HYMER VENTURE S

The price puts this distinctive new four-berth at the super-luxurious end of the market, but it will certainly turn heads, says Peter Baber

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So the ’van that wowed everyone as a concept only four years ago is now a production model. We caught up with Hymer’s exciting new Venture S at Travelworld in Stafford.

You immediately see why it is such a crowd puller. It looks rugged on the outside, with studded wheels, a front light bar and off-road detailing. The inflatable raising-roof and rear sun deck are enticing. Not to mention 320Ah of lithium batteries, making this a true off-road vehicle.

But what about inside? Well, there is a standard Mercedes cab, which you step down slightly into from the interior. You can control grey-waste disposal from this cab, so no need to faff around with pipes under the body.

The real innovation starts when you swivel the offside seat. Open a few cupboard doors, take out a support leg that resides in one of those cupboards, and you have a little home office, with sockets close to hand.

The lighting is clever – a spotlight for focus, and up above, space to insert a portable light that fits here or in the rear lounge and gives you more USBs.