Autocruise TEMPO

AT A BARGAIN PRICE

Words and photos by John Page

To look at the vehicle or these photos the only indication that this is a used vehicle is the registration plate indicating it was first registered in 2008. Such was the condition of this tidy Camper loaned to us from OCT Motorhomes of Southwell Notts for one of our searching reviews. This was the choice because the model type is still current with a specification that is almost identical – apart from the price of course – and more of that later. Choosing a used vehicle is appropriate given current market forces and there’s no doubt that retailers of good used Campers and Motorhomes are doing rather well.

OCT have a ten year history of marketing pre-owned Motor caravans of a wide variety of makes and types and the financial climate of today has undoubtedly aroused interest from some would-be Campers who have prudently downsized their ambition.
Construction

Classified as a medium wheelbase van and with a body length of 6.00m it is by Camper standards a large vehicle. Its floor plan, a dedicated two-berth, concentrates on generous living space – to take one’s ease, to dine and to sleep in comfort. It is of course all steel bodied with all season insulation and heating – a totally rigid structure that enables the converter to add everything for life in a travelling machine without compromising the essential vehicle. A different concept entirely to the coachbuilt Motor Caravan that is typically wider and higher than the Camper. The Tempo designer therefore needs imagination and ingenuity in the design to keep the crew sanguine wherever or whatever the mood takes them to. In this regard Autocruise have done rather well. Experience is all for the particular skill to install effectively the wherewithal for two to live completely and comfortably within a floor length of approximately 4.87m. Moreover, the look and feel of the furniture and fabrics are things that affect the mood of the crew. Here in Tempo the coordination of it all is seamless. Were it not so I wouldn’t be sitting here in comfort, writing these notes while outside the temperature refuses to rise higher than  -3C.

Poetry in Motion

Allowing the fact that these Italian built Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat vans are virtually identical in shape and technology apart from the engines one could be forgiven for supposing that their noise and ride quality would be identical but it’s not so. The character of each is also determined by the quality and fit of the windows and roof vents, by the effectiveness of the insulation and what effect it has on the sound when travelling. Handling the Tempo is a pleasant experience with a predictable and steady ride quality deriving benefit from the concentration of weight low down in the body and the rigidity of the furniture fixing to the basic body shell. No creaks or rattles either unless you were to stow your tackle carelessly.For performance the 120bhp turbo diesel motor is a gem, capable of top speeds at least 15mph greater than our UK legal 70mph and dawdling when the countryside encourages it at a smooth 20mph. Fuel consumption will be somewhere between 28-36mpg almost entirely dependent on driver skill and mentality.  With a modest mileage figure indicated on the gauge here of 7,100 miles it will be nearing its optimum performance regarding speed and economy. Radio reception at ease or in motion benefitted from two extra speakers installed in the lounge. Important point – sliding window in the sliding door provides safe additional extra ventilation when travelling in hot weather.

Switch off, set up Camp

No tent to erect, no caravan to manhandle – just open wide the sliding door and let the country air percolate. Swivel those cab seats, lean the backrests and enjoy whatever cool drink was stowed in the fridge. Ventilation is complete when all three roof vents and the side windows are opened and flyscreens lowered when it’s mosquito country. The February weather was inclined to be cool but one KW of heating warmed through in a short while; testimony to good insulation. Looking aft, above the single seat is the TV cabinet, while on the left is the long couch followed by the galley.Midway at eye level is the complete set of controls for heating, lighting, the power socket and monitor panel. At right is the generous size wardrobe and beyond, the washroom door. Rear door treatment includes the double glazed cassette window, also fly-screened and with pleated blind.No less than seven roof lockers on the offside serve the galley, complement the wardrobe and a whole lot of assorted tackle needing ready access. Practical lighting has three well-placed ceiling fittings plus a pair of spotlights each for lounge and kitchen area. Sensibly placed for swift access was the fire extinguisher in its bracket between the cab seats. Removable twist pile carpets throughout complement the cushion colour and design.

