Auto-Sleeper Symbol Reviewed

The Auto-Sleeper Symbol has been one of the leading lights in the van conversions market sector for years and motorhomers like such vehicles as they are equally at home in the supermarket car park as pitched on a campsite.

Much improved over the already successful model it succeeded, 2007 saw the Symbol emerge as Auto-Sleepers’ biggest seller.

One of the ‘van’s plus points is that it sports a wholly level floor, thanks to its raised living area floor and a raised section to its factory high-top.

Most buyers of the latest model are arguably existing Symbol owners who just want more of the same, only better – once a Symbol owner, always a Symbol owner, seems to be the case here.

You’ll find cheaper alternatives to the Symbol, for sure, and they’ll probably be better equipped, too, but nothing holds its value as well as an Auto-Sleeper. And don’t forget the near-legendary after-sales service either.  

Inside, the ‘van’s lounge area benefits from having a largely level floor throughout but this is partially offset by the fact that the driver’s seat will only swivel through 90 degrees, thanks to the close proximity of the settee.

The Symbol’s cooking area is a fine effort, with worktop space boosted usefully by the substantial pull-out surface just forward of the rear doors and the employment of Chinchilla glass sink/drainer covers, and a kit list that extends to a unitary spark-ignition cooker with a dual-fuel hob, an easy clean linen effect sink and drainer and a 70-litre Dometic fridge.

There’s a decent amount of locker and cupboard space, plus a set of fitted crockery. Having no second fold up worktop flap on the settee-side of the kitchen is a bit of a missed opportunity.

For dining, the Symbol’s passenger seat can be used as a dining chair meaning that, at a push, four can sit down to dinner.

Storage is good with a ribbed-floor void under the forward part of the settee, slide-out wire mesh show tray under the forward-facing rear seat and shallow, but surprisingly large, slide out tray under the rearmost floor (accessible only with the rear doors open) particularly impressive.

For dining, the Symbol’s passenger seat can be used as a dining chair meaning that, at a push, four can sit down to dinner.

Storage is good with a ribbed-floor void under the forward part of the settee, slide-out wire mesh show tray under the forward-facing rear seat and shallow, but surprisingly large, slide out tray under the rearmost floor (accessible only with the rear doors open) particularly impressive.

The Symbol’s washroom can be boosted usefully by the employment of the fold-out privacy panel that lives on the inside of the washroom door. Clip the snap-bolt into place across the kitchen, close the rear door curtains, and you’ve got a good-sized dressing area with the loo, washbasin and shower all to hand.

Surprisingly, there hasn’t been a UK-made rival to this layout from a mainstream manufacturer for some time now, although the new Swift Mondial (which is based on the bigger, but less practical in everyday use LWB van) would be the most obvious competitor now.

The main improvement the new model had over the older model was simply its greater interior space, although the superior drive of the latest Peugeot Boxer base vehicle shouldn’t be discounted either. Refinements such as tinted glass side windows (unusually, they’re single-glazed) simply added to the appeal.

Verdict:

The Auto-Sleeper Symbol is great quality, has level flooring throughout, is compact in size and offers superb practicality. Strong residual values also make this Auto-Sleeper a great buy.

Fact File:

Price from: £35,850
Base vehicle: Peugeot Boxer MWB panel van
Engine: 2.2-litre HDI
Travel seats: 3
Berths: 2
Insurance cost: £222.25*

For more information visit the Auto-Sleeper website

*Motorhome insurance cost based on 2008 Auto-Sleeper Symbol valued at £35,850. Fitted with manufacturers immobiliser and Thatcham Category 1 alarm, kept at home at HS3 3DW. 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. European Breakdown £42 extra. Premium includes insurance premium tax at 5% and EU travel and is correct as of 08/08/08

Source: Outandaboutlive