2013 Autocruise Forte: Stretching it

Swift Group knows it’s on to a good thing with Autocruise. Its van conversion brand tops the sales charts in this sector of the market, thanks to the efforts of its Rhythm models in a variety of guises (standard, budget-priced Sport and shorter Compact), with support from Jazz, Accent and Quartet. Of course, having nearly 50 UK retailers – more than any other brand – helps, too.

Well, it’s taken things a step further – almost literally – this season with the announcement of the largest Autocruise high-top yet. Here’s the Forte, which takes Peugeot’s extra-long wheelbase Boxer as its start point. Or, if you want automatic transmission, your Forte can be made on Fiat’s Ducato.

The width and height are no issue, but this is one long vehicle, by van conversion norms. It’s just under 6.4m, or just a couple of inches shy of 21ft, if you prefer.

And yet, it feels just like any other Boxer-based motorcaravan to drive. There’s plenty of oomph from the 130bhp engine, and you’re barely aware of being in a vehicle that’s a bit longer than your normal van conversion.

Some of this is because the wheelbase (ie centre of front wheels to centre of the back) is exactly the same as its more standard long wheelbase brother, at 4.04m

It’s all down to the extra overhang beyond the rear wheels. And such is the design, with a twin settee lounge here – any extra weight at the very back is going to be minimal.

As for the rest of the layout, there’s a generous kitchen and more than acceptable washroom ‘amidships, whilst up front there’s a second lounge area that’s created by swivelling both front seats to face the half-dinette that also provides safe travel for a further two passengers.

The latter definitely adds to the Forte’s appeal. Even if you don’t intend touring with four up, it’s that facility to carry passengers during its more everyday ventures that is the bonus.

As we’ve come to expect from any Swift Group product, it’s a crisp and modern interior design – with quality upholstery and a rather neat all-ivory finish for the locker doors, all of which have positive catches.

With that bit of extra space to play with, Autocruise has certainly come up trumps with the type of kitchen you’d expect in a UK-built coachbuilt, although not necessary in a van conversion. There’s a full cooker here, and good worktop space (although a drainer isn’t included in any form), with the fridge set opposite at a convenient height well above floor level.

Adjacent to the fridge, the washroom is never going to be the largest, but the facilities are there for showering, toileting and washing – and, while the fixed sink will be applauded by some, others may feel it intrudes a bit too much into the shower area.

Even making the beds is pretty straightforward. They’re both transverse, and therefore confined by the base vehicle’s dimensions. There’s always the opportunity to leave the rear made up as a permanent double, if there’s just two of you on board.

Heating and hot water are from Truma’s latest Combi 2, which should cope with most weather conditions. There’s also extra 3M Thinsulate in all Autocruises these days – offering not just better insulation but also extra sound-deadening qualities.

Even with a typically generous starting specification, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter a Forte without the £1,445 options pack. But, considering the extra kit it gives you, it’s well worth it – cruise control, cab air conditioning, microwave oven, reversing sensors, front foglights, dashboard trim etc. And it’ll pay dividends at trade-in time. Plus don’t forget the reversing sensors will get you a discount when it comes to getting quotes for campervan insurance.

Autocruise has certainly moved a stage ahead of its nearest mainstream rivals with the Forte. It’s over to you, the paying customers now, to see if it’s made the right move. Certainly, the indications from the start-of-the-season shows are sounding pretty positive. It could be a long (but good) season…

Verdict

If you want a full-on four-berth, without going as far as a coachbuilt, this is it

Plus: Full four-berth accommodation – in a van! Peugeot and Fiat base vehicle options. Two double beds

Minus: Watch your payload

In a nutshell: Super-sized!

Cost to insure: £262.50*

Tech spec

• Autocruise Forte
• Based on Peugeot Boxer, 2.2-litre, 130bhp, Euro V
• Price from £45,230
• Dimensions 6.36m L, 2.05m W, 2.72m H
• Maximum weight 3500kg
• Payload 380kg
• Key options Comfort Pack £1,445
• Security and safety Central locking to all doors, ABS, driver’s and passenger’s airbags, reversing sensors (Comfort Pack option)
• Further reading MMM (May 2013)
• MPG estimate 22-25
• More info Swift Group (www.swiftgroup.co.uk)
• Alternatives: IH Tio RL, Adria Twin SLX, Globecar Familyscout, Murvi Morocco XL

*Campervan insurance cost based on 2013 Autocruise Forte £45,230 fitted with standard fit immobiliser system and Tracker retrieve tracking system. UK travel only. Kept on driveway at home at TD9 8ED. Motorhome owners – professionals over 50 years old with no claims, convictions or health conditions in last 3 years. 4 years no claims bonus mirrored from car policy and 2 years motorhome driving experience. Members of motorhome club doing less than 5000 miles annually. £300 excess applies. Quote correct as of 13/02/2013.