2017 Marquis Majestic 196 motorhome review

Something special for six

When is an Elddis Autoquest not an Elddis Autoquest? When it’s a dealer’s special edition version. It’s a straightforward enough offer – Autoquests are founded on keep-it-simple themes, but adding a wide range of extra kit and selling it under a different name seems to work a different kind of wonder.

The Majestic motorhome range from Marquis is a typical example. But, thanks to the 11-strong network of Marquis Leisure dealers, Majestic have been increasing in popularity over the past seven years now – today, representing a total of 11 Elddis-built models of which this – the six-berth 196 – is a newcomer for the 2017 season.

So, what makes it different?

It’s more powerful, for a start. Under the bonnet is Peugeot’s latest two-litre 160bhp engine (standard on all Majestics). Bodywork is Elddis’s well-regarded, fully bonded SoLiD construction, backed by a 10-year water ingress warranty. As a special edition, the Majestic boasts different graphics as well as a metallic silver cab. Fittings like that full-length Dometic awning are all part of the latest Majestic package, too, as is the solar panel on the roof.

The cab, meanwhile, boasts major upgrades like automatic air conditioning and a DAB stereo system with satnav and rear-view monitoring, plus Skyview opening sunroof.

And don’t forget. The Tracker tracking device, reversing camera and new tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that are also part of the Majestic standard kit list all qualify for discounts on your motorhome insurance with Caravan Guard.

There are still some aspects to remind you this started life as a budget vehicle, however. That habitation door has a somewhat flimsy, single-point lock and lacks a window, and the windows themselves in the caravan body are top-hung rather than flush-fitting.

Inside the motorhome, there’s a two-lounge layout, with the main on-site seating at the back – twin settees, with opening windows to three sides as well as a Heki Midi rooflight overhead. This is a six-berth – some will call it a family ‘van, but that’s not to disguise its appeal to couples – hence the front lounge comprising a double dinette with four three-point belts for travel, opposite which is an inward-facing settee. Both cab seats are on swivels, too.

You’ll have probably noticed headroom is a bit limited in this forward lounge area. That’s because there’s a drop-down double bed, ready to glide down from ceiling level. It’s made all the easier thanks to its electrical operation, with a ladder to help access. At its lowest setting, there’s still space below for a second double bed, made from the lounge seating.

Completing the sleeping accommodation is a third, transverse double – easily enough made from the rear lounge.

Even with all beds ready for use, it’s still easy to get to the washroom and kitchen, thanks to their central locations. This kitchen, along the nearside, is particularly impressive, thanks especially to its high specification. There’s a duel-fuel hob (three gas rings, one electric hotplate), plus separate oven and grill. Supplementing all this is a microwave oven. Just as critically, there’s a generous allowance of worktop, including a handy flip-up extension on the right. The only possible point or contention is the fridge – despite offering a removable freezer box, capacity is adequate rather than generous.

If the kitchen impresses, the washroom is altogether more standard. There’s considerable wheel arch intrusion here and – despite offering showering, toileting and handwashing facilities – a wall-mounted cupboard offers the only storage.

Plenty can be forgiven here, however, considering not just how much space you get for your £, but also the long list of kit that makes this Majestic seem like true motorhome royalty. Check it out for yourselves.

Verdict: Lots of bang for your bucks

Plus: Long specification list, double lounge layout, full six-person capabilities

Minus: Some flimsy fittings

In-a-nutshell: Hitting value for six

There’s more information on the Majestic range on the Marquis Leisure website. Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome on our motorhome insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Other dealers doing special edition versions of the Elddis Autoquest 196 include Brownhills (Evolution), Dolphin Motorhomes (Envy), Richard Baldwin Motorhomes (Musketeer), Vehicles4Leisure (Prestige), Spinney (Vogue), Tyne Valley Motorhomes (Vogue), West Country Motorhomes (Sunseeker)