CJL Leisure Grande Adventure 600- 4
Winner of the Campervan of the Year title for 2024
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Nthe past, we’ve been hugely impressed by CJL Leisure’s conversions of the T6.1 Transporter, especially the newest addition to the line-up, the long-wheelbase Adventure Coast, but this Grande Adventure moves the company into a new league, not just as it’s a larger (Crafter-based) camper but because of its sheer sophistication. Making its debut at last October’s NEC show, the 600-4 model walked off not only with the title of Coolest Campervan, but it also grabbed the overall Campervan of the Year award from under the noses of more established competition.
If any panel van conversion has an immediate wow factor, this is it. The show model looked very special, with eye-catching, lime-green contour line decals contrasting with the dark grey body. Inside, it’s even more impressive but it’s only when you look closer and discover the myriad practical details that you realise how much innovation and clever design has gone into this vehicle. Here is a ’van where everything has been done for a reason and all to the highest standard, from the slide-out storage trays in the garage to the Bluetooth sound system.
The layout is nothing new – half-dinette up front, kitchen along the nearside and partway across the sliding door, washroom on the offside, plus a transverse bed at the back – but the quality and attention to detail are exceptional. That starts, perhaps, with the rear garage for up to four bikes, or two bikes and room for a large portable fridge, or dog cages, or CJL will configure the space for whatever you need to carry. You can even charge e-bikes here, while a pull-out hot and cold shower is a marine industry fitting; there’s even a mat to stand on while you hose off the sand or mud. The back doors are fully trimmed but also fitted with storage pockets for oddments
and outdoor chairs. No space is wasted.
The striking exterior of this Crafter also features OZ alloy wheels and a neatly integrated ladder on the offside. Here, there’s also the optional pop-top, adding two extra berths in a large double bed with USB, reading light and fully opening panoramic canvas.
In the Grande Adventure’s main living space, all the top lockers feature custom-made removable bags, so you can take them into your house for packing and never be tempted to overpack. Each bag is even colour-coded, ensuring that they all return to exactly the right place. Then, alongside the 1.95m by 1.43m rear bed with spring system and dual-core mattress, the back doors have fold-down shelves, perfect for leaving your phones overnight – one of them even features a wireless charger!
The gas-free kitchen boasts real wood worktops (Corian is also available), a twin-zone induction hob, a sink with a domestic-style tap and a removable cover that doubles up as a chopping board, plus a 70-litre fridge that you can access from inside or outside, thanks to its position at the end of the galley. A Miele 900W microwave is optional, while crockery and cutlery nestle in their own moulded surrounds to prevent rattles.
The washroom is a decent size and includes a duckboard and corner basin, as well as an opening window. A portable toilet is removable to create more space for showering.
Spec’d to the hilt for off-grid touring, the impressive electrical spec here includes 460Ah of lithium batteries, a 3kW inverter and a 250W solar panel. Prices for the Grande Adventure start at £113,700 but, if you want all the toys, you could rack up a bill for nearly £150k. Clearly, there are cheaper options out there but if you want the best…