Are you on the hunt for a small motorhome? Well, we’re here to help, as we’ve used our collective decades of experience within the industry to pick the winner of the best motorhome under six metres (6m) for the Practical Motorhome Awards 2024, as well as taking a look at the shortlisted contenders.
Vehicles from some of the best motorhome manufacturers appear on our list, including Dethleffs, Pilote and more, as we look at the motorhomes under 6m that have really impressed us. We also explain why six metres is an important measurement for motorhomes, to help you to make as informed a decision as possible when choosing the van for you.
As well as that, we share our pick of the best small motorhomes from recent years, with brands such as Adria, Elddis and Chausson all featuring, as well as the models that were shortlisted last year.
This year, we picked out the Dethleffs Globetrail 540DR Advantage as the best motorhome under 6m. Our judging panel was impressed by the roomy shower you get, impressive considering the ‘van’s size, as well as its great build quality.
Why is six metres such an important motorhome measurement?
Six metres seems to be something of a Rubicon measurement for motorhomes. Stay under it and you should find it relatively easy to slip your vehicle into a parking space even in the most touristy of towns during high season. It might even fit on your drive. But go over it and, while you might have more room to move about inside, you will quickly start to find that parking becomes a much more laborious affair. And we won’t even mention ferry fares.
If you would rather keep life simple, here is our guide to the best small motorhomes out there. This includes various motorhome vehicle classes, such as van conversions, low profiles, and even the odd A-class.
The winner of the best motorhome under 6m is:
Dethleffs Globetrail 540DR Advantage
- Price: TBC
- Berths: 2-5
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MIRO: TBC
- Payload: TBC
- Length: 5.41m
- Width: 2.05m
Reasons to buy:
- Easy to park, great build, roomy shower
Reasons to avoid:
- All this in this length will feel cramped for some people
Dethleffs’ van conversion range is finally coming to the UK for the first time (which makes the range qualify for these awards). And while some of the more really way out models are still being left on the Continent, the 540DR Advantage still shows enough innovation to make it our winner in this category.
In essence, you get a perfectly comfortable front dinette, a kitchen with enough workspace and a fridge you can easily access from inside and outside, a serviceable washroom and a perfectly comfortable transverse bed all within 5.41m of length. The designers have achieved this by making compromises that wouldn’t necessarily distract you, such as a slight indent in the bed to make more room for the washroom, and a washbasin inside that washroom that folds away completely to make room for the shower.
The best motorhomes under 6m – our other recommendations:
Pilote Vega Van V 600G X Edition
- Price: £71,200
- Berths: 2
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MIRO: 2850kg
- Payload: 650kg
- Length: 5.99m
- Width: 2.05m
Reasons to buy:
- Great kitchen storage for a van conversion, washroom is also good
Reasons to avoid:
- Fashionistas might lament the lack of space
Any van conversion fans who still appreciate having a good kitchen will love this new model, a ‘van that also won the best 2 berth motorhome category this year. For 2024 Pilote has redesigned the kitchens in all its van conversions, and the results are impressive. We have rarely seen a kitchen in a van conversion with this much storage, even if it doesn’t include an oven as standard.
The other change in this van is that Pilote has removed the wardrobe that used to be cantilevered over the transverse bed at the back, and in so doing has made a wider, much more comfy bed.
The more eco-friendly of you will also be keen to know that Pilote now sources the wood that goes to make up this unit (and any wood elsewhere in the interior) from northern Italy, rather than Indonesia, thus using up fewer miles in the supply chain.
Dethleffs Globebus Go T15
- Price: TBC
- Berths: 3
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MIRO: 2692kg
- Payload: 508kg
- Length: 5.99m
- Width: 2.20m
Reasons to buy:
- No need for a large gas bottle, great build quality
Reasons to avoid:
- If you can afford it, the A-class version will still offer better insulation
Dethleffs’ Globebus, a mini-range of compact A-class models based on a Fiat Ducato, has proved popular for some years now.
