CMC HEMBIL URBAN

So good that the Editor bought the very first one that

CMC built! Here, then, is another reason to eschew the California – needing five seatbelts. Yes, technically, you can add an extra removable seat in the Cali but it’s about as practical as hopping to save on shoe wear. Campervans with a double passenger cab seat are equally unappealing in our book – awkward to rotate, they have a fixed backrest that means you won’t want to travel far. No, the answer if you need more seats is a wider rear bench.

In that case, you could simply go for a California Beach Camper, but this is better. Much better. It has a far more comprehensive kitchen and the fact that the hob section can be removed for cooking outside is an added bonus.

A further advantage of campers with a wider rear seat is, obviously, a wider bed and, on warm summer nights, that’s really appreciated. Then, there’s the excellent Reimo sliding seat system here, which gives you the same additional versatility as in the Cali.

CMC has been building campervans since 1988 and its HemBil range also includes the Drift, with a second sliding door – out of which the kitchen cleverly pivots. All models are offered in Smart Line or Comfort spec (from £55,950 for the Urban), with the latter based on a T30 Kombi Highline. Long-wheelbase versions are available, as well as a new electric elevating roof and stunning full leather interiors.