Eldiss Autoquest 115

The price-busting Phenomenon from our friends in the North

Words and photos by John Page

How refreshing to find a Motorhome that defies the ever-increasing upward spiral of price increases. At £26,495 ex-works this neat little two-berth Profile Motorhome is a package that majors on the points that really count and avoids embellishments that count for very little. For instance you will actually need your hands briefly to pull the entrance step out and one foot to push it neatly home when it isn’t needed. The 12v control and monitor unit is ultra basic but does tell the state of the fresh water tank and the two batteries. Yes, you do have to guess the temperature indoors and out instead of pressing a button for an LED readout. It does have a spare wheel though, something that many of its much pricier rivals do not have. Pretty, shapely? Not exactly but close acquaintance will engender affection for a shape that slips along quietly without fuss at whatever cruising speed you feel comfortable with.

Construction

Acrylic finished aluminium panels are the outer skin of a bonded construction that is foam insulated and walled inside with plywood. The floor, a key factor for insulation comprises a 37mm thick sandwich of polyurethane foam between plywood and a protective coating underside to combat the effect of road debris. Double glazed acrylic windows have foolproof blinds and fly screens on separate guides and a lined generously cut curtains to complement the terracotta and beige décor. Simple and supremely efficient the Truma gas fired convector heating was able to raise the temperature to a comfortable 20oC from cold in around ten minutes. Water heating was also quickly effective. Thoughtful treatment for the electrics has the auxiliary battery easily accessible in an exterior locker that also houses and protects the mains connection lead. In fact, the detail of how everything works, such as the swivel seat mechanisms, cupboard hinges and catches, ventilators and stowage lockers is impeccable. This, in spite of some obvious heavy-handed treatment during its history.

ON THE ROAD

Whilst it is fashionable today to opt for ever more powerful engines, such is the performance from this 100bhp 2.2-litre Peugeot motor that more power would not justify the extra cost involved. It ticks over quietly, cruises effortlessly at 65-70mph and could assuredly do rather better wherever it’s legal. Cornering is without drama In spite of its short wheelbase and rear kitchen – a tribute to Peugeot’s suspension geometry to a Motorhome specification. Placing the fresh water tank low down and within the wheelbase also has its effect. Technically these 250 series Peugeot/Fiat chassis with their inclusion of ABS braking to all wheel discs, remote control locking, powered mirrors, cruise control and steering wheel adjustments for the Radio/CD are a cornucopia for campers and my only grouse is that a passenger airbag is still not standard for the Autoquest, and some of its rivals. No doubt the quid pro quo of keeping the price competitive. Using the 115 on the road or in town the small 5.70m (18’9”) overall length plus the tight 11m turning circle give it a manoeuvrability ahead of so many lengthier motorhomes and some of the urban tanks that clutter our roads today. And one more plaudit for the excellent cab seats and easily gettable controls to adjust them every which way.

AT EASE

This lounge adding the cab dimension remains one of the best arrangements for two people to get down to the serious business of watching the world turning on its axis. There’s the choice of feet up and lean against the scatter cushions or relax into one of the cab chairs. Either way there is space, plenty of light and ample ventilation regardless of the season. More versatile than the fixed tables the free standing one for the 115 is sufficiently wide for four to dine comfortably, yet it erects in seconds, stays firm and stows neatly away in the wardrobe when not needed. For those who want to stay in touch with the transmitted word and pictures there is space and the connections for a TV on the console unit close to the couch on the nearside. We were more than happy with the good FM reception and CD quality from the Peugeot radio with its four speakers although a bit miffed about having to bring it back to life again every half hour when it cut out. It’s a left over characteristic of the light commercial heritage. Nothing fancy about the lighting mix, just a pair of spotlights on either side placed nicely for mealtimes or reading by, large diffused circular fittings for lounge and kitchen and a long strip light above the centre of the galley worktop. Overall, the Elddis furniture fabric mix of colours and surfaces was well chosen, appropriately for us as a pleasant contrast to the wickedly unseasonably cold April but just in case you prefer something cooler green fabric upholstery is an alternative.

sleeping

Elddis have it taped with the 2.07m long double bed that comes close to perfection. Extravagant? No, because to make it up is simplicity, bringing both couch bases together and push the re-arranged cushions firmly into place. There is now a large interior sprung bed supported on a beech slatted base. The spotlights are reachable even without sitting up and it is quite safe to leave the heating on low in severe weather providing you keep it well clear of the duvet or sleeping bags.  Rather than tucking the sleeping tackle away under the bed during the day there is plenty of room for it in various lockers above the cab. A huge amount of stowage is readily available under the couches when the tops are tilted and supported by gas struts. Also accessible in the offside compartment is the charging unit, fuse array; auxiliary battery housing and isolator gas taps for the heaters. OK for cab privacy at night and to some extent a barrier against the chill of the cab, the pair of lined full-length curtains lacked a Velcro or press-stud fastening.

