What Motorhome magazine Affordable 'vans - February 2019 Back Issue

In the last month I’ve driven everything from a VW T6 California to a tag-axle Swift Kon-tiki (all nine metres of it), but it’s developments at Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen that have tickled ‘the little grey cells’ – and made me smile, too.
The new front-wheel drive Sprinter with its nine-speed automatic gearbox is an absolute gem and, in terms of cab interior design and driving and safety technology, it clearly sets new standards. It’s a pricey option for motorhomes but worth it. So, too, is the VW Crafter.
Having driven an automatic (eight-speed torque converter, not DSG like a T6) 4Motion Crafter (albeit just an unconverted van), I’m certain that this would be my base vehicle of choice should I ever be able to design (and have built) the motorhome of my dreams.
However, by the time I’ve saved enough, perhaps batteries will finally have replaced diesel. The VW e-Crafter (above) is a sign of the way things are changing in the light commercial vehicle world, but, despite its silent running and impressive torque from the get-go, it’s still a no-go for motorhomes due to a range of just 107 miles, a maximum speed of 56mph, and a price for the base van of €69,500. Looks like diesel has plenty of life left in it, despite what the politicians might say...