Castle Motorhomes Elgrand

AN AUTUMN PICNIC NISSAN STYLE

Words and photos by John Page

The provenance of this elegant Camper starts with its import from Japan as a used example of a distinctly up-market people carrier. Nissan is the manufacturer – Elgrand the distinguishing type, much as Lexus is an up-market Toyota. Castle Motorhomes at Conisbrough are responsible for the metamorphosis of the vehicle from people carrier into elevating roof Camper. Our test example as first of its type was essentially a prototype and as such differs from succeeding examples to some degree but the layout of forward facing twin seat at the rear and life support systems ranged along the offside is fundamental to the concept. There is no doubt about its dramatic lines, metallic paint job and the way that Castle has moulded the roof to harmonise with the body shape. For a change of scene and purpose we decided to use the Elgrand more as a people carrier, picnic machine and occasional Camper instead of plonking ourselves down at a camping pitch connected to the services in the usual way.

Construction

Steel bodied apart from the GRP rooftop, it enjoys the sophistication inherent to classy people carriers rather than the more usual process whereby Campers are converted from what is basically a light commercial vehicle. A passenger airbag is one example – the air conditioning output to the rear of the vehicle another. Cushions and curtains throughout pick up on the beige and black seats in the cab – muted though by the warm brown timber effect of the units and the planked vinyl floor. Ingeniously, the 12-volt monitor panel and control unit are accessible but inconspicuous inside one of the front opening lockers. To the right of the worktop, at a safe distance from the sink, a twin mains voltage socket is handy for kitchen appliances or a TV. Neatly shoehorned to one side of the engine compartment, the 110Ah leisure battery is also easy of access. First registered in 1997, the mileage at the commencement of our test was 48,000.

ON THE ROAD

Three point two litres of turbo diesel engine in a vehicle just 4.74m long could suggest something of an overkill but not if you treat the motor right. Of course if you want to make an impression, engage drive, press the power button and away you go. If however you can be content to let the automatic box change gear in the normal way and press the button for overdrive once you’ve gathered way then in a smooth fashion you can cruise in the mid-sixties with the revs at a mere 2,500rpm. It will do this with a decently moderate level of wind and tyre noise on all but the worst road surfaces. That ride is due to a combination of factors that include coil springs for the rear suspension; MacPherson struts at the front, anti-roll bars at both ends and hefty shock absorbers. I’ve not seen these six stud alloy wheels before but if five are better than four then logically six is even better. Approaching roundabouts and similar a smooth way to applying engine braking was to switch the overdrive off and virtually ignore the brakes unless faced with the need for urgent avoidance of close vehicles piloted by drivers of lesser skill. Details that added to the pleasure of using the Elgrand included deep sun visors effective for long and short drivers, the long gear lever with the O/D button at its end and the wide size of the brake and throttle pedals. Also appreciated was an informative instrument panel cowled against reflections and the Radio/CD that also played mini-discs. An uncommon luxury to be appreciated by rear seat passengers is the array of ducts to feed warm or cool air through from the cab air con’ and climate control unit. The switching for the unit is programmable and adjustable by instantly recognizable symbols. Commonsense is typical of the Nissan approach, manifest by the good access to the spare wheel, ditto for routine attention under the bonnet and a fuel filler beyond tampering behind a panel released from inside the cab. And the best news of all – a fuel consumption figure of 31mpg over terrain that included everything from motorway to pottering on parkland for the photos.

TAKING IT EASY

I liked the simplicity of a central locking system operating outside from the driver’s door or, when inside from a button alongside the powered window control. Raising the roof was uncomplicated though rather stiff after releasing the security straps. Regular production types will have more powerful gas struts to ease the load and modified lighter canvas sides. I’m ambivalent on tinted windows – supplying useful privacy when leaving her on unknown isolated car parks but restricting the view somewhat when gazing at the countryside. Either way the customer has a choice. One window on either side hinges opens from the front so that it is possible to gain extra ventilation on the move without jeopardising safety.

Essentially, Elgrand is a two + two Camper, that is complete with four forward facing fully belted seats and a child’s bed in the roof. Minus the swivelling cab chairs that will be a standard fitting our vehicle had just the bench seat for two. That said the space was far from cramped and with the sliding door wide open it was easy to be at one with the surroundings. Lighting consisted of an array in the elevating roof supplemented by two small flush fitted courtesy lights integral with the ventilation ducts. Brighter fluorescent fittings on either side are to come. A single island leg table close to the bench seat was firm if a trifle high, ample for two to dine from and stashed away neatly after use.

