-bowl

■ OVERALL LENGTH: 6.00m (19ft 8in)■ OVERALL WIDTH: 2.05m (6ft 8.5in)

LAYOUT PLAN

4 Lounge floor is raised to bring it level with the cab

5 Table is conveniently stowed above the cab

6 Dining sees three around the table

7 The kitchen is best used to make simple meals, but there’s a good amount of worktop

8 The washroom is narrow, but quite long

6

122 live-in test.indd 125 1/10/10 09:19:32

On Test Autocruise Alto on 2.2-litre Peugeot Boxer

126 I NOVEMBER 2010 www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

Thetford loo. When standing, there’s less room from your knees down, thanks to the intrusion of a wheelarch.

Above the toilet, a rather old fashioned-looking drop-down basin, nonetheless does the job, and proved fine to use for teeth cleaning and the day’s first splash. To the left, it was great to see a metal toilet roll holder, however, its position needs changing, as it’s vulnerable to splashes. Above this is a matching cabinet - its sliding glass doors, also providing a mirror.

Thankfully, this unit’s shelves are fiddled; I say thankfully because many of its ilk are good at ejecting their contents when you open the doors, thanks to the ice-like plastic surfaces inside. On the right, just inside the room’s door, a separate mixer and riser/head give showering facilities, and there’s no clingy curtain to get in the way. Of course, this’ll mean lots of wiping down after your douche, but as this is likely

to be an occasional activity, it’s not too much of a concern. Sitting on the loo is comfy and there’s enough room, although I found the toilet roll, again, getting snug with my right armpit. Moving it to a position forward and opposite would seem to be the solution.

Although the big wheelarch moulding steals quite a bit of space, it does provide a convenient surface for your ablutions kit. All in all, this little room works fine, as long as users are not too large of frame.

SLEEP-OVER As with most fixed bed-equipped motorcaravans, it’s the bed that’s gonna do it for you; or not. Alto’s bedroom provides a thick mattress riding on a sprung-slat alloy frame - the kind of set-up that’s both good quality, and an industry standard. This bed’s comfortable - I slept very well during the test, waking ache and pain-free. The heating controls are mounted at the foot, so it’s easy to fire up the boiler first thing, while staying put - warm - under the duvet.

Those who can comfortably use the washroom should be comfy at night, as this bed is less than large. It’s just a tad over six feet long: for me, at five-ten, it was okay. However, you would not want to be much taller. Width is an issue too - at a couple of inches under four feet, it’s best, only for slimmer motorhomers. As a three-berth camper, Alto provides a single bed upfront. Again, it’s a small bed (1.73m, 5ft 8in long) that’s very suitable for a child, but still capable of accommodating a ‘five-foot-two, eyes of blue-type’ adult.

This bed uses the squab of the swivelled driver’s seats as its foot: pull out a frame from the base of the bench, fold over a support panel, add backrest and infill cushions and the job’s done. This is a well designed, strongly constructed ensemble that’s easy to construct. I gave this bed a small round of applause, as many of the beds made from half-dinettes are flimsy and sometimes they’re near-impossible to construct.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that the fridge is noisy enough that it may disturb light sleepers. This model is fitted with a cooling fan that runs with the compressor, this adding to the sound level it produces. However, I found no problem, and my slumbers remained undisturbed. Was it the wine? Those who know me well can tell you!

BOXED-UP The big space under the bed provides plenty of room for outdoor kit - its space hampered only by the presence of the Truma heater. Access is two-fold, with the bed’s base rising on gas struts, while through the rear doors, a flap (again assisted by gas struts) lifts to allow easy loading of long items.

Also got at through the rear doors, a large cupboard door on the left opens to reveal a shallow space with a trio of shelves. In here is also the toilet cassette access point. The bedroom is home to three deep (but unshelved) high-level lockers, two more - shallower - examples are above the lounge.

Amidships, and beneath the fridge, is the home of the wardrobe - this slim unit is deep (with some shelves in its rear), but owing to its location, a tad awkward to use. Even so, it provides a good amount of jacket-length storage.

Above the cab, is the usual slim space offered by the panel van conversion of the Sevel vehicle. As mentioned, here lives the table (although most folks will probably leave it erected), but there’s still room for plenty of light-but-bulky stuff - the linen for the front

I LIKED■ Easy-driving base vehicle with good

performance■ Lounge floor raised to cab level■ Stowage space for table■ Well-engineered lounge bed■ Kitchen worktop■ Comfortable double bed■ Dual-fuel heating/hot water■ LED lighting■ Tambour door to washroom

I WOULD HAVE LIKED ■ Drainer for sink■ Power sockets in lounge■ Additional reading lamps■ A bigger washbasin■ Quieter fridge

