2017 Auto-Sleepers Corinium RB motorhome

Peace and quiet at the back

Following hot on the heels of the FB variant, Auto-Sleepers announced the Corinium Duo and this, the RB – with rear island bed. Indeed, it’s a whole luxury bedroom at the back that is the stand-out feature here.

The basic Corinium formula remains – a coachbuilt on the Peugeot Boxer cab allied to Al-Ko chassis extension that offers a superior drive. To help things along a bit better, too, there’s the new 160bhp Euro VI engine as standard, although there’s also the option to switch to Fiat if you want to go for automatic transmission. It’s all kept to 3,500kg maximum chassis weight, too, although payload isn’t great. You can upgrade to 4,000kg, if necessary, but there’s a price to pay. Also from the options list are an overcab pod and rear travel seat, should you wish to turn this into a full four-berth.

Similarly, it’s hard to see any Corinium hitting the road without the £2,500 Premium Pack. Alongside that, the Winter Pack is a snip at £295. And the Media Pack including automatic satellite TV system a tempting £995.

That payload issue doesn’t seem so critical when you consider this is really a motorhome for a couple. True, there’s the flexibility of making a double bed from the lounge settees, but it’s the facility to close off the whole of the back end for a superior bedroom that is the big raison d’etre here.

There’s a flat floor walking through and that bed is a generous 1.94m x 1.22m, with all-important access to three sides, as well as being an easy-access height from floor level. The padded headboard is a plus, too, flanked by his and hers wardrobes and drawer units, each also providing a handy bedside tabletop. It’s also a convenient height from the floor.

Forward of the bedroom, the washroom and kitchen take mid-‘van, nearside and offside respectively. Keeping overall length around the 25ft mark – short for an island bed motorhome – means compromise elsewhere, of course. It’s arguably the washroom that suffers most. It’s a bit of an all-in-one affair, with its toilet and washing facilities. The tambour door is a good space-saver, but overall access would benefit from a lower step-in. The basin is a decent enough size to be practical. And it’s reassuringly solid. Better still, the whole of this room is plastic-lined, and it’s always good to see more than one plughole for the shower. Other plus points are the window and rooflight, plus general lighting.

It’s a fully specc’d kitchen, though, as we’ve come to expect in Auto-Sleeper’s bigger coachbuilts. Thetford’s Caprice cooker with dual-fuel hob is augmented by a Daewoo microwave oven. The Dometic fridge/freezer isn’t the biggest, but it has automatic energy selection. Storage is generally good, while worktop space is enhanced by a slide-out extension that effectively makes the kitchen L-shaped.

All this leaves the front third (or so) as lounge, with both cab seats easily swivelled to join the settees. There’s also a free-standing table.

As with all 2017 Auto-Sleepers, the Corinium comes pre installed with the Thatcham Category 6 approved Hal Locate tracking device. Should you pay to activate this, you will grab a substantial motorhome insurance saving.

The bodywork is GRP-clad with flush-fitting windows and aluminium lower side skirts. There’s a considerable rear overhang – it’s something to be aware of if you’re a regular ferry user, for example.

Other features abound – from the underfloor LPG tank to the solar panel. Truma’s Combi 6 system comes with a Drive Safe regulator for use on the move. There’s a choice of six soft furnishings, too, and Auto-Sleepers is often willing to adapt to potential owners’ needs in terms of small-but-important aspects such as the location of sockets and lights, even where items like the kitchen roll holder can go.

Take a look at Auto-Sleepers’ new range by clicking here!

Verdict: Island comfort with all the trimmings

Plus: Upmarket, Al-Ko ride and handling

Minus: Compact washroom

In-a-nutshell: Big on luxury

There’s more information on the Corinium on the Auto-Sleepers website www.auto-sleepers.com. Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome on our motorhome insurance page.

Alternatives: Auto-Trail Delaware, Bailey Autograph 79-4