Sleeping

Favourite here has to be the twin bed option, made simple by extending the single seat base forward to support its re-arranged cushions; then find somewhere to stash the long seat backrest and presto you have twin single beds. Prefer the double? Then slide the slatted couch extension to fill the passageway and drop that long backrest cushion into the gap for a generous 1.88m long by 1.88m wide bed. Whatever you choose the mattress support is first class. Quite the neatest, easily press-studded privacy curtains for the cab were the metallised fabric ones included. The centrally positioned blown air heating duct was effective but did not include any form of heating for the washroom.
Kitchen

This galley size and the worktop would look well in a Motorhome of twice the price and size and surely might be exceptional for any Camper. Space to create meals can be the key to imaginative cooking. Locker space of varying size is generous and the large Spinflo oven/grill and three burner hob were virtually as new. Racks for cutlery, crocks and cooking utensils – it was all there and spacious with it. Metal racks attached to the underside of the sink top was a neat idea and the mains outlet for kettle or toaster was positioned for safety well away from the sink. Above this area one of the roof vents is an effective kitchen extractor.
Washroom

This example comes under the heading of, “traditional but effective.” And the reason is that in a small space there is a limit on the size of the equipment, so the idea here of a foldaway hand basin directly over the toilet and a cabinet above the basin is possibly the most logical arrangement and the remaining quite generous floor space is ideal as a shower space. On the back wall is the shower faucet and mixer tap plus wire basket for soaps and shampoos etc and on the floor one of the ingenious flexible shower mats giving a safe floor surface and efficient means of keeping the floor aired.Lighting and the roof vent are both ample and effective.
Stowage In every regard Tempo has a generous stowage capacity, the prime example being the large space under that long couch. It is accessed easily after the cushions are raised with handles for the two sections of bed base to hinge up out of the way. The area here is well aired via the slatted bed/couch base. When not in use the folding table is clipped inside a wardrobe of much better than ample size that will surely cope with suitable gear for absolutely all seasons. Space to stash all the gear for the galley is exceptional and should you wish to tow a boat, hang-glider or a surf board or two there is always the roof or a trailer, for which no doubt OCT will be able to quote you.
Summary One owner, low mileage is the sort of language that will appeal to most potential buyers of Campers or Motorhomes and OCT keep an eclectic selection of both. This one stands out though – it not only looks good, it feels like it too. The soft furnishings were unmarked and that applies to the bodywork as well. Our opportunity to drive it was limited but as usual I would suggest that any buyer requests a test drive before parting with the gold. There is a standard 12-month warranty on both the vehicle and the conversion by OCT and longer periods can be negotiated. On value for money this 2008 Tempo at £30,995 against a new example at £40,773 is undeniably good value for money but don’t take my word for it, have a look for yourself.

TECHNICAL DATA

Vehicle specification:  Used Autocruise Tempo two-berth Camper

Price of vehicle tested: £30,995

Vehicle kindly loaned for testing by:

OCT Motorhomes, Crew Lane,

Southwell, Newark, Notts, NG25 OTX,

Tel: 0845 3 903 903

CONVERSION

Overall length:  6.00m

Overall width: 2.05m excluding mirrors

Overall height: 2.55m

MPTLM: 3500kg

Payload:  600kg

Construction: All steel bodied construction

Fresh water capacity:  66-litres

Waste water capacity:  50-litres

Gas storage capacity: two x 7kg cylinders

Auxiliary battery:  75Ah

Refrigerator:  80-litre fridge/freezer for gas/battery/mains

Water heater: Truma water heater

Space heater: ducted blown air

Lighting: mix of ceiling and spotlight fittings

Upholstery: fawn and beige fabric

BASE VEHICLE

Type: Peugeot high roof MWB

Power unit: 2.2-litre turbo diesel

Maximum power: 120bhp @ 3600rpm

Maximum torque: 320Nm

Transmission: five-speed to front wheels

Steering: Power assisted rack and pinion

Braking: Disc brakes with ABS

PERFORMANCE

Fuel consumption:  34mpg estimated

Maximum speed: 85mph estimated

Comfortable cruising speed: 60-70mph