For a leisure vehicle that debuted back in 2006, the Auto-Sleepers’ Broadway EL motorhome is enjoying a rather fruitful time in its long life.
Extra Luxury? Extra Lounge?
It’s certainly been through some changes (including varying overall body lengths) – even being dropped altogether from the motorhome range at one point – but it’s enjoying prime of its lifetime now. Always a two-berth motorhome, the EL is the end lounge model, although those letters could equally stand for Extra Luxury.
Helping out in the latter respect is the fact that, as with all Auto-Sleepers, Broadways come with the “default option” Premium and Winter Packs already fitted – in other words, unless you prefer to do without, this is how your motorhome will come to you. Hence our £83,995 on-the-road price and weights data opposite.
Base vehicle is Peugeot’s Boxer chassis-cab with the powerful 165bhp engine as standard. Latest models are on the long-wheelbase version of this, giving greater stability when on the move. Even here, though, there are points to ponder. If you want automatic transmission, for example, it means a switch to Fiat’s Ducato as the base (Peugeot doesn’t do an auto’ option, and these vehicles anyway come out of the same factory).
Auto-Sleepers’ conversion work starts with a GRP-clad body, home to a still-popular floorplan here in the UK – washroom and kitchen towards the front and a huge lounge extending around the back.
It’s packed with equipment as standard (see earlier comments). Everything from a 12-piece crockery set, to a Sargent Cat S7 tracking system, which will attract a healthy discount on your motorhome insurance.
It really is a long list, but other highlights include a phone charger pad with two USB ports, opening cab sunroof, underslung gas tank, Thule awning, colour reversing camera, 80Watt solar panel, 25-litre gas tank, Zenec Z-N965 media system (DAB radio, sat nav, Bluetooth etc), on-board wi-fi, Avtex 19.5in smart TV with soundbar, and plenty more.
The high kit count explains what ends up being a rather paltry payload – it’s less than 200kg – but with the Auto-Sleeper Broadway EL motorhome only catering for two and wanting little in terms of extra gear you might find this suffices. A benefit here is the chassis is rated at a driving licence-friendly 3,500kg.
The Broadway EL’s kitchen certainly isn’t wanting in any aspect. There’s a full cooker (dual-fuel hob, separate oven and grill) plus extractor unit, and a microwave oven and 142-litre slimline fridge with freezer.
Worktop space is excellent, especially as you also get a flap that folds down as well as a more typical flip-up extension on the left of the kitchen unit. That fold down table could also be used as a breakfast bar!
There’s also plenty of kitchen storage – three drawers and a whole array of different shaped lockers (including slide-out vegetable racking). Kitchen details extend to a pull-up trio of mains sockets, kitchen roll holder and cutlery and crockery drainers.
In comparison, the washroom might not be so highly specified, but it’s more than capable – thanks especially to a hinged wall that moves out to make a shower cubicle, as needed.
There’s a basin on this wall section, and a swivel-bowl toilet completes the main facilities.
But there are plenty of details here, too – pull-out clothesline, toilet roll and towel holders, mug for your toothbrushes etc. A large double-doored locker and some open shelving provide the storage.
And finally, that bed is huge – measuring some 2.2m x 1.87m (or 1.87m x 0.70m if you prefer twin singles) – but Auto-Sleepers’ use of harder-wearing reflex foam in its cushions means you might find it a bit too firm for sleeping on. A mattress topper is the answer, here, but you’ll have to source it yourself. On the upside, there should be space to stow such an item in the seat bases.
Individually switched paddle lights on rails means they can be adjusted to any position. They’re complemented by downlighters in the ceiling.
Blackout comes from curtains as well as blinds to all the windows, while Truma’s Combi 6 system looks after heating and hot water. It can also be used whilst on the move – perfect if you like arriving on site with the living quarters pre-warmed!
To find out more about insuring an Auto-Sleeper Broadway EL or your current motorhome visit our motorhome insurance discounts page.
Verdict: Broadway puts on a show
Plus: Extensive rear lounge area, comprehensively equipped
Minus: No room for a washroom window, low payload
In-a-nutshell: Luxury unleashed
Alternatives: Auto-Trail Tracker RL, Bailey Autograph 69-2, Elddis Encore 295
Auto-Sleeper Broadway EL factfile
Model | Auto-Sleeper Broadway EL |
Base vehicle | Peugeot Boxer chassis-cab |
Dimensions | 6.63m L x 2.32m W x 2.90m H |
Berths | Two |
Travel seats | Two |
Maximum weight | 3,500kg |
Payload | 189kg |
MPG estimate | 28-32 |
RRP | From £83,995 on the road |
Safety & security | Electronic immobiliser, remote central locking to all doors, ABS and EBD, EBA (emergency brake assist), smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguisher, colour reversing camera, tyre pressure sensors, Sargent Cat 6/S7 tracking system, CRiS |
Key options | Fiat Ducato base with automatic transmission (£2,500), Sargent tracking system annual subscription (£100), Truma Aventa air conditioner (£1,000) |
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