This year, for the first time, the same designs will be available as Globebus Go low-profiles on a Ford Transit – so potentially a lower price on two counts and possibly a more car-like driving experience too. The T15 model should prove particularly appealing, because, thanks to a transverse bed at the back it comes in at just 5.99m in length.
There are improvements in other ways too. Unlike its A-class motorhome cousins, the Globebus Go relies on diesel heating, so you only need to rely on a small gas bottle housed in the kitchen for cooking. That frees up storage space too.
Ford Nugget
- Price: £64,800
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: TBC
- MIRO: TBC
- Payload: TBC
- Length: 4.97m
- Width: 1.98m
Reasons to buy:
- Trusted brand and well known model
Reasons to avoid:
- You might want to wait for the Plus version
The Nugget has always been a popular option for those who favour an OEM campervan only with an end kitchen. In its latest version, still made by Westfalia, the Nugget is based on Ford’s people carrier Tourneo rather than the standard Transit Custom. Other improvements include folding chairs that can be stored in a pocket in the tailgate door (dare we say just like in VW’s California?) and a rear bench seat that has been made light enough to move with just one hand – and is also heated.
While it’s the standard Nugget that will go on sale later this year, the new longer Nugget Plus is on its way, and there is even talk of a PHEV version (using the same engine as the Kuga PHEV) and even a all-wheel-drive model.
The best small motorhomes at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2023
These are the ‘vans that were shortlisted at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2023.
Weinsberg X-Cursion Van 500 LT
- MTPLM: 2800kg
- Payload: 140kg
- MIRO: TBC
- Length: 5.88m
- Width: 2.16m
Reason to buy:
- Cosy front lounge, exterior access wardrobe
Reason to avoid:
- Payload could be an issue.
Motorhomes with doors towards the rear are becoming something of a rarity these days, so it’s good to see Weinsberg introduce this as one of the models in its new VW Transporter 6.1-based range.
Having the door moved back means there is more space for a cosy little front lounge with parallel seating – albeit one you have to step down into from both the rear and the cab. With the cab seats swivelled around, there is easily enough room for six to have a meal here.
There ‘s even an optional drop-down bed that would make this a four-berth. And there’s a washroom with a sliding partition to make room for the shower. Perhaps best of all, the cupboard in the rear nearside corner has a door on the outside too. All this in less than six metres.
Chausson S514 Sport Line
- Price: £56,990
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MIRO: 2600kg
- Payload: 900kg
- Length: 5.99m
- Width: 2.10m
Reason to buy:
- Great exterior, clever storage options
Reason to avoid:
- Limited kitchen
The S514 was already impressive when it was launched last season, featuring a surprisingly large lounge for such a short motorhome, a Duo-Space washroom with a swinging partition, and a “butterfly bed” that folds in half vertically to give you more room for storing bulky items like bicycles or outdoor furniture in the garage while you are on the move.
This season, however, it comes fresh with a unique grey exterior and black alloy wheels. There’s been a slight tweak in the front lounge to provide even more seating space too. It should really make the van stand out, either in the many more places you will be able to park it thanks to its size.
Full review: Chausson S514 Sport Line
Joa Camp 54G
- Price: £52,500
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- Payload: 685kg
- MIRO: 2815kg
- Length: 5.41m
- Width: 2.05m
Reason to buy:
- Value for money, bright interior
Reason to avoid:
- Washroom shows a bit too much white plastic
The new Joa Camp brand from Groupe Pilote has been so cleverly designed that you don’t immediately notice the way its designers have kept costs down, not just by using a Citroen Relay base vehicle but also by relying on modular construction. OK, so some lockers doors do without handles and there may not be as many access flaps as you might see elsewhere, but in a van conversion you don’t really notice those anyway.
This transverse bed model offers a spacious front dinette and 1.33m-wide double bed in just 5.41m. And you get Truma Combi 5 heating, a 110-litre fresh water tank and an 85-litre fridge. All in a bright and cheerful interior that should certainly attract younger buyers, especially when they see the price of £52,500.
