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quoteSingle beds, double the luxury? That’s just the start, for this 2017 season newcomer from Auto-Trail.
There’s plenty of flexibility here, too, for a vehicle that starts off as a luxurious two-berth. You get a no-extra-cost choice of Lo- or Hi-Line overcab pods, for example, as well as different dinette configurations, meaning you could go all the way up to full six-berth travel and sleeping accommodation.
This is the Lo-, which means an overall height of 3.03m and, inside, lockers lining the overcab section, over which sits a long, wind-up sunroof.
It’s a twin settee lounge, as standard, with the facility to swivel the cab seats when you’re parked up on site. Those settees come together for a double bed, but it’s most likely couples that will be looking to buy this type of vehicle, despite its immense overall size.
At just a few inches short of 29ft, the Comanche S sits on a tag axle chassis from Al-Ko/ with a Fiat cab at the front. It’s the Ducato Maxi, coming as standard with the top-of-the-range 177bhp engine as well as a maximum all-up weight of 5,000kg.
Signature Auto-Trail fittings are here, of course, from the recessed awning to the spare wheel cover on the back panel. There are no problems with payload, either – it starts off at well over 1,000kg. That’s just as well. The Comanche S doesn’t lack in the storage offerings department. As well as plenty of overhead lockers throughout, there are drawers and lockers to the offside single bed, while Truma’s Combi boiler takes up much of the nearside. There’s also exterior access to storage on both sides.
No doubt, however, it’s those beds at the back that will have the strongest appeal (the standard Comanche has an island double bed). They boast thick mattresses with adjustable angle for the upper body, and there’s space to sit fully upright. Should you wish, additional panels and cushions stow in the central wardrobe, ready to make a full double.
The adjoining facilities are split between a curved shower cubicle (offside) and toilet room (nearside) at the foot of each respective bed. The door to the latter also closes off the rest of the interior, should you wish to keep everything truly en suite.
We’ve come to expect the very best kitchens from Auto-Trail and the Comanches S is happy to add to the party. An L-shaped unit includes full cooker with dual-fuel hob, separate oven and grill. There’s also a Daewoo microwave, set over the hob. There’s space for a sink with permanent drainer, plus generous storage, including a capacious curved locker and a couple of small drawers. Across the corridor, the fridge-freezer has an equally commodious 175-litre total capacity.
Overall specification is of the highest order, too. You really do want for little in a vehicle like this… and that includes plenty of room to stretch out in.
Verdict: Generous on all counts – size, specification, comfort and more
Plus: Living space, comfortably large beds, high specification
Minus: Size can be inconvenient in some situations
In-a-nutshell: Comanche S goes to great lengths
There’s more information on the Frontier range on the Auto-Trail website www.autotrail.co.uk. Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome on our motorhome insurance discounts page.
Alternatives: Swift Kon-tiki 649
Auto-Trail Comanche S factfile
| Model | Auto-Trail Comanche S |
| Base vehicle | Fiat Ducato, 2.3-litre, 177bhp, Euro VI |
| Dimensions | 8.77m L x 2.35m W x 3.03m H |
| Berths | 4 |
| Travel seats | 2 |
| Maximum weight | 5,000kg |
| Payload | From 1,050kg |
| MPG estimate | 25-28 |
| RRP | From £80,855 on the road |
| Safety & security | Electronic immobiliser, remote central locking, hill holder and ESC, twin airbags, European Whole Vehicle Type Approval |
| Key options | Media Pack 2 (£999), Media Pack 3 (£1,999), Comfort-Matic automatic transmission (£2,040), alternative upholsteries (from £125), rear corner steadies (£160), towbar and electrics (£550), cycle rack (£295), rear protection bar (£195), double dinette or L-shaped lounge with travel seat (£875) |
No, sink in wrong place! Bailey tried this and reverted to usual position
good maker,much better lay-out than the continental opposition.
I would buy immediately if I was in the market.