KITCHEN MACHINERY

Excepting the minor inconvenience of the entrance door close to the working bits, this end kitchen is a better example of the type. Notably the worktop area is more than sufficient and space to stow for non perishable food, the tools, the utensils and the crocks is intelligently planned. How sensible to find a modest size oven with grill and three burner hob rather than a heavyweight article that takes up space and adds much to the overall weight. The detachable sink drainer is another space saving device. No mains light verifier on the fridge seemed an economy too far and some provision for a waste container would have been welcome. The big plus however is the super storage console to one side of the door complete with bags of stowage capacity and the handy shelves. Illumination over the centre of activity and a fly-screened roof vent as an extractor complete the package.

WASHROOM

While it won’t encourage lingering, there is all the hardware and sufficient floor space to use it. Admittedly folded wash basins above toilets are a trifle archaic but there is no better answer in such a compact washroom. The latest Thetford loo with its cassette on wheels saves all the lugging about and the flush operating lever above the bowl is 100% better than the earlier low level one. Ventilation is from a fixed circular fitting in the ceiling, a type that has been around for years – inconspicuous but effective. In the summer though the side window allows the shower faucet to be used outside for swabbing off animals or surf boards etcetera. With space enough for the usual pills, quack remedies and toothpaste the neat wall cabinet takes up little space and provides the essential mirrors in which to frighten yourself in the mornings. We liked the essentially practical non-slip, removable blue duck board for the safety aspect and the way it brightened the all-white little room.

STOWAGE POSSIBILITES

Obviously, special attention to this point has got it sorted – so whether it’s outdoor gear, sports gear or personal stuff there is a place and the room to stash it. Top of the list are the large areas under the cushions with the proviso that care is taken under the offside one to allow proper space around the electrics. In the cab apart from the generous dashboard and door niches there is a central deep locking pocket against the engine bulkhead that can swallow a laptop. Directly above the cab an array of roof lockers and shelves are ideal for the expensive cameras and optics we sometimes accumulate these days, successfully hidden from the view of crims and vagabonds.

Roof lockers on both sides of the lounge area are fine for clothes plus a super wardrobe for the coats and evening dresses etc. Seriously? Yes, just because we’re campers doesn’t mean we can’t go Line Dancing and as for the kitchen, the designer is likely a would-be chef given the generous arrangements for all the tools and food to last a fortnight.

Summary

As I’ve pointed out there are several areas in which the makers have opted for more basic though reliable tackle and the graphics are ultra minimalist but; everything works well, looks fine and does the job. Its overall size, belied by the decidedly spacey habitation area, means that it is nimble in urban traffic and will park easily in a supermarket car slot. Price wise it has a large chunk of the opposition gob-smacked and the value for money is patently obvious. There is a three-year warranty providing you keep to the rules and for us Autoquest Profile 115 proved to be a small, comfortable gem. What more can you say?

TECHNICAL DATA

Vehicle specification: Elddis Autoquest two-berth Profile Motorhome

Price of vehicle tested: £26,495 ex works

Vehicle kindly loaned for testing by: The Explorer Group Limited, Delves Lane, Consett, Co.Durham, DH8 7PE. Tel: 01207 699000

CONVERSION

Overall length: 5.70m

Overall body width: 2.20m

Overall height: 2.77m

MPTLM: 3,000kg

PAYLOAD: 473kg

Construction: bonded sandwich construction of aluminium, foam insulation and plywood inner walls.

Fresh water capacity: 45-litres

Waste water capacity: 45-litres

Gas storage capacity: two x 7kg cylinders

Auxiliary battery: 85ah

Refrigerator: Dometic 77-litre fridge/freezer

Water heater: Truma Ultrastore heater

Space heater: Truma gas fired convector heater

Lighting: mix of spotlights and ceiling fluorescent fittings

Upholstery: abstract pattern coral and quince shade fabric with sprung interiors

Other equipment fitted: Peugeot CD/Radio system

BASE VEHICLE

Type: Peugeot 330 SWB chassis cab

Power unit: 2.2ltr HDi turbo diesel

Maximum power: 100bhp @ 2900rpm

Maximum Torque: 250Nm @ 1500rpm

Transmission: five-speed manual to front wheels

Steering: power assisted rack and pinion

Braking system: dual circuit system to all wheel discs with ABS

PERFORMANCE

Fuel consumption: Estimated 26mpg

Maximum speed: 85mph estimated

Comfortable cruising speed: 65-70mph