This compact camper is as car-like as they come…
REVIEWED
For most campervan conversion companies, small means a Ford Transit Custom or VW Transporter, maybe a Renault Trafic. But, if you’ve never driven anything bigger than a Fiesta or Clio, even these might seem anything but small. It’s not so much about the size, perhaps, as the height of the driving position and the lack of much reassuring bonnet in front of you.
There are, of course, a number of conversion pods on the market that can slide into the boot of something like a Citroën Berlingo – or even an ID Buzz if you want an EV with street cred – and turn it into a makeshift camper. But, if you want a proper conversion with a pop-top for standing room, then your options are much more limited.
It's no surprise then that Concept Multi-Car had quite a bit of success with its conversion of the previous generation Volkswagen Caddy – the van that feels more like a Golf. At the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC, it launched the successor – called GoCamper and based on either the latest (fifth generation) Caddy or its sister vehicle from Ford, the Grand Tourneo Connect. In each case, it’s the passenger car derivative, not the panel van, that is converted by CMC.
It’s worth noting at this point that the VW and Ford are virtually the same vehicle and these were the first models developed under the two companies’ commercial vehicle alliance, which has since seen new Amarok/Ranger pick-ups and which will sire a T7 Transporter based on the latest Transit Custom. Unlike the bigger vans, it’s VW power units under the bonnet here – a 122hp 2-litre diesel or 114hp 1.5-litre petrol, while transmissions are six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic.
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version is due to follow, mating the petrol engine with an electric motor for 150hp and a claimed zero emissions range of 68 miles.
Whichever badge is on the front, the conversion is the same and in day to day use it retains the versatility of the donor car with a sliding door on each side and five belted seats. With its car-park-friendly height, you could even keep your GoCamper in a domestic garage, although it’s worth noting that the overall length is only fractionally less than a short-wheelbase VW T6.1.
The key part of the conversion is at the rear offside, where you can reach the galley via the lift-up tailgate. Here, the smart white units with contrasting wood worktop incorporate a 20-litre Vitrifrigo top-loading fridge, a small st
