AUTO-TRAIL EXCEL 620S

The well-appointed kitchen is just one of the highlights in this very appealing two-berth, says Peter Baber

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For long-term Auto-Trail fans, the compact Excel range might still be something of a novelty, as it only arrived a couple of seasons ago.

The Excel 620S will seem even newer, because it debuted at last October's NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show.

To take a closer look, we headed for Todds Motorhomes in Lancashire.

Like all of the Excels, the 'van sits ona Transit with a standard Ford cab, with corner drinks holders. A 12-inch screen with sat nav is included, but the reversing camera is a cost option, as are air-con and blinds in the cab.

The cab seats swivel to a front lounge with two parallel settees. There are no fold-up travel seats, even as an option.

There is a bit of a step down into the lounge, but with the cab seats turned, you could accommodate eight people here, possibly seated around the folding table that is stored in the sideboard to the left of the habitation door.

The lounge is flooded with daylight thanks to the sunroof, large windows and a Heki. Two spotlights with USBs, striplights underneath the lockers and ambient light behind them keep things bright in the evening.