The Kemerton is the most exciting new Auto-Sleeper in quite a while and it seems to have been timed perfectly to catch those buyers looking to downsize and possibly run just one vehicle.
Twist the cab chairs around and the interior feels enormous. You could comfortably accommodate five for an evening.
The last 800mm or so of floorspace are devoted entirely to the washroom and the whole area is closed off behind a proper door. Close that behind you and there’s a deep mirror on the other side, but unlike the Topaz the Kemerton’s wardrobe is sited separately so you’ll need to grab your change of attire first.
That’s hardly a hardship when you see how well laid out this bathroom is. On the offside is the wet area with shower (with separate showerhead) and tip-up basin behind tambour doors, while on the nearside is a bench cassette toilet with a small metal-lined storage box behind – ideal for your hose and mains cable.
The fact that this is a better washroom than you’ll find in all but a couple of Auto-Sleepers’ latest coachbuilts says it all really and they’ve even thought about the lack of through-vision and fitted a reversing camera (with screen mounted on top of the original central cab mirror).
If there’s a downside it’s that you’ll want to use these facilities all the time instead of traipsing across to campsite showers but you’ll soon fill the very modest 46-litre waste water tank.
In the kitchen you’ll discover a rather posh three-burner hob, a combined oven and grill, a sink with removable draining board, a good-sized fridge that thinks for itself when choosing between 12V, mains or gas, and even an extractor hood and 700W microwave.
Unlike the Topaz, the Kemerton also has acres of worktop space, plus an additional flap at the forward end of the offside unit. Kitchen storage is pretty good too and includes crockery racks in an eye-level locker, while clothes storage is simply brilliant, thanks to a trio of drawers beneath the wardrobe.
The blinds are the upmarket concertina type and the attention to trim around the windows is first-class. On the road conversion noise was not completely absent, but otherwise this vehicle impressed with its build-quality, especially as our test vehicle was a prototype.
And you can see that Kemerton is a much newer generation of Auto-Sleeper with its rich, dark wood and well-chosen fabrics.
Pity then about those bulky cab curtains, which look a bit dated compared with the rest of the ’van. Auto-Sleepers say that buyers like the warmer feel they give at night and the way they hide the dashboard and steering wheel.
There’s no single bed option here but the transverse double is very quick and easy to make. It’s comfortable too, thanks to high-quality Reflex foam, but the internal dimensions of a Peugeot van limit mattress length to 6ft.
Verdict:
This is a superbly spacious van conversion offering a superb washroom, great kitchen and lots of kit.
Fact-file:
Price from: £45,195
Berths: 2
Travel seats (inc driver): 3
Dimensions: 5.99m L, 2.26m W, 2.60m H
Interior height: 1.88m
Maximum weight: 3500kg
Payload: 507kg
Beds: Transverse double 1.83m x 1.47m
Insurance cost: £241.50 *
Motorhome insurance premium based on 2011 Auto-Sleepers Kemerton valued at £45,195. Fitted with manufacturers immobiliser and Thatcham Category 1 alarm, 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 7000 miles annually. £250 excess applies. European cover included, European Breakdown £43 extra. Premiums include insurance premium tax at 6% and are correct as of 13.04.11
Summer only van ? We are looking to get a Sussex duo for all round use
what about the condensation is it true.? Auto sleeper says there is no
problem with wet windows if you keep a roof vent open a bit.
looks very nice & could be tempted but again that lack of single beds option that we have on our 01 clubman gl on vw tdi t4-excellent motorhome & no disturbing each other when the loo calls in the night!
..hmmm yet another Summer only camper. (A condensation box if used in the winter!) When will Autosleepers employ designers who are also experienced campers!
Love it,but! Fantastic layout,similar to my Duetto,but loo and shower at back, Great! The extra window on nearside gives much better view,for driving and living. Back to the BUT! Why not 2 single beds? Today’s technology should be able to cope with that! That’s my wife”s opinion too, I can’t think why? Still, can’t have everything,so, I would have one, if I could afford it!!
Most excellent motorhome, far superior to any others around excluding the Broadway,warwick duo, Cotswold, Stratford (all auto-sleepers of course). I am not biased in any way, and sleeping with the designer of said vehicles has not swayed my decision at all. Well done auto-sleepers.
Lovely looking van, but why do converters insist on putting a microwave cooker up high when removing hot food or drink is so dangerous?
looks OK but i prefer my chausson allegro 96, with 2 single electric beds
rear vanity unit [shower,wash basin toilet and wardrobe,full kitchen with drainer,fridge freezer,extractor fan/s 160 multijet automatic ,cruise control
pulls a kia picanto on an A frame,clam emobilisor/alarm fitted,reversing camera and now purchased the tracking device [from global tags, filey,
Chris truelove is the guy to talk to[advertised in mmm] fitted by Kieth Marlow of autoarm notts my truck is now 2 years old, its our pride and joy
and we now where it is any time night/day
Looks very cosy ! but very dark. ,at that price l think i will stay with my 54 plate Peugeot Symbol ES model. My wife and l prefer the single beds option.
Looks a great van but seems to have the same fault as all the new sevel built vans .My wife is th e driver ,she is 5ft tall and no matter how you adjust the driver’s seat her knees are hard up against the bottom of the dash thus being unable to work the pedals. we currently have a 2003 autocruise on a peugeot
looks nice but just purchased a eton on a transit automatic the one you show on a peugeot, auto not avail so not for me
Great new motorhome all looks good,but oh that horrible dark colour wood. The rest is exellent. What happened to nice light wood for interiors.
Only thing I don’t like.