Keeping up with the options
Prepare yourself. The standard HymerCar Ayers Rock is a high-top van conversion. The example here (as reviewed at the Erwin Hymer Centre specialist’s state-of-the-art premises in Staffordshire) represents something more akin to the kind of Ayers Rock you might end up buying.
So, whereas the standard model, on Fiat’s 5.41m long Ducato with 115bhp engine, kicks things off at £47,330, your budget is probably more like anything up to £10,000 more. The key options listed opposite really do only tell some of the story…
This, like other HymerCars from the Hymer campervan and motorhome portfolio, really can be all things to all people. For example, despite it being a high-top, you may well want to go for the elevating roof option, literally on top of this, which also adds two more sleeping berths – but it will set you back more than £3,000 (possibly more, if you want it colour-matched to any of the paintwork options).
Then there’s the initial £820 Crossover Pack, although this really only beefs up the exterior looks with chrome and graphics. If you want to go even heavier-duty, there’s the Crossover Maxi.
The floorplan of the Ayers Rock campervan will be familiar to many, though. It provides travel for four and sleeping for two on a transverse double bed at the back that can be left up permanently or folded away to one side to allow the transportation of heftier items such as bikes (with floor-level lashing points provided).
At 1.96m long and 1.38m tapering to 1.23m wide, it’s not the largest of beds, but comfort is up there with the best, thanks to a system of plastic springing under cold foam mattress sections. There are also opening windows and high-level locker storage to three sides.
Also in the Ayers Rock motorhome inventory is a washroom with a swivel-bowl toilet and a fold-down basin that’s really just an instant drain-away for any water used for handwashing.
Its tap extends for showering (there’s a curtain to draw around, too) and – although everything is pretty compact in here – it’s all more than capable of coping with occasional use. The large tambour door is a real space saver and there’s a small, opaque window to help with ventilation and natural light.
Style and practicality also combine in the kitchen, which has a two gas ring and sink combination in stainless steel.
Much of the lower-level storage here is taken by a 65-litre compressor fridge, but there’s still some drawer space as well as upper lockers – not forgetting a drawer under the fridge itself, which is ideal for heavier pieces of kitchenware.
Up front, the half-dinette and swivelled cab seats make for a decent lounge (this is a van conversion, after all).
Like all HymerCars, the Ayers Rock exudes German build quality. There are also lots of clever details, like the way the table folds back flat against the sidewall when legroom is a priority; the location of the fridge, so that you can access it from outside with the sliding door open; the extensive use of plastic mouldings and quality fabric lining where so many rivals still make do with carpet; dimmable LED lighting; and plenty more.
Just note that (admittedly, like its main rivals) it’s not switched for right-hand drive vehicles, so the sliding door remains on the UK offside, coming complete with a slide-out electric step and full flyscreen.
We also took a look inside the HymerCar Crossover at the NEC:
Verdict: Quality conversion work that also allows for your imagination (and budget)
Plus: Overall use of space, clever lounge, kitchen and washroom touches
Minus: Bewildering options list
In-a-nutshell: A ‘van for people with a plan
There’s more information on the HymerCar range on the Hymer website. Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome on our motorhome insurance discounts page.
Alternatives: Bürstner City Car C 540, Carado Vlow V540, Dreamer D53 Fun, Globecar D Line Roadscout R, Knaus BoxStar Road 540, Malibu Van 540, Rapido V43, Westfalia Columbus 540D
HymerCar Ayers Rock Crossover factfile
Model | HymerCar Ayers Rock Crossover |
Base vehicle | Fiat Ducato |
Dimensions | 5.41m L x 2.08m W x 2.60m H (2.70m with elevating roof) |
Berths | Two |
Travel seats | Four |
Maximum weight | 3,300kg |
Payload | From 575kg |
MPG estimate | 28-32 |
RRP | From £48,150 on the road |
Safety & security | Electronic immobiliser, remote central locking, ESC with brake assist (HBA), Hill Start Assist, Traction+, daytime running lights, driver and passenger airbags |
Key options | Comfort Pack Chassis (£1,090), Comfort Pack Body (£680), Blackline Style Pack (£170), Driver Assistance Pack (910), Crossover Pack (from £820), 130bhp engine (£920), 150bhp engine (£2,440), Comfort-Matic transmission (£1,910), elevating roof (from £3,170) |
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