A classic UK layout and a competitive price tag
Words & pictures ❚ Peter Vaughan
NEW CAMPERVANS
The latest addition to the Horus campervan range mixes a UK layout with the keen pricing you expect from an Italian brand like Rimor. And it even has its sliding door on our nearside, unlike most imported models. This is a six-metre Fiat with the 140bhp engine and manual gearbox – the automatic is an additional £2,600, while metallic paint is an extra £995. Colour-coded bumpers, an electric step and an external shower are all standard, while the alloy wheels are £995. Unusually on a continental camper, the Horus also comes with a 25kg underslung LPG tank.
The Horus doesn’t have all the latest Fiat base vehicle bells and whistles but it does have stop/start. The 5in radio display (with Bluetooth and USB input) is a combined option with the cab blinds, at £1,995. The seats are in Fiat fabric but have twin armrests apiece. Cab air-con, cruise control, electric mirrors, remote central locking and ESC are all standard.
A diesel Webasto blown-air heater caters for winter camping, along with an inboard 85-litre fresh water tank. We’ve recently had experience of underslung tanks freezing, even when fitted with 12V tank heaters, so that’s a big plus if you want to go touring all year round.
Inside, it’s the classic two-berth layout with a spacious rear lounge. The settees here are each 1.97m long and there are opening windows on three sides. There’s no sunroof overhead but the unusual glossy finish on the ceiling reflects light down into the living area, so it doesn’t feel dark or gloomy. Artificial lighting is excellent, too, and there are mains sockets and double USB ports above each sofa.
Another unusual aspect for an imported ’van is that the table is removable. Its leg is very substantial, too, so it’s sturdy.
There’s no shortage of stowage space. The offside seat base houses the battery and fresh water tank but still has room for bedding. Opposite, the whole seat base is empty for your clobber. Above, the handleless cupboards push to unlatch and have lips inside to keep their contents inside (if only they were all like this).
At night, the lounge becomes the bedroom, with the choice of single beds or a double, while blackout is catered for by pleated blinds. The twin beds are 71cm wide and a point to note is that the whole backrest cushion is removed for sleeping, unlike some rivals where the top part of the cushion is fixed to the wall. It’s surprising how much of a benefit this seems in terms of extra space. If you prefer a double, the bed is huge
