2014 Auto-Sleeper Broadway EK motorhome review: the luxury choice show continues!

If you thought 2013’s Auto-Sleeper Broadways were good, well they’ve just got a little bit better. Among the upgrades for the season ahead are five new furnishings – Forest is featured here but (for a short while, at least) – you can also order any of 2013’s upholsteries.

That’s a great example of what Auto-Sleepers are about these days. Luxury, for sure, but also choice.

There’s also a new front pod for the coachbuilt body, and again the choices continue. For 2014 the line-up continues with five different floorplans, but you can order your Broadway with a choice of low-profile or full overcab fronts, the latter also offering either bedding or locker storage. Meanwhile, the low-profile comes with an opening skylight (it’s blanked if you prefer to go for enclosed storage here).

Shown here is the overcab EK model, with bedding to take it up to full four-berth status. Well, two-plus-two. That overcab doubled has the dimensions (at 6ft 3in x 4ft 1in), but arguably lacks the headroom that two adults might expect. You’ll also need to be wary of the sub-400kg payload capacity.

Downstairs, the floorplan is the ever-popular arrangement that features a double dinette aft of the driver’s seat, a kitchen across the back and a washroom in the rear offside corner.

Underpinning all this is Peugeot’s Boxer chassis-cab, with a more than willing 130bhp engine and slick six-speed gearbox. Even with that overcab pod, it drives exceptionally well, thanks in part to keeping the overall length down. The Boxer engine can seem a little gruff on acceleration, but it’s comfortably into its stride at 70mph and, if you’re prepared to exercise a bit of restraint, you could well find yourself getting 30 miles to each gallon of diesel.

The interior is all well appointed, as you’d expect from Auto-Sleepers, with a genuine quality feel to the soft furnishings (upholstery and cushioning) as well as the furniture (positive catches for the lockers, metal-framed seating etc).

In reality, you’ll be hard-pushed to get a Broadway without the Premium Pack (unless it’s to individual order) such is its popularity. And indeed sheer value.  Read up for yourselves, but it adds the awning, alloy wheels, full colour reversing camera and more… you can see the appeal.

Again, among the 2014 upgrades are neat blinds for the cab windows – a full, pull-up design for the windscreen that doesn’t impeded fittings like the rear view mirror/camera; and side window units that use magnets to stay in place. And fittings such as the fixed, underfloor gas cylinder may add to the initial cost, but thereafter it’s savings all the way – not just in the cost of gas, but also space (it’s a substantial locker saved).

The washroom might have all the expected features – swivel-bowl cassette toilet, sink, shower – but it’s for the former that there’s a particularly clever arrangement that really makes the most of the space available.

The hinged partition here means the sink and vanity unit swing out of the way, creating a separate shower cubicle.

Typically Auto-Sleepers, the Broadway EK doesn’t deign to be the lowest priced in its class.

But, when you add up exactly what you’re getting for your money – as well as the longer term residuals that are part of any Auto-Sleeper package – you really can start to talk about value for money.

Verdict: A superior-quality British-built motorhome with high equipment levels. The test motorhome’s traditional looking Forest interior may not be to everyone’s taste but remember there are different options available.

• Plus: Auto-Sleeper heritage, after-sales service and residual values
• Minus: No automatic transmission option. Limited payload
• In-a-nutshell: Reassuringly expensive

Cost to insure: £345.50*

In summary

• Auto-Sleeper Broadway EK
• Based on Peugeot Boxer medium-wheelbase, 2.3-litre, 130bhp Euro V
• Dimensions 6.28m L, 2.32m W, 3.05m H
• Maximum weight 3500kg
• Payload 374kg
• Key options: Premium Upgrade Pack £2,500
• Security and Safety Electronic immobiliser, remote central locking to all doors, ABS, twin airbags, HAL-Locate tracker (as part of the Premium Upgrade)
• MPG estimate 26-30

Recommended retail price from £53,995**

There’s more information on the Broadway range on the Auto-Sleepers website and to find out more about our low-cost premiums visit the motorhome insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Bessacarr E434, Auto-Trail Tracker EKS

*Motorhome insurance cost based on 2014 Auto-Sleeper Broadway EK retailing at £53,995 with standard fit equipment, manufacturers immobiliser, a Thatcham approved  Cat 1 Alarm. UK travel only. Kept on driveway at home at TD9 8ED. Motorhome owners – professionals over 50 years old with no claims, convictions or health conditions in last 3 years. 4 years no claims bonus mirrored from car policy and 2 years motorhome driving experience. Members of motorhome club doing less than 5000 miles annually. £300 excess applies. Premiums include insurance premium tax at 6% and are correct at 22/09/13.

**On-the-road, including VAT at 20%