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quoteA new kind of camper?
Note that last word of the name above. This is indeed limited – HymerCar is producing just 30 of these for the UK market (although watch out for other, lesser-specified Sydneys as we move from season 2018 to 2019.)
But, what is the Sydney? By virtue of the conversion that sees an elevating roof added to a five-seater, four-sleeper floorplan with kitchen facilities, but – crucially – no washroom, this is very much a campervan. What makes this particular Sydney most special, however, is the extensive equipment list.
But, it’s based on a Fiat’s Ducato. Admittedly, it’s the smallest version you can get – short of 5m long – with the more powerful 150bhp engine as standard. But that’s what makes it more suitable as a daily driver. Look around the outside and there are plenty of other noteworthy features that are part of the GT60 Limited package – the alloy wheels, awning, metallic paint (other colours available), chrome bits and more. Reversing sensors are standard, too.
In the cab, too, HymerCar has gone for the kind of items that make it all the more car-like in its appeal. Those seats have extra padding, there’s a double-DIN stereo, automatic air conditioning, padded steering wheel with controls, and more.
And this is a genuine five-seater. These rear seats – a double and a removable single – are also very automotive in their styling. That’s because they play no part in the bedmaking. But, this is an equally capable accommodator of four for sleeping. At the back, there are mattress sections that slot together for a double that’s 1.94m x 1.29m, while up in the roof it’s even bigger, at 2.02m x 1.50m.
A slight anomaly is the way the downstairs double sits on the kitchen. However, there is also the option to make a longitudinal single bed, which means you can then access the hob and sink – ideal for that first-thing-in-the-morning cuppa.
The kitchen unit is along the rear offside. Camper-style, it includes a two-burner hob and separate sink, in stainless steel, along with a larger-than-average, at 65 litres, compressor fridge. The sink’s tap is a neat fitting that clips to a nearby panelling but can also be used as an outdoors shower.
HymerCar definitely has things right with the other camping fixtures. Like the diesel-powered Eberspacher heating system, the beefy 190ah leisure battery, 35/43 litre fresh/waste water tanks, locker for a 1.275kg gas cylinder, cab blinds and pleated curtains elsewhere.
It’s also the kind of walk-through floorplan that allows for the transporting of unusual loads. Indeed, HymerCar reckons you could transport bikes securely (thanks also to floor-level lashing rails).
There’s seemingly no shortage of clever features that help make this something really special: The table folds almost flat against the sidewall when not needed, for example; there are plastic mouldings where plenty of converters still stick to carpet; and handy sliding hooks in the kitchen.
Will there be more like this to come? It seems quite a few rival manufacturers are lining up something similar for the 2019 season. Meanwhile, remember only 30 of these Limited versions are coming to the UK… just in case you want to act fast.
Verdict: Premium camper from a top manufacturer
Plus: Excellent layout, build quality and practicality, super specification
Minus: Tall (2.30m) for a campervan
In-a-nutshell: A genuine camper from HymerCar, with lots of extra bells and whistles
There’s more information on the HymerCar range on the Hymer website, www.hymer.com. Find out more about insuring this or your current campervan on our campervaninsurance discounts page.
Alternatives: WildAx Pulsar
HymerCar Sydney GT60 Limited factfile
| Model | HymerCar Sydney GT60 Limited |
| Base vehicle | Fiat Ducato window van |
| Dimensions | 4.96m L x 2.05m W x 2.30m H |
| Berths | 4 |
| Travel seats | 5 |
| Maximum weight | 3,500kg |
| Payload | 835kg |
| MPG estimate | 28-34 |
| RRP | From £52,990 on the road |
| Safety & security | Electronic immobiliser, remote central locking, twin airbags, day-running lights, ESC with brake assistant (HBA), ABS, ASR, LAC, MSR, Hill start assist and Traction+ and reversing sensors. |
Having had several large motorhomes from 9.5 mtrs largest down to 7.5mtrs over a 20 year period , we then decided to buy a VW T6 conversion with a double up and a double down with a slide out kitchen at the rear, but we decided it was too tight inside with insufficient space for sitting, eating and relaxing.
So we have sold it and purchased a Hymer Sydney 60GT , this has the space inside for relaxing and everything else which is so lacking in any T6 VW .
It is also so beautifully finished typical of Hymer products.
I still prefer my T28 conversion as it retains versatility and dimension advavantages especially when travelling to and from Europe. We’ve spent upwards of two weeks living comfortably in during our recent tour of Italy and the south of France. The concept of this van is sound, but i agree with Geoff that it appears to have its limitations.
okay for weekend’s I should say,although like so many others it’s a van cluttered with furniture where everything is just not quite what it sets out to be.
Can’t understand all the stacked mattresses in the back. A real downside for an expensive van.
Halves the actual space you should have. Too clever for me. Make it a double up and a single down so you can sit at a table.