It’s easy to see why this value-for-money van remains such a popular choice, especially for first-time buyers
Words and photos Peter Baber
THE XPLORE BRAND has undergone a bit of a shake-up this year, with a new website, separate from Elddis, and now the arrival of the first Xplore campervan.
But with rumours of more changes on the way next year, we thought it was time to see what the range’s most popular model, the rear-washroom, transverse-island-bed 554, has to offer this season. We checked it out at Glossop Caravans, in Derbyshire.
Pitch and set-up
The exterior lives up to Xplore’s aim of being youth-orientated. Contrasting blue and yellow slashes and the mountain range logo up top are jolly, while the flush-fitting grab handles and locker door offer a sleeker look than other budget ranges.
The single window at the front is to be expected at this price point, but you might also expect to see an external locker door at the front on the nearside. However, having one here is an £81 optional extra.
Lounge
The Sonora upholstery scheme is bold, with contrast piping in the base cushions.
There’s no sunroof, but plenty of daylight still gets in, and the large mirror on the end washroom wall really makes a difference to the feeling of space inside.
The front settees should be fine for four – you wouldn’t want any more than that here – and there’s no kitchen extension getting in the way. A shelf pulls out from the front chest to make a useful resting place for drinks and snacks, while the foldaway table is a little further away, in the wardrobe opposite the kitchen.
For night-time lighting, there are two spotlights and a striplight under the front locker – all individually switched. There is a good spread of LEDs in the ceiling down the aisle. Two speakers under the front locker connect to a DAB radio, part of the £438 SE pack (which also gets you alloys and a spare wheel).
The sockets for a TV are by the sideboard to the right of the door, but there is little in the way of USB provision here.
Kitchen
A good permanent workspace offers ample room for preparing food to the left of the large sink. The area is well lit, thanks to the big window and two LEDs, and there are two sockets for a kettle or toaster.
There is a combined oven and grill below, as well as a half-height 98-litre fridge, but the microwave is a £255 optional extra.
Washroom
Even with a wide sliding door, it
