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quoteCaravan Guard reveals winning washrooms in motorhomes.
The Caravan Industry Awards 2011 were judged at the International Caravan and Motorhome Show held at Birmingham’s NEC in October. The team of judges, all experienced owners and writers, examined the 11 entries in the Best Washroom class, with a fine toothcomb.
The washrooms are judged under seven headings; size and headroom; shape and layout; ease of access, door fit and fastening(s); ventilation; lighting (natural and artificial); equipment (in relation to the price of the caravan), including mirror, cupboard and other storage space; and overall impression in relation to the size and price of the motorhome. Each category is marked out of 20 meaning up to 140 points can be allocated to each washroom. The highest score in a motorhome washroom was 117 points.
Winner: Elddis Aspire 215
The class winner was the Aspire 215, by Elddis, unveiled for the first time at the show. It features a side washroom, which are often compact and a real compromise and they’re not called “the smallest room” for nothing, but this one, we thought, had WOW written all over the expensive looking bijou arrangement. The separate shower cubicle had a bi-fold door with charcoal tile effect on two walls along with a seat. The pinnacle of toilets, a Thetford ceramic bowl swivel cassette was standard and so was the black granite effect specially moulded square washbasin and shelf unit with an integrated toilet roll holder. It looked a very domestic layout, indeed, and complemented the dark walnut door. Lighting, we were pleased to note was LED and the window was opaque. A heated towel rail runs off the ALDE Hydronic central heating system.
Key features of the model seen
Two berths
Lowline front dinette MWB 100PS
100 BHP Peugeot 2.2L multi-jet engine
From £44,300 OTR including VAT at 17.5%
For more information: www.elddis.co.uk
Runner-up: Bentley Cobalt
The runner-up was the Cobalt from the Artisan range by Bentley Motorhomes. First time an exhibitor at the show, the company was founded in April 2010, this range is designed to showcase “refinement and luxury” and we weren’t disappointed. It’s a rear washroom where LED lighting was fitted and the ivory coloured granite effect rectangular shaped washbasin was a decent size. A Dometic ceramic toilet is an up-market item and the wall covering in the shower was tile effect with a gloss finish. Combined with a bi-fold space saving shower door and an accessories rack for toiletries, an oval shaped mirror on the back of the domestic style room door, a lot of equipment and storage has been designed into a small space in this motorhome. We did like the fact that the door can be latched open to allow for through vision.
Key features of the model seen
Two berths
Renault Traffic 2L 115 BHP engine
£41,950 plus £1200 delivery plus £198.50 for optional extras, as seen.
For more information: www.bentleymotorhomes.co.uk
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