RAPIDO C55
If it’s usually two of you on tour and you like to dine out, this neat, 2023 low-profile model could be just what you’re looking for, says Peter Baber
Rapido is one of several brands to bring out a compact range of low-profiles in recent years. Until now they were based on a Fiat Ducato, but supply issues mean that this year, the range has been redeployed to the Peugeot Boxer.
That might disappoint those wanting to match the convenience of a narrower motorhome with the ease of an automatic gearbox: Peugeot doesn’t produce such a thing. But otherwise, the cab you step into here should look familiar, with central drinks holders.
Our test model came in the Luceo furniture finish that is an option for this year, in an interior with pale wood locker doors, a white, woven finish on walls, pale upholstery and matt black spotlights with USB ports.
Extra touches in the lounge make it more comfortable than most. A fold-down stool by the door means that there is easily room for six to sit at the dining table. There are two coat hooks here, and a couple more by the washroom door, along with a slot that seems ideal for an umbrella stand.
Rapido has also included two useful LEDs next to the cab seats, making this an excellent place to read or watch TV.
There is a half-height fridge in the kitchen, but that is probably enough for the food of three; there’s also a spice rack with elastic retainers above.
You only get two burners on the hob, but it is level with the work surface, so should be easy to clean. The sink is on the small side, but the ample worktop has mains and 12V sockets, and is well lit, too. A shelf clips into a slot on the wall for a second food prep area, and there’s an extractor fan – handy in a more compact ’van such as this.
There is no microwave, although a combined grill and oven is an option, but it would take up much of the drawer space under the worktop.
This compact motorhome still has a washroom where a partition swings over to reveal the shower. But to fit it in, Rapido has come up with a slightly skewed shape for the shower tray.
This doesn’t have the world’s best headroom, and you have to step up into it. But the shower itself is nicely adjustable, with a large riser, and the area is well lit by a rooflight.
The main washroom has a saladbowl-style handbasin, with a mirror behind it that takes advantage of the same LED that lights the shower. There is a light over the toilet and two more hooks.
You also have to step up into the rear bedroom. But – again unusually for a compact ’van – this one has a wooden partition. The single bed is a good 1.99m long, and at 1.85m, the other bed isn’t exactly short, either.
Along with a socket next to the steps up to the bed, you get USB ports and
individually switched spotlights at the head end, although headroom here is not generous. It’s probably why the beds don’t rise up at the end. You can add a cushioned panel to make the bed an enormous transverse double.
The third bed is made up using the dinette seats and table, and a panel that is stored in the garage.
That garage is a bonus. With a height of 1.20m, it is big enough for at least one bike, while the double doors make loading simpler, too. The gas bottle locker is accessed from here.
The large hanging wardrobe and cupboard at the foot of each bed can easily be accessed by simply lifting the base. Then there are four overhead lockers in the rear bedroom and two in the dinette.
Kitchen storage includes three large drawers, one with a cutlery tray and another with a hidden drawer. There are also two deep overhead lockers.
In the washroom, you get a very large, partially enclosed shelving area just behind the toilet.