A new base vehicle for this Somerset-based converter
IF you want a Ford Transit Custom or a VW Transporter T6.1 campervan, there’s a vast choice out there. Except that’s maybe not as clear cut as it was a year ago. At time of writing (early February), some converters are still waiting for their first new Ford, ordered many months previously. Meanwhile, the VW GB website states, “Transporter 6.1 panel van has closed for factory ordering; please speak to your Van Centre to discuss current and future stock options which most closely match your chosen specification, and delivery times.” The new Volkswagen van (presumably T7) is still a long way off as a UK RHD campervan…
So, it’s perhaps a surprise that more campervan companies haven’t seized the opportunity of building on the Renault Trafic, a van that drives well, looks good and has just received a comprehensive makeover. With value for money on its side, too, the French van is an obvious alternative to the usual Ford and VW.
One company that has grabbed the diamond-badged bull by the horns is Autohaus, which already has several T6.1s and an old-shape Transit Custom in its pop-top portfolio. It suggests its new Creston model – launched at last October’s NEC show – is for mavericks and those who want to stand out from the crowd. The 20in alloy wheels (included as standard) will help with the latter, but you won’t need to be a maverick to see the appeal of a £63,995 price tag for the fully spec’d campervan you see here, complete with 150hp engine and EDC automatic gearbox, and even an awning.
It certainly looks the part. The Urban Grey non-metallic paint is on-trend and the side bars incorporate a step, while a tailgate at the back looks so much less commercial than barn doors.
It’s good to see, too, that Autohaus hasn’t skimped on the fittings; the pop-top roof is from German market-leader, Reimo, and it comes with a fully sprung bed measuring 1.86m by 1.27m.
Inside, there are no surprises with the layout. It’s the classic side kitchen but, again, there’s no feeling that this is a budget conversion. The CNC-cut furniture has heat-bonded edges and flush doors, while the seats are covered in dark grey leather with contrasting red stitching. There’s a single passenger seat in the cab, too, so walk-through front-to-rear is easy.
The galley includes a two-burner hob and sink combination unit with split glass lid and there’s a useful area of worktop to the rear, where you’ll also find one 12V,
