Auto-trail V-line 540 SE
The most compact camper in the range, with a revised cab
While Auto-trail’s campervan line-up of Adventure, Expedition and V-line (now in S, SE and Sport variations) numbers 17 different Fiat Ducato-based models, just one of those is based on the compact (5.41m) medium-wheelbase van.
For the 2021 season, this baby of the range gets the new Cab-plus feature with full headroom and an integrated curved ceiling above the front seats, as well as three storage pockets. As a £1,495 option, you can upgrade to the Panoview overcab sunroof, while other factory options include a bike rack and Motorhome Wifi. The 140bhp engine is standard, but upgrades (160 or 178bhp) and the automatic gearbox are available.
On all V-lines, there’s a new 4.7kw Whale gas and electric heating system. The Media Pack is standard, too, with a 21.5in Avtex smart TV and Status digital aerial, radio with 8in touchscreen and steering wheel controls, plus a reversing camera.
The 540 saves you £1,763 against the six-metre 610 SE but, more importantly, it shaves 0.58m from the overall length. The medium-wheelbase Ducato is barely longer than a long VW T6 or Ford Transit Custom, so it’s a more practical vehicle for daily or town centre use. Like its bigger brothers, this V-line comes in a choice of six metallic finishes at no extra cost and 16in alloy wheels are standard, too.
The little 540 feels very roomy for its size, the main compromise being a shorter rear lounge that converts into a transverse double bed (1.85m by 1.28m). There are reading lights in each corner, a TV bracket, posh pleated blinds and the conversion from lounge to bedroom takes very little time – the bed bases slide out and backrest cushions slot in on top. There’s good storage under the nearside sofa but not much space on the offside, where the Whale heating and power supply unit lives. The gas struts aren’t sufficient to support the seat bases without first removing the squab cushions.
The kitchen is very well equipped, with a Thetford Triplex cooker (including three burners and an oven/grill), a Russell Hobbs microwave above and a large worktop extension flap by the sliding door. A 230V socket is behind the cooker, while a small