Volkswagen Caddy California
- Price: £32,209
- MTPLM: 2300kg
- Payload: 595kg
- MIRO: 1705kg
- Length: 4.50m
- Width: 1.85m
Reason to buy:
- Great brand, price, convenient length
Reason to avoid:
- Really only for day trips and short tours
Volkswagen says that by launching this, the final vehicle in its family of California vehicles, it has covered all bases. You might think that this is really more like a day van, something to take with you on your fishing trip perhaps. And while that is undoubtedly its core market, actually for those with a minimalist bent in life the Caddy California could serve perfectly well as a campervan for short tours, which is why we’ve included it in our best campervan round-up.
It includes a 1.98m-long bed – something you might not find in much larger A-classes and low-profiles, a pull-out gas hob and clever storage bags that sort of double up as window blinds. It even has a tailgate awning as an option. And as it’s only 4.5m long, you shouldn’t have a problem parking it in a “normal” parking space. VW has even launched a “try before you buy” scheme to entice you.
Adria Twin Supreme 600 SX
- Price: £69,480
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- Payload: 680kg
- MIRO: 2820kg
- Length: 5.99m
- Width: 2.05m
Reason to buy:
- Flexible lounge arrangement, useful washroom
Reason to avoid:
- Quite pricey, rear lounge is really only for working in
In under six metres this van conversion manages to include two lounges – a conventional dinette up front, and a longer one with parallel settees at the back. Admittedly you can really only sit in one of these settees, as the other one has a large double cupboard on top of it. But it still makes a great place to repair the bike if it’s raining, say, or groom the dog, with plenty of storage besides. And at the end of the day you can lower the bed that ‘s tucked into the ceiling to make a fabulous transverse double.
The front hasn’t been neglected either: you can unclip the dinette table to take it outside and create a perfect al fresco dining spot with the entrance step acting as a seat. There’s a Vario washroom too.
Full review: Adria Twin Supreme 600SX
Our other top recommendations for the best motorhomes under 6m (six metres):
These are the models we’ve picked out as the best small motorhomes from recent years.
Murvi Pimento XL
- Price: from £57,053
- Berths: 2
- Belts: 2
- L/W/H: 5.99/2.05/2.54m (Fiat); 5.98/2.06/2.58m (Ford)
- Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato/Ford Transit
- Engine: 2.3-litre (Fiat), 2.0-litre (Ford) turbodiesel
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- Payload: 500kg
Don’t be misled by that “XL” tag. Murvi specialises in can conversions, and although this is the Pimento XL, it’s the longer version of what is a very short van. The Fiat vehicle it is based on is the long wheelbase version of the Ducato – which means it just comes in under the 6m rule.
Inside here you get two single beds that are surprisingly long when linked up with the swivelled cab seats, and a rear L-shaped kitchen which, like much else in this van, Murvi has made very customisable. There are a number of different hob and oven configurations, and, as ever with Murvi, there is a special place for the cutlery, crockery and glasses.
The gas tank is underslung too, so you don’t have any storage cupboards or lockers unduly compromised. And there is a good range of mains and USB sockets in here too.
Read our Murvi Pimento XL review
Adria Matrix Axess 520ST
- Price: £55,000
- Berths: 4
- Belts: 4
- L/W/H: 5.97.2.30/2.86m
- Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
- Engine: 2.3-litre turbodiesel
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- Payload: 656kg
The 520ST is a classic example of how it is possible to get a huge amount inside six metres. The interior feels roomy because there is a drop-down bed over the front lounge, which makes up the second double.
But that means there is room in the back for a large L-shaped kitchen with direct access to the spacious garage at the back. That means you don’t necessarily need to head outside if there is something you need to retrieve and it is positively pelting down.
This layout sadly is only available in the Matrix cheapest Axess spec level, and as a result the kitchen could possibly be better equipped. But the washroom on the other side at the rear is another example in clever design, with a fold-up washbasin and a place to store the ladder for the drop-down bed so that it could possibly double up as a towel rack.
We think this is a must-see for anyone looking for a compact low-profile.
