2020 Elddis Autoquest CV60 campervan

The one with the bed at the back!

Elddis’ Autoquest range has won many friends over the years – make that decades –  primarily as a series of very competitively priced coachbuilts of many sizes and layouts that have helped plenty of folk ease themselves into motorhome ownership.

The Autoquest brand was then stretched into the van conversion sector just two years ago and this, the CV60 takes the line-up to three. True to the Autoquest success formula, it’s very keenly priced. It also offers something a bit different.

Like its van conversion siblings, it’s based on the 6m-long version of Fiat’s Ducato, coming with the latest 2.3-litre, 120bhp engine as the initial standard engine offering. Power upgrades and Fiat’s latest automatic transmission are on the options list.

The Autoquest CV60’s main selling point is at the back, where you’ll find the cleverest of bed arrangements – a “daybed” slides out to make a double, maximum dimensions 1.87m x 1.32m.

In day mode, it’s not quite a proper settee (some folk will find the bottom cushion too deep, hence Elddis’ daybed nomenclature), but you could easily sprawl out on it… or, indeed, use it as a single bed.

The double, though, is oh-so easy to set up, and still allows access along the side. Directly opposite and occupying the rear nearside is a storage unit that includes drawers, as well as offering a home for a flatscreen TV, should that be your preferred way of relaxing.

Also, an under-slung gas tank (rather than a locker for cylinders), means the bed settee can be set low. A small hatch just inside the back doors allows access to the storage space here. Plus, overhead lockers line both sides of this bedroom zone.

The Autoquest CV60 campervan also boasts a second lounge, upfront, where both cab seats are on swivels and a pedestal leg table can slot in between. There’s also a handy ledge nearby. From here, it’s a step down to the rest of the living area.

The kitchen takes up a mid-‘van area just inside the sliding door. Here, you get a space-efficient Thetford Triplex cooker (three gas rings, combined oven and grill), with a circular sink and small worktop extension that’s bound to prove useful – despite cutting across the doorway.

A narrow Thetford fridge is to the left of the kitchen, set high enough to make it convenient to access. It’s a 90-litre compressor model.

If anything, it’s the washroom that is the CV60’s Achilles heel. It’s basic, lacking some of the clever touches and indeed build quality of rivals (including admittedly more expensive models from its Erwin Hymer Group stablemates). Main facilities here are a swivel-bowl toilet and fixed, counter-top basin.

Showering is via the extended tap outlet, with a rather restrictive curtain for protection and only a small single plughole. Storage is limited to a small vanity unit and, for on-site use only, two open shelves.

Ventilation is taken care of by an opening roof-light.

2020 Autoquest motorhomes also benefit from Whale’s latest 4.3kW CompleteHeat blown air heating, along with a hot water supply via an eight-litre tank. Other standard features of note range from a Heki roof-light over the rear area; to concertina blinds and flyscreens to the side and rear windows; and moulded panelling around the back windows.

Although the initial specification is admirable, it’s hard to imagine anyone not wanting the £1,218 Lux Pack – for its cab air conditioning, passenger airbag and cruise control.

Don’t forget there’s the Compass Avantgarde CV60 twin sister model (with different graphics and soft furnishings). Look out, also, for dealers’ special edition variants of the Autoquest CV60 campervan, where you’ll pay a bit more, but get a vastly superior standard specification.

And upgrading to include safety and security systems, such as the optional Thatcham CAT 1 alarm or rearview camera will attract some healthy discounts on your campervan insurance premium.

In this video, we take a look around the 2020 Elddis Autoquest CV60 campervan.

Verdict: The ’Quest for a proper bed in a van conversion stops here

Plus: Keenly priced but not lacking in floorplan innovation

Minus: Compromised washroom

In-a-nutshell: Sleep well

There’s more information on the Autoquest range on the Elddis website. Find out more about insuring this or your current campervan or motorhome on our motorhome insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Adria Twin 600, Auto-Trail Tribute 669, Roller Team Toleno R, Swift Select 164