Auto-Sleeper Symbol Plus
AS the name suggests, the Symbol Plus is closely related to the standard Symbol, but this is a much newer addition to the range, built on the LWB Peugeot with the extra space dedicated to the bathroom and kitchen.
You’ll also note that, while the Symbol can be entered via the sliding side door or rear barn doors, the Plus’ furniture blocks off the back entrance. These doors now only give access to the gas taps, for toilet servicing, and maintenance of the Whale boiler – pity there’s no storage here for outdoor chairs, etc.
The front lounge looks the same as the Symbol, although, on the example reviewed, we’ve switched from Casa Milà upholstery in berry to blue. The seating area has a similar format of offside sofa facing the side door (for great views out on a fine day), an occasional rear belted passenger seat and (at a higher level) the two swivel cab chairs.
Once again, the twin bed make-up is very simple. On the nearside, the single seat just slides forward and flattens. Opposite, there’s just a slot-in infill behind the driver’s seat to extend the length of the sofa for sleeping. This time, however, it’s the offside bed that’s the longer one, at 1.87m versus 1.80m on the nearside. If you prefer a double bed, that’s bigger, too, at 1.86m by a generous 1.61m wide.
Whilst there are obviously detail differences up front, the real advantages of the Symbol Plus are at the back. Here, the L-shaped galley – running along the offside and across one of the rear doors – feels a lot more spacious to work in, although the actual fixtures and fittings are much the same. The Thetford
Triplex cooker is fitted, as is an eye- level microwave, but here you also get a coffee machine! The 88-litre fridge is located forward of the main workspace, underneath the wardrobe, while a pull-out worktop extends the acreage for serving up.
The washroom is in the nearside rear corner but of a totally different design to the one in the shorter Symbol. It gains a fixed corner washbasin and now there’s no need for a curtain when showering. When you emerge after your shower, the whole rear of the camper can be partitioned off to create a very generous changing room, complete with a full-height shelved cupboard for your clothes that also includes an illuminated vanity mirror. It’s this huge changing area (as well as the more spacious kitchen) that is key to the Symbol Plus’ appeal.