Read our Adria Matrix Axess 520ST review
Malibu Van Charming Coupe 600DB
- Price: from £48,950
- Berths: 2
- Belts: 4
- L/W/H: 5.99/2.05/2.59m
- Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
- Engine: 2.3-litre turbodiesel
- MTPLM: 3300kg
- Payload: 525kg
Buy a Malibu and technically you are holding onto the fringes of luxury, because Malibu is the budget (-ish) sister brand to top-notch German brand Carthago. So you can expect high build quality and a pristine finish.
This small motorhome comes with a transverse bed at the back, a compact but well equipped kitchen, and a perfectly roomy front dinette. Its piece de resistance, however, is probably its washroom where you can slide away the loo to create a large shower area. Malibu claims it is the largest shower tray in this vehicle’s class.
Read our Malibu Van Charming Coupe 600 DB review
Elddis Autoquest CV60
- Price: £40,234
- Berths: 2
- Belts: 2
- L/W/H: 5.99/2.05/2.67m
- Base vehicle: Peugeot Boxer
- Engine: 2.3-litre turbodiesel
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- Payload: 654kg
The CV60, which is also available as a Compass Avantgarde model, really is a home from home within six metres. Because you get two lounges inside here. There’s a dinette up front, once you swivel the cab seats, with a pedestal table that provides a perfect place for a meal right next to the kitchen. Then further back, what looks at first like a French bed tucked into the rear offside corner can actually be rolled back to form a daybed. This provides the perfect place to relax and either watch the world go by, or watch the TV: the necessary sockets for a set are located on the sideboard that runs down the rear nearside.
The kitchen and washroom that sit between these two lounges are compact, but no more so than on your average van conversion. There’s plenty of space to store large items in the area under the bed.
No wonder this was our Motorhome of the Year for 2020.
Read our Elddis Autoquest CV60 review
Hillside Leisure Hopton
- Price: £53,995
- Berths: 2
- Belts: 2
- L/W/H: 5.99/2.04/2.69m
- Base vehicle: VW Crafter
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel
- MTPLM: 3500kg
Derby-based Hillside Leisure has built a popular reputation for making very liveable campervans based on the VW Transporter. The new Hopton model takes things up a notch, however, because it is based on VW’s newer and larger Crafter model.
The Hopton may only have two travel seats, but that’s because it features a large and comfortable rear lounge – something UK buyers in particular like to go for. It even includes fittings to turn the two parallel settees into a U-shaped seating pattern, if you would prefer.
The two settees can quickly be turned into single beds, or, with a little more effort, you can make up a double.
The side kitchen extends out a little way into the space for the sliding door to make more room. It even includes an induction hob.
The washroom is perhaps the only slight let down in an otherwise great two-berth, as there is only one drainage hole, no roof vent and no mirror. But at least the sliding door to it saves valuable space in here.
Read our Hillside Leisure Hopton review
Hembil Drift
- Price: £47,950
- Berths: 4
- Belts: 5
- Length: 4.89m
- Base vehicle: VW Transporter
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel
- MTPLM: 3000kg
Hembil is a standalone brand created by CMC Reimo, a Kent-based van converter that, as its name implies, has specialised in models with roofs made by German company Reimo.
The VW Transporter-based Drift was the first model the company produced under the new brand name, which was partly designed to give it some independence. Its innovation shows from the word go.
Not only does it have two sliding doors, but the kitchen which sits across the offside sliding door can be swung out so that it instantly becomes an outdoor kitchen complete with hob and sink. You do have to be on the tall side to use it effectively, but this does mean you can have an alfresco party at the drop of a hat.
Inside it is a more conventional VW-style layout, with a long bench seat across the back (as this is a “true” campervan you won’t find any washroom in here). But it is all nicely done out in a modern style, And whoever gets to sleep up in the roofbed gets their own light and a USB socket as well.
