2020 Murvi Pimento XL motorhome

A little bit individual

Murvi has pedigree. The Devon-based motorhome manufacturer has always sold direct to a discerning band of incredibly loyal customers. And it’s always stuck to its one area of specialism – van conversions. It’s honed its style over the decades, too.

The Pimento XL motorhome is one of its more recent models, although it draws much of its inspiration from the long-time best-selling Murvi, the Morello – offering the same kitchen, washroom and general lounge arrangements, but with a significant change as far as sleeping is concerned – where you can have a double bed or two singles.

Available based on Fiat’s Ducato or Ford’s Transit, it’s the latter that’s under review here. Prices start with the 3,500kg Transit in Leader specification, which means a 105PS engine with six-speed manual transmission. Speak to Murvi, though, because there are plenty of engine, gearbox (including a rather slick automatic), power drive (front, rear-, or all-wheel) and trim levels.

For the latter, for example, most folk are going to be seriously tempted by the goodies offered by the Trend or Limited versions – everything from bodywork colour-coding to cab air conditioning, heated windscreen, automatic lights and wipers, alloy wheels, leather-trimmed steering wheel and more, with the 8 inch touchscreen “infotainment” system arguably the highlight – all of which makes the finished motorhome just that bit more like a proper leisure vehicle of some refinement.

Also, should you wish, you can have an even higher roof for extra permanent standing room as well as storage.

As for the conversion, Murvi has long been recognised for the quality of its build and the Pimento XL motorhome is no exception. Open the sliding door and you’re greeted by a high-backed settee that can also combine with both cab seats swivelled. There’s a choice of tables depending on your dining preferences.

Note, too, this type of floorplan does optimise the sheer amount of floor space – ideal not just for humans, but potentially a critical factor if you holiday with pets.

At night, the settee base slides across (very easily) and you sleep heads towards the cab on single beds (the offside one can extend to 2.14m, if needed) or you can make it into a 1.93m x 1.22m double that still allows access along the side.

The back of the Pimento XL is pretty much divided between the washroom in the offside corner and the kitchen, which extends across the rest of the back and along the nearside.

Here, there’s a three-ring hob with optional grill/oven – but Murvi offers a choice of fridge and cooker set-ups.

Along the nearside, there’s a stainless steel sink with permanent drainer and worktop to each side.

Open the locker doors here and you’ll find all manner of smart detail – like the adjustable racking for the standard-supply sets of plates, waste bin, cutlery tray and upper locker for coffee mugs and glasses (again, a set of decent quality cutlery for four is supplied, as is a full complement of drinks receptacles).

Overall storage is very much boosted by the large, floor-to-roof shelved area, as revealed when you open the rear offside door, but also accessible via a hatch in the washroom.

There’s also a wardrobe that hangs over the settee but can also be offered in a different depth, should you wish.

Perhaps to be expected, but nevertheless among the features of note are the underslung gas tank, Webasto Thermo Top EVO7 heating and hot water system, all the way through to plenty of USB and mains sockets.

Don’t forget, too, Murvi is always happy to accommodate specification tweaks (such as socket locations) to individual preferences. You can also choose from a wide range of locker door and soft furnishings colours.

Take a test drive? Why not? Refined is, again, very much the theme. Ford’s latest Transit has a particularly forgiving drive as well as being easy to pilot. Most owners should be able to top 30mpg, too.

There’s only one other possible downside: you’re going to have to trek down to Devon to finalise your purchase. Then again, maybe that’s just part of the reason why the south-west England is the favourite area for motorhome holidays and indeed the touring caravan fraternity!

Verdict: A fully refined performer that’s perfect for two who want to tour in style

Plus: Choice of sleeping arrangements, manufacturer pedigree, quality conversion work

Minus: Extras rack up the price

In-a-nutshell: Want a quality van conversion? Pick a Pimento.

There’s more information on the Pimento range on the Murvi website. Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome or campervan on our motorhome insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Auto-Sleeper Symbol Plus (Peugeot Boxer-based), IH 600 FL (Fiat Ducato-based), Leisuredrive Occasion, Wellhouse Lux-XL