The New Tribute T-620

Read our latest review of the Auto-Trail Tribute F72 here

Tribute T-620 exterior

Standard cruise control? Have they forgotten that this is supposed to be a back-to-basics approach to motorhoming?

Well, perhaps they have because with the Tribute T-620, priced from £33,495, you also get a six-speed gearbox, tinted windows, remote central locking, electric windows and an RDS radio with iPod connection.

You’ll never feel monastic in this motorhome, so why not add a Driver’s Pack (for £399) and get a heated windscreen, heated and electrically adjusted mirrors, a passenger airbag and cab carpet.

Inside the T-620

And as the Tribute is so well priced you’ll still be able to afford to head off for some sunshine on the Costas, so why not throw caution to the wind and add cab air-conditioning, too? It sounds quite pricey at £935 but it’s sure to be worthwhile come trade-in time.

This simply doesn’t look like a budget vehicle, and at least part of that feeling must be attributed to the high-quality furniture with contrasting Cappuccino cupboard doors.

The arced metal door handles break up the expanse of flat furniture and push-button locks ensure they stay securely closed, while classy hinges ensure they open just as efficiently.

Tribute T-620 forward facing

There’s bound-edged removable carpet too, and plenty of smart, energy-efficient LED lighting. You get four swivel spotlamps in the lounge, but we especially liked the LED lighting rails that run fore and aft in the ceiling.

We liked the modern upholstery too, the graphite worktops, the Seitz door with its big opening window, and the large sunroof over the lounge, which is further evidence of the surprisingly high spec.

You won’t fault the spaciousness or the ambience of this Tribute. This may be a classic layout but it still works well.

The interior of the Tribute

There are head restraints and seatbelts (mounted on a substantial AL-KO frame) for two rear passengers, and there’s room for a family to spread out on site.

The settee is a touch narrow but measures more than six feet long, although those who are short in the leg should probably check out seating comfort – the lounge seats all feel as if they’ve been optimised for an average or taller male.

You won’t find things looking Spartan in the kitchen, either. The dark worktops are smart and there’s enough space over the fridge and between the hob and sink for the chef to prepare a decent dinner. This kitchen looks as if it belongs in a more expensive motorhome.

And it gets plenty of equipment and storage space too.

Tribute T-620 washroom

Look at the washrooms in some entry-level motorhomes and you can see, all too clearly, that they are using hand-me-down fittings from much older designs. What you don’t expect to see at this price level is lots of nice wood finish and a proper separate shower. But that’s exactly what you get with the T-620.

If you don’t mind ladders, the overcab is the best bed – longer and wider than the ‘downstairs’ double with generous headroom, thanks to that curvy roofline, and a comfortable mattress.

Although the Tribute is slightly dearer than its key rivals it is better equipped and looks more upmarket.

Verdict:

This is a modern-looking motorhome that is good to drive and offers great value. Add the Driver’s Packs for a complete spec.

Fact File

Price from: £33,495 OTR
Base vehicle: Ford Transit low-line chassis
Engine: 2.2l (115bhp)
Travel seats: 4
Berths: 5
Insurance cost: £229.75*

*Motorhome insurance cost based on 2010 Tribute T-620 valued at £33,495. Fitted with manufacturers immobiliser, kept at home at TD9 8BD. Motorhome owners – professionals over 50 years old with no claims, convictions or health conditions 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 7000 miles annually. £250 excess applies. European cover included, European Breakdown £42 extra. Premiums include insurance premium tax at 5% and are correct as of 19.05.10.

Source: outandaboutlive.co.uk