2014 Roller Team T-Line 590 motorhome review

The motorhomes of 2014? There must be room here for an emerging sub-section of compact coachbuilts – i.e. vehicles up to 6m in overall length – that include a drop-down double bed in their make-up.

It may be the smallest of three such models from Roller Team of Italy, all designated T-line, but the 590 here sure packs a lot in. The floor plan here shows just what’s capable with the space freed up by having such an arrangement that gives you all the comfort advantages of a permanent double bed, but only when you need it. Meanwhile, from the outside, although there’s a swoop to the roofline, there’s little to tell you what’s indoors.

It’s a lot. At “floor level”, there’s a full washroom across the back (including separate shower cubicle and wardrobe, which still leaves some dressing space). The kitchen boasts a three-ring hob, separate sink, minimal worktop space but good storage (including a highly useful large drawer directly under the hob), a grill and a capacious 145-litre fridge/freezer.

The main query here is the grill location. On top of the freezer, some folk may feel it’s too high for comfort.

All this, and there’s still room for a sizable lounge area at the front, comprising both cab seats swiveled, a two-person travel seat that also comes with extra cushioning to complete an L-shaped settee, and a further settee (again for two) adjacent. A disappointment for some will be the lack of anywhere obvious for a TV.

Over the lounge, that bed differs from its peers, too, in that it glides right down to a very low level, electrically, with the minimal of cushion re-arranging needed. Just turn the key, press the appropriate arrow and it glides to whatever level you want. You can also stow your bedding here, plus the location means the bed doesn’t cut across the main doorway.

There’s also a rather strange hinged ladder to help access if you want the bed at a higher level, for example if you’re planning to sleep more than two. Thanks to flat cushions, the lounge seating can also be made into a flat double bed, making this a genuine four-berth. That’s also with the help of the table, a fixed pedestal affair with a range of movement, including a pneumatic operation for its height.

Underpinning all this is Fiat’s chassis and cab, easily the best base vehicle for a vehicle of this ilk, in terms of driveability, performance, economy; in fact, you name it… and price is on that list, too.

Criticisms? Arguably it’s the rather low-rent furniture construction and upholstery that belie the Roller Team’s budget pricing. Of course, storage is never going to be straightforward in a vehicle like this. The 590 fares pretty well in this respect, with a handy drawer in the settee base, decent wardrobe space and a tall locker alongside that’s also accessible from outside, and also comes with a folding shelf. There’s also some open shelving over the cab, and space in some of the other seat bases. Unlike rivals, though, the main bed doesn’t have lockers to its underside.

Go for the Lux Pack option. It may add just over £1,000 to your price, but it gives you a whole of extras worth at least double that (see below).

It all adds up to a great little package, but the 590 isn’t without rivals (again, see below). It just happens to trump them all on price.

Verdict: Great value and specification, in a compact package

Plus: Fiat base, Lux Pack, ExPS coachbuilt bodywork

Minus: Variable interior build quality

In-a-nutshell: Compactly clever, storage limitations

Cost to insure: £257.50*

In summary

• Roller Team T-Line 590

• Fiat Ducato, 2.3-litre, 130bhp Euro V

• Dimensions 5.99m L, 2.31m W, 2.80m H

• Maximum weight 3500kg

• Payload 750kg

• Key options: Lux Pack – cab air conditioning, electric door mirrors, colour reversing camera, 100Watt solar panel, 100ah leisure battery, bike rack, habitation door flyscreen (£1,195)

• Security and Safety Electronic immobiliser, remote central locking to cab doors, ABS, twin airbags

• MPG estimate 24-28

Recommended retail price from £43,119**

Price as reviewed £44,314**

There’s more information on the T-Line range on the Roller Team website and to find out more about our low-cost premiums visit the motorhome insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Bailey Compact 540, Adria Axess 590 SG, Carado T139/Sunlight T59, Chausson Flash 510

*Motorhome insurance cost based on the Roller Team T-Line 590 retailing at £43,119. Motorhome must have an immobiliser and Thatcham approved Cat 1 alarm system. UK travel only. Kept in secure storage 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. Premiums include insurance premium tax at 6% and are correct at 05/11/13.

**On-the-road, including VAT at 20%, but excluding delivery, installation and any other costs as determined by the manufacturer, distributor, dealer or park owner.