2019 Roller Team Toleno L motorhome

Invading the bargain van conversions sector

Roller Team might be a popular import here in the UK, but so far its efforts have concentrated on the coachbuilt sector. Well, that’s about to change. Just ahead of the 2019 season, it’s introduced a couple of van conversions – two-berth Toleno L, here, and four-berth Toleno R.

Both are based on the 5.99m long version of Fiat’s ever-popular Ducato high-top van. And both are very competitively priced.

Two key factors help keep that price down. First, Roller Team is part of the Trigano empire – a family of brands – think Adria, Auto-Sleepers, Benimar, Chausson, Tribute – thus benefiting from the parent company’s sheer buying power. Also, Tolenos will be manufactured here in the UK, to National Caravan Council approval, at sister company Auto-Trail’s state-of-the-art premises near Grimsby.

This Toleno L, then, kicks off at under £40,000. That’s real bargain territory, although you should note that’s for the 115bhp engine version, also without what many would consider essential – the £1,250 Driver’s Pack. Check the details for yourselves, but it’s hard to see anyone buying without it.

Nevertheless, you’re going to have to go some to beat a price like this, on a spec’-for-spec’ basis. If you think quality has been compromised, maybe it’s time to take a further look.

It’s a much-favoured floorplan, with two inward-facing settees at the back, and a full washroom and kitchen towards the front. No surprises there, then, but taller drivers might want to check they can adjust their seat back far enough before it comes into contact with the washroom wall.

Those settees are long enough to be considered as 1.91m/6ft 3in long single beds at night. Or they can be adapted easily enough into a 1.91m x 1.86m double. During the day, the big attraction of this layout is the facility to throw open those rear doors (or their windows) and enjoy whatever scenery you want to aim for. Both cab seats swivel, too, if you want a bit of privacy up front.

It’s a flat floor from the lounge as far as the cab. As you walk forward, the washroom is on your right, the kitchen on the left, just inside the sliding door.

A tip-up basin that sits flush with the cabinet above it when not in use helps free up extra space in the washroom. You’ll want that space if you’re going to shower. It’s a water-saving trigger-operated showerhead, and you’ll have to pull a curtain around and across the door for full protection. There are three downlights here, but just a small roof vent.

The kitchen sports a typical two-ring hob and sink combination unit, plus a handy flip-up worktop extension. Under the hob, the microwave oven is standard. Storage includes a large drawer, with cutlery sections, and two floor lockers.

The fridge is across the corridor, set below the wardrobe. Hot water and heating are catered for by Truma’s 4kW Combi, operating from gas and/or mains electric.

Interior details include overhead lockers with proper backs and positive locks, removable floor carpets, a good mix of LED lighting, Heki Midi rooflight over the main seating area, and concertina blinds, plus flyscreens to all windows aft of the cab.

Outside, the all-white bodywork keeps things discreet, but details include the colour-coded front bumper, plus rear-view camera. A five-year conversion warranty seals the deal.

Verdict: An almost perfect interpretation of what’s fast becoming a classic two-berth van conversion formula

Plus: Keenly priced, roomy rear lounge, no obvious quality compromises, strong UK dealer network

Minus: Only the one exterior colour/interior finish offering

In-a-nutshell: Welcome to the Toleno show

There’s more information on the Toleno range on the Roller website www.rollerteammotorhomes.co.uk. Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome on our motorhome insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Swift Select 122, Elddis Autoquest CV 20