I DISLIKED ■ Slippery plastic washroom cabinet■ Ineffective TV locker■ Poorly placed toilet roll holder

(easily moved)

9

fan that runs with the compressor, this adding fan that runs with the compressor, this adding

applause, as many of the beds made from half-dinettes are flimsy and sometimes they’re near-impossible to construct.

fridge is noisy enough that it may disturb light sleepers. This model is fitted with a cooling fan that runs with the compressor, this adding to the sound level it produces. However, I found no problem, and my slumbers remained undisturbed. Was it the wine? Those who know me well can tell you!

fan that runs with the compressor, this adding

126 I NOVEMBER

9 The bed is best for those neither tall or wide

10 Lounge single berth is nicely engineered and easy to make

11 Under-bed stowage can be got at from inside and through the rear doors

12 At the rear, a tall cupboard door hides shelves and toilet servicing point

13 Under-lounge hidey-hole is a good place for valuables if the carpet is in place

11

12

13

122 live-in test.indd 126 10/7/10 9:59:02 AM

Live-in Test report

www.outandaboutlive.co.uk NOVEMBER 2010 I 127

▲

bed should live here with space to spare.Lift the lounge carpet and you discover a

hatch that leads to an underfloor space: a hiding place for valuables, methinks. Finally, there’s some room under the dinette seat, although the presence of a box containing the leisure battery, plus some pipework and the seat’s steel frame mean that it’s probably best used for spares and other kit that you only need occasionally.

WELL EQUIPPED Heating first, and it was pleasing to see that Truma’s dual-fuel combi boiler is fitted as standard. This works on gas and/or mains

to provide blown-air space heating and hot water. The mains option - when hooked up - saves precious gas and works very quietly - ideal for keeping the night-time chill at bay, as I discovered during my time with the Alto. Lighting is - commendably - all LED-powered, with flush, ceiling-mounted downlighters and a twin-LED fitting in the kitchen. The reading lamps are good too, although I’d like to see more of them - a second in lounge and bedroom would improve things.

While we’re on the subject of quantity, a mains socket in the lounge would not go amiss. As I type this, the power lead for my laptop is stretched (and I do mean stretched) across to the kitchen. Television enthusiasts will find a home for their flat screen device above the kitchen. The right-hand - bi-fold - locker door opens to reveal aerial, 12V and mains sockets and a swing-out telly bracket. This is all fine and dandy, but the opened door gets in the way, making viewing from the lounge potentially difficult. The solution? Well, it may be possible to make the locker door hinge upwards, and out of the way. However, I’d go for something different - claim this locker for the kitchen and provide TV bracket and power/aerial sockets in lounge, and at the foot of the bed.

Both tanks are underslung and of reasonable capacity - 60 litres of fresh water and 50 litres waste. Identical drain valves are mounted either side of the ‘van, so its important to get this geography sorted in your mind so you don’t accidentally dump your fresh water. The fresh water tank is insulated, but off-season campers can get tank heaters,

insulated drainpipes and winter fridge covers fitted by their Autocruise dealer for 190 quid.

Cab blackout uses a blind for the windscreen and internal, silver insulation screens for the side windows. This has the advantage of not having side window blind frames that can impede your view of the mirrors. The screens - on popper-studs - are easy to fit and store neatly in the cab’s overhead shelf when not in use.

AN ALTO IN TUNE? Alto offers what is possibly mainland Europe’s most popular low profile coachbuilt layout in a more conveniently sized panel van that’s very enjoyable to drive. There are other advantages too: panel vans are stronger, handle better and are generally quieter during travel. Access is more convenient too. Even though the sliding door’s aperture is compromised by the kitchen unit, getting in and out of this ‘van is easier than many coachbuilts - a wider doorway and lower step height making a significant difference. The rear doors, too, can play their part, letting light and air inside.

The biggest limiting factor with this motorcaravan’s layout is space - most notably width. Having spent time with the Alto, I can confirm that it works fine living area-wise - lounge kitchen and washroom proved good to use. The bed is limited in length, but this is no worse than van conversions with transverse fixed beds. It’s the width of the bed - at under four feet - that is the most limiting factor. The Autocruise Alto is a great alternative - useable and comfortable, but only for those who are not too tall or wide. ■

VEHICLE SUPPLIED BYAutocruise Motorhomes, Dunswell Road, Cottingham, East Yorks HU16 4JX (tel: 01482 847332; web site: www.autocruise.co.uk)

WE STAYED ATSandringham Camping and Caravanning Club site, The Sandringham Estate, Double Lodges, Sandringham Norfolk PE35 6EA (tel: 01485 542555; web site: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk)

White House Beach Caravan Club site, Kessingland, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 7RW (tel: 01502 740278; web site: www.caravanclub.co.uk)

10

122 live-in test.indd 127 1/10/10 09:22:01