A motorhome (not) strictly for two
Built on Fiat’s Ducato chassis-cab, the 615 kicks off the four-model Imala range of coachbuilt motorhomes from Auto-Trail and comes with a classic two-berth floorplan that can also be upgraded to cater for four.
Auto-Trail introduced its Imala range in time for the 2015 season, and the 615 has been a key part of the line-up ever since – helping to bridge a gap between the company’s budget coachbuilt ranges (Fiat-based Expedition and Ford-based F-Line) and the ever-opulent Frontiers.
We take a look around the 2023 Auto-Trail Imala 615 motorhome in this walkthrough video:
At 6.34m long, the Auto-Trail Imala 615 motorhome rather exceeds the typical 6m maximum for qualification as a compact coachbuilt. The upside, of course, is far more interior space. That’s reflected mainly in the lounge, where the inward-facing settees are some 1.86m (6ft 1in) long.
In turn, these settees adapt into twin, same-length single beds, both 0.73m wide (you can even go longer if you’re happy to extend into the swivelled cab seats). Or you can make up a full-size (2.17m x 1.86m) transverse double.
If you’re wanting to accommodate more folk there are two key options to consider. The Hi-Line overcab pod raises the overall vehicle height to 3.16m to allow for a double bed fitting. And there’s a choice of two alternative lounge seating arrangements to allow for two more forward-facing travel seat arrangements.
There’s a bit of choice elsewhere in the Auto-Trail Imala 615 motorhome, too. You can upgrade your Fiat running gear to automatic transmission or the more powerful 180bhp engine (do note it’s not possible to have auto with the more powerful unit, though).
And the Fiat cab is offered in a selection of five different metallic grey paint finishes. There’s also the facility to uprate the maximum chassis weight to 3,650kg for an extra 150kg of payload, should you need it.
It’s certainly not short on standard specification, either. On the outside you’ll find the likes of alloy wheels, opening sunroof over the cab, an exterior-access locker and fixings for a bike rack at the back are here.
And you get a one-piece habitation door with window and waste bin plus the now-obligatory Auto-Trail-branded umbrella.
The first impression as you step inside the Imala 615 motorhome is the sheer amount of lounge sprawling space – especially if there’s just the two of you – and once you’ve swivelled the cab seats. There’s a free-standing table with dedicated travel locker, while a circular coffee table is an option worth considering.
Windows to either side are generous in size and come with concertina blinds and flyscreens. You even get a couple of scatter cushions.
Across the back, the kitchen scores highly for its equipment levels, too. There’s a full cooker with electric hotplate and three gas rings plus a separate grill and oven. To the immediate right of the hob, the stainless steel sink is inset into the worktop, leaving space to its right to add the drainer as needed.
There’s plenty of upper- and lower-level kitchen storage, thanks also to the microwave and fridge’s location on the other side of the habitation door.
The Imala 615’s washroom takes up the rear offside corner and, despite its necessarily compact nature, it’s large enough for a fixed basin next to the swivel-bowl toilet, as well as a separate shower cubicle.
Also in here a mirror, opaque window, toilet roll holder and a large overhead locker
At this price level, the Auto-Trail Imala 615 doesn’t want for much, although you’ll be in the majority if you go for either of the Media Pack options that bring you such luxuries/essentials as a 19.5in smart TV system from Avtex, Zenec infotainment system with 8in touchscreen, that includes sat nav DAB+ radio and Bluetooth connectivity, plus rear-view monitoring system. And remember this reversing aid will attract a small discount on your motorhome insurance policy with Caravan Guard.
To find out more about insuring an Auto-Trail Imala 615 or your current motorhome visit our motorhome insurance discounts page.
Verdict: Affordable luxury for two… or four
Plus: Good blend of specification and price, five-year conversion and bodywork warranty, large front lounge/beds
Minus: You’ll need to budget for a Media Pack
In-a-nutshell: Classic two-berth formula… that also offers a bit more
Alternatives: Auto-Sleeper Nuevo, Elddis Autoquest 115
Auto-Trail Imala 615 factfile
Model | Auto-Trail Imala 615 |
Base vehicle | Fiat Ducato chassis-cab, 2.2-litre, 140bhp, Euro 6d |
Dimensions | 6.34m L x 2.35m W x 3.03m H |
Berths | 2 (upgradable to four) |
Travel seats | 2 (upgradable to four) |
Maximum weight | 3,500kg (upgradable to 3,650kg) |
Payload | From 480kg |
MPG estimate | 26-30 |
RRP | From £70,364 on the road |
Safety & security | Electronic immobiliser, ABS, remote central locking to cab doors, twin airbags, European Whole Vehicle Type Approval, fire extinguisher, smoke and CO alarms |
Key options | 180bhp engine (£2,820), automatic transmission (£3,840), Media Pack (£1,595), Media+ Pack (£2,595), second leisure battery and wiring (£211), rear corner steadies (£168), coffee table (£210), detachable towbar and electrics (£684), motorhome wi-fi (£416), rear travel seating (£912, choice of two) |
Pure luxury