Sleeping

All round privacy at night time is from the neat fitting black curtains on three sides that are kept firmly in place against the windows. Mindful that maximum heat loss is from the cab due to the expanse of glass, the floor to roof curtain at the front cosily isolates the cab and helps to retain heat in what has now become the sleeping quarters. Sleeping bags or duvet will usually have been stowed in the large locker space beneath the double seat that is the basis of the bed. Almost certainly one of the easiest of double beds to prepare, it is only necessary to move the release lever to one side with minimum effort, grasp the seat base and pull forward until it stops. As this happens the cushions fall flat to marry with the small rear pad to create the 1.76m long by 1.07m wide double bed. A snug fit to the cushions and just the right amount of soft resilience are just the ingredients to encourage pleasant dreams. And, if listening to the radio at bedtime is your pleasure then speak to the helpful people at Castle to see whether they can provide a remote control facility. Access to the upstairs will be no problem for the young, fit and agile. They will need to tread softly onto the galley worktop before heaving upwards. Three separate panels with cushions attached slide out from the storage above the cab to form this young persons’ Pullman sleeper.

THE FOOD MACHINERY

Galleys in short wheelbase Campers are of necessity compact, which does not mean in any way inadequate to produce nourishing food for energetic folk. Here, the combination of a reasonable amount of worktop space with glass tops for the hob and sink works well. Ubiquitous SMEV of Italy make the good size stainless steel two-burner hob unit and the accompanying practical sink with its neat fold down faucet. Italy is also the home of Indel who produce the highly efficient compressor fridge to operate on 12 or 240v electricity. Such fridges reach operating temperature quickly and run economically. This one is small but adequate for food and drink that really need to be kept cool, as distinct from fruit, veg, tins and packets that will be fine in the bottom of the locker alongside the fridge. On the shelf above there is room for a basic pot and pan combination set. Further to the right another locker at waist height can accommodate anything that didn’t make it in the large locker. Our picnic food has a high pasta percentage, tinned fish, Soya milk that doesn’t need the fridge, rye bread, dates and apples.

STORAGE

The biggest single cubic area for stowing your gear is the locker under the seat that extends all the way to the rear tailgate. There’s space here for sleeping gear, folded clothes and outdoor gear. There is also the wardrobe to one side of the seat for anything that needs to be on a hangar. At the rear of the vehicle, accessible with the tailgate raised is a gas compartment to accommodate a six pound Camping Gaz cylinder as well as space to stash the mains lead. Opposite, on the nearside of the vehicle, a neat protected locker is nicely accessible containing the vehicle tools and jack. Documents and items to keep hidden will find space in the various pockets and apertures in the cab.

Summary

I’ve emphasised the picnic versatility of the Elgrand because it is often something overlooked when buying a Camper. Of course it’s a people carrier, school or shopping bus and occasional cargo carrier but it really comes into its own as a base for walking, as a bird hide or when quietly enjoying the scenery. Add the effortless touring capability of the Elgrand and nothing in the (SUV) category can begin to compare with what a genuine all-purpose Camper offers. When the first production Elgrand is rolled out we hope to bring you an update.

TECHNICAL DATA

Vehicle specification:  Castle Motorhomes Elgrand two + two berth elevating roof Camper

Price of vehicle tested: £14,000

Vehicle kindly loaned for testing by: Castle Motorhomes Ltd, Burcroft Hill, Conisbrough, Yorkshire, DN12 3EF. TEL: 01709 866337

CONVERSION

Overall length: 4.74m

Overall width: 1.77m

Overall height: 2.14m

MTPLM: 2295kg

Payload: 285kg

Construction: steel body with GRP elevating roof

Fresh water capacity: 15-litres

Gas storage: one 6lb Camping Gaz cylinder

Auxiliary battery: 110ah

Refrigerator: Indel 41-litre compressor fridge with 12v and 240v supply

Water heating: optional

Space Heating: optional

Lighting: four tungsten fittings

Upholstery: Black and beige smooth textured fabric

Other equipment fitted: Cab air conditioning with ducts to the habitation section, six stud alloy wheels, metallic paint

BASE VEHICLE

Type: Nissan Elgrand people carrier

Power unit: 3153cc, four-cylinder turbo diesel

Maximum power: 150bhp @ 3600rpm

Maximum torque: 333Nm @ 2000rpm

Transmission: three-speed automatic with overdrive to front wheels

Steering: Power assisted rack and pinion

Braking system: servo assisted system to front discs and rear drums, with ABS

PERFORMANCE

Fuel consumption: 31mpg

Maximum speed: estimated 85mp

Comfortable cruising speed: 65-70mph