The smallest model in Auto-Trail’s newest range
THE Excel name returned this season on a new line-up of slimline low-profiles (2.24m wide), based on the Ford Transit. This 620G is the smallest model.
Starting at £61,634, it’s one of Auto-Trail’s most affordable ’vans – and one of its most contemporary-looking. It’s not just about aesthetics, though, with practical touches like a low entrance step, opening overcab sunroof, external shower and a lithium leisure battery. We particularly like the choice of five cab colours, including this Chrome Blue.
While those paint options are at no extra cost, you do need to budget for the two options packs. The Lux Pack (£1,578) adds the 9.5in touchscreen with sat-nav and colour reversing camera, as well as an external barbecue point, TV aerial, Omnivent two-way fan, solar panel, carpets and an upgraded habitation door.
Then there’s the Drivers Pack, (£1,975) which includes automatic headlights and wipers, front fog lamps, a heated windscreen, cab air-con and cornering lights. And, to match the spec shown here, you’ll need alloy wheels (£995), the 21.5in Avtex TV (£420), cab blinds (£680) and a 3.5m awning (£1,095). That’s a total of £68,377.
Unlike its bigger brothers, the 620G has the 130hp engine, but that should be perfectly adequate for something this size. Ford’s six-speed automatic gearbox can be added for a reasonable £1,860 and, as with any Transit, the cab is a nice place to be.
Externally, the key feature is the garage, with its larger loading door on the offside (where there are useful shelves just inside). Headroom here is 1.10m and width 75cm. Water tanks are of good capacity (100 litres fresh, 80 litres waste) but underslung and neither heated nor insulated. Note, too, the height of the gas locker, which will require more effort when changing cylinders.
Inside, the clean design features handleless top lockers, fabric surrounds to the windows, plenty of ambient light (some dimmable) and tweed-style upholstery. The half-dinette seems roomier because the table can be stowed away (in its own locker alongside the fridge) and the overcab sunroof is one of the biggest. It feels much more confined sitting on the bench seat with the table in place, though, and we’d have liked reading lights over the cab chairs.
With no extension leaf on the table, three (at most) can dine, while the 620G also offers three berths. The lounge converts into a transverse single bed (1.92m by 0.88m max) with the aid of thre
