Mooveo P600 – Exclusive UK first report
Words and photos by John Page
SLEEK, CHIC AND AFFORDABLE
Congratulations to the French makers of Mooveo – here is a well designed, well made Motorhome at a realistic price with its own distinctive style and ingenuity. It is a clever, compact machine capable of a good performance with better than average economy in its class. And, at just 6.00m (19’7”) long and weighing in at 2.790kg unladen it would be reasonable to claim green credentials for its modest consumption of energy resources. Motorhomesltd.com supplied our test vehicle in immaculate condition and from their base in Hull we travelled west through the dramatic town of Knaresborough to the Caravan Club’s campsite two miles beyond. An ideal base for walking, the Nidd Gorge is around ten minutes from the site and two and a half and a half miles along its banks will take you into Knaresborough.
Construction
As an example of how completely fixed bed Motorhomes have come to dominate the scene, all five Mooveo Profiles have fixed beds – and this all new for 2009 P600 has its bed transversely across the rear above a garage. In terms of space utilisation it scores well compared to the side placed type – although these are easier to tumble into. The galley and washroom are in the middle, with lounge up front to enjoy the extra floor space of the integral cab. Europe’s best selling Fiat Ducato, dedicated Motorhome chassis cab in medium wheelbase form, has the benefit of a special wide track dimension to accommodate the coachbuilt body. And this structure of aluminium side walls and a one-piece GRP roof is insulated with high density Styrofoam. 36mm is the thickness of the insulated timber sandwich floor.
Webasto’s diesel fuelled space/water heater with ducted blown air is a diamond of reliability and simple operation even though it can be a little noisy on warm up. However on a low setting it is virtually noiseless. Alongside the heater control above the entrance door the monitor and control panel for the 12volt system is another model from the simple obvious design school. A pleasing warm look to the interior comes from the beech grain effect for the walls and unusual but attractive cherry red and ivory shades of the fabrics. A final touch is a red face to the fridge and some of the galley woodwork. It all suggests a lot of careful thought to arrive at a theme that looks just right.
MOBILE MOOVEO
From the ground up Continental R15 tyres are the boots on which this delightful little Motorhome marches along at whatever cruising speed you and the law are comfortable with. It really is a remarkably stable ride quality achieved by the converters careful attention to weight distribution, an inherent low centre of gravity and the hefty anti-roll bars front and back. Said converters also have the frontal aspect spot on if you look at the way the bonnet, windscreen and body above the cab form a seamlessly smooth passage for the Airflow. And this is the key to better mpg and a reduced noise level.
The lack of cab air con, a remote locking system and five rather than six gears are part of the reason that the price is so competitive – items that were hardly a bother set against the willing 100bhp from the 2.2-litre multijet turbo diesel and its frugal appetite. I’m actually reluctant to say just how frugal because I hardly believe the figures but in truth on a steady run at speeds between 65 and 70mph we actually did achieve 36mpg. Raise the bonnet and you won’t see much of the motor under its cowling but for the all important checking and topping up of the various fluid levels, the nozzles are totally accessible. Worthy of comment is a torque figure of 250Nm within a wide rev range from 1,500 to 2,700rpm. Something to give the best of both acceleration and at the dawdle.
ESSENTIAL LIVING STYLE
Apart from the obvious function of stowing some wheeled transport in the garage it is also the ideal place to stow all manner of outdoor and sports gear and keep the lounge space uncluttered. Ready now to concentrate on the serious business of unwinding the Fiat cab seats swivel smoothly to become rear facing recliners and the table can lift out and dump on the bed to create a spacious area in which to yawn or observe one’s neighbours’ endeavours. If you have one the goggle box will beam down at you from the dedicated locker against the bulkhead. The twin bench seat fully belted for two to travel had its contours sorted out for genuine comfort when on the move and not bad at all at mealtimes. However Mooveo designate the P600 as a three berth only as the single bed arrangement is strictly a single affair. So there’s a slight contradiction between a four seater for travel and the three berths for sleeping. No problem really as the family of four would almost certainly add an awning or tent to sleep the children as we did years ago. Stowed under the twin seat is a generous 130-litres of fresh water with simple access for occasional cleaning. I liked the positive anchorage of the robust table complete with an extension that forms part of the aforementioned single bed. In unseasonable but hugely welcome warm weather the heater was only used in the evenings, reaching a comfortable 20oC in short order, using a dribble of diesel at a rate of 0.1 litre per KW per hour.
SLEEP TIME
Getting dark, now is the time to press the cab screens into place firmly to make sure the suction pads stay in place. These are improved versions of the type leaving only a small amount of condensation in the morning. Making up that single bed is a relatively light hassle activity, achieved by lowering the table complete with extension, unfolding the custom made mattress and the bed is made. Meanwhile the Pullman double bed over the garage involves zero preparation – just a climb of three steps before sliding under the duvet. Nicely placed reading lights, excellent ventilation from a new foolproof roof vent and on chilly nights the heater duct in the garage keeps the bed mildly warm. Bed lengths of 2.0m for this double and 2.2m for the single ought to be fine for everyone but a beanpole and the 1.3m width for the former is surely generous by Motorhome standards. Access to the washroom from the bedroom is unobstructed at any time. Just one more plus is the bed base of sprung slatted wooden construction for comfort and the essential ventilation.