Read our 2019 Hembil Drift review
Roller Team Pegaso 590
- Price: £59,640 ex works
- Berths: 4
- Belts: 4
- L/W/H: 5.99/2.35/2.95m
- Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
- Engine: 2.3-litre, 120bhp
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- Payload: 662kg
The Pegaso 590 is proof that you can still go for an A-class even if you have to restrict yourselves to 6m of length. And that’s not the only thing that makes it special either. Roller Team is currently the only A-class manufacturer who bothers to “flip” its models over so that they have the cab door on the right side for UK drivers. So if you are the driver you won’t need to hop over to the passenger seat, or walk back to the habitation door, to get out.
The four berths in here are all at the front, too: two in a double that drops down over the cab, and then a second double that you make up from the dinette.
That leaves the rear of the van for a sizable kitchen and a washroom spread across the very back that includes a separate shower and a wardrobe part of which is also accessible from outside. In short, you will probably have to pinch yourself to remember that all this is included in just six metres.
Read our 2019 Roller Team Pegaso 590 review
Swift Escape Compact C402
- Price: £49,030
- Berths: 2
- Belts: 4
- L/W/H: 5.99/2.26/2.78m
- Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
- Engine: 2.3-litre turbodiesel
- MTPLM: 3300kg
- Payload: 590kg
Swift’s Escape range was launched a couple of seasons ago as a more compact alternative to its then entry level Escape range – compact both in terms of length and width, and so designed to make narrow city streets and windy country lanes easier to negotiate.
The C402 and C404 share the same UK-friendly layout, with a rear lounge, the only difference being that the C404 comes with a drop-down bed over the lounge to make it a four-berth.
Without that encumbrance in the C402 you get more storage space with overhead lockers. And you still get a second dinette up front near the kitchen with two travel seats – which means you could easily use this vehicle as a day-to-day vehicle.
Read our 2019 Swift Compact C402 review here
Bailey Alliance SE 59-2
- Price: £50,629
- Berths: 2
- Belts: 2
- L/W/H: 5.99/2/28/2.76m
- Base vehicle: Peugeot Boxer
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- Payload: 812kg
The 59-2 end kitchen layout was added to the new mid-range Alliance range and to the slightly cheaper Advance range at the same time.
It’s a layout that works well, with two parallel settees in the middle that you can stretch out on, although because this motorhome is only 5.99m long they can’t double up as single beds. You do have to make the double, but that’s no particular bother.
The end kitchen is typically roomy, as is the corner washroom.
The extra spec on the Alliance compared with the Advance initially wasn’t all that game changing, but for the 2020 season all Alliances have been upgraded to Alliance Silver Edition (SE), complete with an attractive silver exterior. That might just tip it for you.
Rear our 2019 Bailey Alliance 59-2 review
Bilbo’s Nexa HL
- Price: £51,900
- Berths: 2
- Belts: 4
- L/W/H: 4.89/2.10/2.00m
- Base vehicle: VW T6
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel
Diehard campervan enthusiasts will probably be fuming that the Nexa HL from Bilbo’s, one of the UK’s most established van converters (and yes, it is named after the Tolkien character) now includes a cassette toilet in the rear.
But if you are a newcomer to campervans, you might rather enjoy this luxury.
The Nexa HL includes two travel seats in the back, so you can use it as a day-to-day van. These fold down into two single beds (or, an option a double) but there is no four-berth option. The sideway folding raising roof provides more headroom.
With a well equipped kitchen, this should be a cosy but comfortable van to go away in.
Read our Bilbo’s Nexa HL review here
Of course, if your dreams and plans are to tour extensively, long-term, or you prefer to pitch up at one site on a Mediterranean costa for winter, when parking in town isn’t a priority, you may be looking at something longer and larger, with more living space. In which case, check out our Best Motorhomes for Full-Time Touring.
You can also get some top touring inspiration by taking a look at our best motorhome sites guide.
And if you’re actually considering purchasing a touring caravan, hop across to our sister site, Practical Caravan, where you’ll find our buying guides with vans for all sorts of different criteria.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Motorhome magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things motorhome related
Stay under 6m and you should find it relatively easy to slip your vehicle into a parking space even in the most touristy of towns during high season.
