2021 Auto-Sleeper Nuevo EK ES LT motorhome

Auto-Sleeper Nuevo: A mini, plus two marvel

Happy 20^th Birthday, Nuevo, for 2021. It’s been an unqualified success since the first motorhome model rolled out of the Auto-Sleepers factory in 2001 (spoiler alert: special, commemorative models are on their way).

For now, though, there are two Auto-Sleeper Nuevo motorhomes – essentially, a two-berth or a four-berth – which, between them also offer other choices. Officially, then, the model under review here is the EK ES LT – the letters that tell you: it’s an End Kitchen; Extra Seats (for travel); with Luton overcab pod.

That overcab section might look bulky, but it performs its function of offering an instant double bed, official measurements 1.94m x 1.28m. Headroom is restricted, though, which might have you thinking this area is more suited to smaller children.

But, it  can also be used as a generous storage zone, ideally for items that aren’t going to fall out when on the move. It’s an interesting thought, especially as a 5.75m long motorhome like this is hardly going to be blessed with lots of storage space.

Downstairs, it’s a conventional enough floorplan in the Nuevo EK ES LT, with all the seating towards the front. Easy-to-swivel cab seats contribute to what is a surprisingly decent lounge area.

Again, there are options regarding the sleeping arrangements here – two singles or a double.

As mentioned, the kitchen is across the back and, again, it’s extensively equipped. There’s a full Thetford cooker (three gas rings, electric hotplate, separate oven and grill), plus extractor unit, with sink to its right (with, in turn, space for an add-on plastic drainer to its right).

The furniture unit the other side of the habitation door is home to a Thetford fridge with freezer compartment as well as a Russell Hobbs microwave oven set at a height where most folk will find it convenient. Below, it is that most typical of Auto-Sleeper offerings – a set of four cut glass-effect drinks glasses that could have come out of your great auntie’s drawing room.

In the offside rear corner of the Auto-Sleeper Nuevo EK ES LT, the washroom really makes the most of what was always going to be limited space. That’s thanks particularly to a swinging wall arrangement, which hinges out to create an enclosed area for showering. Folded back, it allows best use of space for the basin and toilet.

Despite those earlier storage comments, the Nuevo is actually well-supplied with high-level lockers along both sides of the lounge and space under the settee (but not the rear seat base). Note, also, the underslung gas tank helps free up valuable interior storage, too.

On the base vehicle side, Peugeot’s Boxer with latest 165bhp engine as standard bodes well for when you really want to motor as well as enhanced economy, when it suits. If you want automatic transmission (and admittedly a little less power), Auto-Sleepers offers the switch to Fiat’s Ducato.

As you’d expect, it’s a well-appointed cab, too, with air conditioning and touchscreen “infotainment” unit (DAB radio, sat nav, reversing camera monitor etc) heading the list. That reversing aid will also attract a small motorhome insurance discount with Caravan Guard.

OK, so it’s more of a two-plus-two than a full-on four-berth, but if you want a rather upmarket coachbuilt motorhome that’s going to be easy to manage, store and use, with an abundance of kit, including a motorhome insurance saving Thatcham approved Sargent tracking device, and very much a proven floorplan, here it is.

All of the above assumes you’ve ordered your Auto-Sleeper Nuevo motorhome with the Premium Pack option – which you will, if you’re like every other Nuevo buyer since the all-encompassing goodies package was introduced back in 2008. That, and the Winter Pack (another option everyone orders, it seems) brings it all up to top luxury level. Not forgetting there are also 13 soft furnishings and two wood finishes to choose from. Who says the best things don’t come in small packages?

Verdict: Modern classic

Plus: Compact/easy-use dimensions, high specification, Auto-Sleeper pedigree

Minus: Chunky overcab section, pricey

In-a-nutshell: Small thing/best package

There’s more information on the Nuevo range on the Auto-Sleepers website. Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome on our motorhome insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Auto-Trail Tracker EKS, Carado A132