Ford outclasses rival Volkswagen in booming campervan segment
COVID and the consequential upturn in staycations has delivered an unprecedented demand for campervans and motorhomes.
From DIY conversations to bespoke machines with all the fittings and furnishings of a luxury apartment, these holiday homes on wheels have found a whole new audience.
And aiming to bridge the gap between compact camper and luxury motorhome is the latest version of Ford’s Nugget. Based on the L2 (long wheelbase) version of the popular Transit Custom van it adds an extra 40cm of length, which is enough to add an integrated cassette-type toilet and pop-down wash basin for self-sufficient off-grid adventures.
Created by experts in the field Westfalia, this ‘Nugget Plus’ is a fullyfledged Ford-approved offering that’s sold through a network of Ford franchised dealers.
Offered across Trend and Active trim grades, with a choice of power outputs and manual or automatic transmission, prices start at just short of £80k but budget as much as £90,000 for a top-spec model with a few extras.
This puts the Ford straight into battle against flagship versions of the much-loved Volkswagen Transporter California.
However, the Ford is arguably the better designed vehicle.
The way it packs so much – sleeping for four, a cooker, fridge, sink, storage compartments, toilet, fresh water tank, dinner table, waste water tank and external shower connection – into the space is remarkable.
Instead of one open plan space, this Westfalia conversion sees the kitchen separate from the main seating area and then the toilet further separated with a pull-out privacy blind.
Moreover, the quality of the materials is exquisite, with even my well-used demonstrator example showing only minimal signs of wear and tear.
Like most campers, there’s also a pop-up roof. This increases headroom and has a fold-down bed.
Admittedly there was an air of apprehension between the two adults in the front as we set off for Dunbar on a wet and windy Friday afternoon but that was quickly cancelled out by the excitement of our five-year-old.
On the move, the Nugget drives just like any other Transit Custom – no issues there – and three belted seats in the back mean that it can also double up as a family car.
I expected a lot of wind noise, creaks and rattles on the move but that wasn’t to be the case, a further reminder of this vehicle’s impressive build quality.
Arriving on the outskirts of Dunbar, it took a mater of minutes o#to set up the camper van instead of the hour or so it usually takes to set-up our caravan on site. A superb diesel heater also ensured the cabin was cosy at all times, even during inclement weather.
When the weather did improve, we took advantage of the comfortable foldaway chairs which are included and there’s also a useful wind-out canopy.
Preparing for night time is relatively straightforward too and both the ground level and upper bunk proved comfortable.
Two nights, however, is about the limit of any time away as a family. There’s just not enough space for everything you need to be away much longer.
For couples though, the Transit Custom Nugget Plus could easily be a compact home from home. Being based on a mid-sized van also means you won’t have difficulties manoeuvring on narrow country roads which makes it perfect for adventures across the length and breadth of Scotland and beyond.