MEAL MAKING
From a Gallic standpoint worktop space is a trifle thin but help is at hand nearby with a bit of table space added. The addition of a removable sink top would make a contribution and or a hinged flap at the forward end of the unit. Actual machinery includes a neat oven/grill at low level, the 97-litre three power choice fridge/freezer – and a cutlery drawer to take a full kit of implements. All the necessary crocks slotted nicely into the roof locker and the steamer, fry pan and egg boiler stashed in a handy locker under the single seat by the door. Home made bread stayed fresh and cool in the oven. All meals except lunch on the hoof are on board affairs with the emphasis on simplicity and nutrition rather than fancy nosh so rice and pasta are regular fare plus tinned fish, Philadelphia cheese and revoltingly delicious light and dark chocolate cheesecake with minimal shelf life. Incidentally, a walk around Knaresborough is a hazardous business on account of some of the best cake shops in North Yorkshire so be warned.
WASHROOM
Within this comparatively small Motorhome the washroom is surprisingly spacious resulting in ample floor space for the ablutions. The only lack is for somewhere to put the toothpaste etc. A small shelf between the basin and the mirror would serve admirably. However, with care, one can just about make room for a tablet of soap on the basin surround. And full marks are in order for the practical size of the bowl. A clever geometric design for the wall covering supplies a touch of ambience and both lighting and ventilation are well done. The three section translucent surround for the shower is also worthy of a special mention on two counts: first for the practical way it engages magnetically to form the cubicle and second for the practical way it is held firm afterwards to prevent any suggestion of a rattle on the move.
STOWAGE
The layout of this P600 that makes the garage possible is undoubtedly one of the better Motorhome designs to appear in the past decade simply because it works so well with a low hassle factor. Apart from the obvious benefits of having the bikes or a scooter on board in the garage this space is also ideal for stashing anything else bulky or used only occasionally. Wheel chocks, tyre inflator, picnic table and chairs, outdoor clothing and walking boots come to mind. Anchorage points in the floor to secure bicycles and so forth are part of the specification but for heavier two-wheel transport it would be wise to discuss the details with the dealer. Inside the selection of lockers and cupboards includes a wardrobe beneath the bed, useful hidden space over the cab and helpful space in the cab doors and the dashboard area. Washroom locker stowage included a shelved unit under the basin and a wall unit of space age pretension.
Summary
If you are looking for a Motorhome that can be parked within the same space as a people carrier, offers real living comfort in the daytime, night time and cruising, P600 may well cut the mustard. Our considered opinion is that this newcomer is well planned, enjoyable and unfussy whatever you demand of it. The compact size is important – small enough to take into town for shopping without the hassle that a bigger leisure vehicle could cause and relatively inconspicuous in the countryside when you’ve found that quiet spot where the only sounds are from the feathered creatures. Particularly impressive is the attention to detail and designer concern to make everything work well. For instance hooks for coats and towels, so often ignored but prominent in this vehicle. Roof vent design that is smooth to handle and insect proof – fitted here in the washroom and bedroom. Cab screens that do the business. A central fuse assembly that you don’t have to hunt for – it’s all here.
Price: this is the clincher because a basic £31,450 for a Motorhome with such a specification and the degree of practical design it has, is undoubtedly good value for money. Add to that the frugality of consumption by the engine and the heater and consider the money you can save with moderate use of both items.
TECHNICAL DATA
Vehicle specification: Mooveo P600, three berth, Low profile Motorhome
Price of vehicle tested: £32,999 on the road including transport, Midi Heki and seat covers.
Vehicle kindly loaned for testing by: Motorhomesltd.com, Clough Road, Hull, HU5 3EG. Tel: 01482 448157
CONVERSION
Overall length: 6.00m
Overall width: 2.15m
Overall height: 2.75m
MPTLM: 3,300kg
Payload: payload 510kg
Construction: dedicated Motorhome steel chassis, Aluminium walls, GRP roof and Styrofoam insulation
Fresh water capacity: 130-litres
Waste water capacity: 95-litres
Gas storage capacity: 2 x 13kg cylinders
Auxiliary battery: 105Ah
Refrigerator: Dometic 97-litre for gas/12v/mains electric
Water and space heater: Webasto Double top heater with blown air
Lighting: mix of spotlights and strip-lights
Upholstery: Ivory and red scheme
Other equipment fitted: TV locker with 12v/220v/coaxial sockets, removable carpets.
BASE VEHICLE
Type: medium wheelbase Fiat Ducato Motorhome chassis cab
Power unit: 2198cc four-cylinder turbo diesel.
Maximum power: 100bhp @ 2900rpm
Maximum torque: 250Nm @ 1500-2700rpm
Transmission: five-speed manual to front wheels
Steering: power assisted rack and pinion
Braking: dual circuit system with ABS and EBD
PERFORMANCE
Fuel consumption: 36mpg
Maximum speed: 85mph estimated
Comfortable cruising speed: 65-70mph
