ENC Touring Cub motorhome review: Doing a one-two

The original Touring Cub, as it debuted in October

Nissan’s NV200 Kombi is proving to be a great little base vehicle for camper conversions. The emphasis is very much on the word “little” here, because its overall dimensions just about qualify it for “micro” status. This makes it perfect for ENC’s latest conversion – the Touring Cub.

The first variant featured this rear travel seat and side kitchen set-up

There’s also a certain degree of pedigree to East Neuk Campervans (ENC). It’s always sold direct from its manufacturing base in the small east coast Scotland town of Anstruther. But, it’s also less than ten class wins in the Caravan Club’s annual Design & Drive Awards, as well as others.

One-berth version gets this side-hinged elevating roof

The more eagle-eyed will have spotted Touring Cub, a cosy camper making its debut at last October’s Motorhome and Caravan Show. That was very much a prototype and, along with lots of subsequent tweaks, the most pleasing aspect to report is the price has come down from the original £29,000.

(optional: Swivel cab passenger’s seat is standard in both models)

Key change, however, is in the whole thinking, whereby this is now offered initially as a one-berth for sleeping, although a two-berth arrangement is still available.

Key here is the choice of rear seating. The single-berth variant comes with a single lengthways settee-cum-bed, with all furniture retained along the offside. That leaves just the cab seats for travel, whereas specifying the alternative layout gives you a rear travel seat from RIB, which actually means up to four folk can travel safely.

(optional: Nissan base is easy to drive and has a decent standard specification)

Overhead, things have changed, too. It’s still an elevating roof, but ENC has revised its original design and it will be side-hinged on future models.

Underpinning all of this is the Kombi version of the NV200 (it also means car tax is pegged at £135). The Kombi also comes with plenty as standard – alloy wheels, electric mirrors and windows, a neat reversing camera etc… they’re all here, just a bit in miniature.

One-berth variant has this lengthways settee-cum-bed

ENC starts with the base 90bhp engine, but the 110bhp option, which also adds a sixth gear, is worth serious consideration for its extra all-round smoothness. Whichever you go for, the Nissan is an incredibly easy vehicle to drive, also returning some 50mpg without any real fuss.

(optional: single burner provides the cooking facilities)

As for the conversion, GRP sidewall lining throughout is unusual, but ENC has long specialised in superior quality fittings using this material. Here, it’s an effective insulator as well as adding a bit more sturdiness to the Nissan’s rather flimsy body panels.

(optional: Thermo-electric cooler is neatly housed)

There’s a high degree of self-sufficiency here, too, thanks to a 70Watt solar panel and 115Ah leisure battery plus a portable toilet, all supplied as standard, while diesel heating is expected to be a popular option. The Cub also comes with underfloor fresh and waste water tanks.

In keeping with the compact nature of the vehicle, there’s a single-ring cooker operating from its own canister, plus a 25-litre Waeco coolbox. Also here is a clever table arrangement.

In side-facing settee format, the bench slides out to make a 1.83m x 0.57m single bed. If that’s not enough, consider the alternative floorplan and a double bed that’s some 1.80m x 1.04m.

That only leaves you with one, initial journey to make. ENC sells direct from its manufacturing premises – to Scotland’s east coast.

(Left) Space inside the tailgate for a portable toilet on the original model

Verdict: The cleverest Nissan NV200-based camper yet

Plus:  Top quality conversion work

Minus: Only sells direct

In-a-nutshell: Join the Cub club

Cost to insure: £255.50*

In summary

• ENC Touring Cub
• Nissan NV200 Kombi, 1.5-litre, 90bhp Euro V
• Dimensions 4.40m L, 1.86m W, 1.96m H
• Maximum weight 2,070kg
• Payload 400kg (est)
• Key options: 110bhp engine with six-speed manual gearbox £800, diesel heating £800, RIB rear travel seat £1,400, awning £400, roof bed £300
• MPG estimate 50+
• Security and Safety ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (electronic braking distribution), ESP (electronic stability control), twin airbags, central locking, reversing camera

Recommended retail price from £26,995**

There’s more information on the Touring Cub on the East Neuk Campers website and to find out more about our low-cost premiums visit the motorhome insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Hillside Dalbury, Lunar Camper-Car, Wellhouse Leisure Ford Connect, Romahome R20

*Motorhome insurance cost based on ENC touring cub retailing at £26,995 fitted with manufacturer fitted immobiliser and standard fit reversing camera. UK travel only. Kept in secure storage at home TD9 8ED. Motorhome owners – professionals over 50 years old with no claims or convictions in last 3 years. 4 years no claims bonus mirrored from car policy and 2 years motorhome driving experience. Members of motorhome club doing less than 5000 miles annually. Eligible for magazine reader discount. £300 excess applies. Premiums include insurance premium tax at 6% and are correct at 23/02/2015

**On-the-road, including VAT at 20%