There’s much to be said for keeping things as compact and down-to-earth as possible – and that’s exactly where a motorhome like the Compass Navigator 120 comes in.
Compass Navigator 120: As compact as they come
Apart from the name, it’s not quite all-new for this model, as it follows in exactly the same steps as the longer-established Elddis Accordo 120, from the same stable.
Arguably, the light blue sides and graphics of the Compass appeal to a more youthful audience than the browns of the Accordo. If you want another dimension, though, do look out for individual dealers’ own special edition versions of these – they’ll cost more but you’ll get a far higher specification.
As with all coachbuilts from the Compass/Elddis stable, Navigator motorhomes are based on Peugeot’s Boxer chassis-cab. Lightness of weight plays its part, too. Even based on a chassis only rated at 3,300kg, the 120 here manages to hold onto a whopping 746 kilos of payload. Bear in mind, also, it’s a 2.2-litre, 140bhp engine as standard and you can see why the 120 can be quite a sprightly performer – or highly economical – as you choose.
There’s no getting away from the fact that, at just under 6m long – and, at 2.14, it’s also narrower than the norm – this is an extremely easy motorhome to manoeuvre, too.
That sleek low-profile section over the cab apart, and despite the use of white skirtings and cappings, it’s an angular coachbuilt body that owes more to practicality than style. The one-piece habitation door is immediately aft of the cab nearside, hence a slight corridor effect when you make your way beyond the kitchen and washroom to the rear lounge.
The Compass Navigator 120 motorhome follows a familiar theme for a two-berth floorplan, with its twin-settee lounge converting easily enough to 1.80m single beds or, with a bit more effort, a generous double 2.01m x 1.40m. Complete with a central chest of drawers, this is a formula that is well-known to owners of touring caravans, which helps explain the popularity of an overall floorplan like this to those switching over to a motorhome for the first time.
There’s more, though. Both cab seats swivel should you want more seating when you’re parked up.
The kitchen is necessarily compact. Tucked just inside the habitation door, the main unit houses a three-burner hob, combined oven and grill, 95-litre fridge and sink – all with a black gloss finish. There’s a window here but, such is the compact nature of the Navigator 120, storage and worktop space are very limited – that’s despite a small worktop extension as well as a fold-down flap on the wardrobe unit opposite.
Indeed, you might find you end up using the wardrobe and drawer next to the washroom as handy storage for kitchen kit rather than clothing. Similarly, the upper lockers to all three sides of the lounge are ideally suited to clothing (i.e., light in weight and unlikely to do any damage if anything accidentally tumbles out).
There’s a generous amount of storage space in the settee bases, too, partly thanks to the Whale heating and hot water systems, whose main units are located under the vehicle (thus freeing up internal space).
The washroom is… yes, it’s that compact word again. Shower, toilet and basin are all in together, with a curtain to wrap around for showering.
The Compass Navigator 120 is not totally shorn of luxuries. Cab air conditioning is standard, for example, as are fittings like a TV holder in the lounge, Ecocamel showerhead, Midi Heki rooflight, TV aerial, Skyview opening cab sunroof. And, there are some choice options to consider.
What is surprising, is Compass/Elddis currently has the field to itself when it comes to a rear lounge layout like this in a coachbuilt that’s under 6m long and comes in at a price that screams bargain.
Verdict: Budget-priced most compact of coachbuilts
Plus: Bargain potential, compact nature, manoeuvrability
Minus: Small fresh and waste water tanks
There’s more information on the Navigator range on the Compass website. Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome on our motorhome insurance discounts page.
Alternatives: None
Compass Navigator 120 factfile
Model | Compass Navigator 120 |
Base vehicle | Peugeot Boxer |
Dimensions | 5.99m L x 2.14m W x 2.73m H |
Berths | Two |
Travel seats | Two |
Maximum weight | 3,300kg |
Payload | 746kg |
MPG estimate | 32-36 |
RRP | From £45,419 on the road |
Safety & security | Electronic immobiliser, remote central locking, ABS and EBA (emergency brake assist), smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, twin airbags, day-running headlights, TPMS tyre pressure monitoring system |
Key options | Wrap-around seating (£259), alarm system (£322), tracker (£280), Witter towbar (£624), microwave oven (£212), Winter Pack (£332), bike rack (from £235), rear view system (£365), alloy wheels (£650), barbecue point (£105), external 230V socket (£60), solar panel (£535), Omnivent (£225), awning (£550) |
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