EHG (UK), perhaps better known to readers as Elddis and Compass, is alone among UK volume motorhome producers in always having every single model in their ranges to view at their trade launch, not just the newbies. It is much appreciated and a timely reminder of how broad their UK offer actually is.
Popular coachbuilts
All EHG UK’s motorhomes are built in Consett, County Durham. Their offer starts with the competitively priced Elddis Autoquest and Compass Avantgarde low-profile overcab coachbuilt models on the Peugeot Boxer chassis-cab.
All six current layouts, with overall lengths from 5.7m/18’8″ (115) to 7.38m/24’1″ (185/194/196) are going forward to 2020. Fixtures and fittings, already generous at this price point, have received a firm boot upmarket. All gain the new ‘Next Generation’ Whale combi heating system, which, as well as being more efficient, has a very low current draw setting for use on low-amperage European hook-ups.
There are also new sliding exterior sockets, a new skylight, cooker and bike rack rails. Important for families will be the news that their market-leading ‘hide-away’ rear travel seats are now made by Aguti, with Isofix child seat fittings.
Upgrades to fabrics and finishes include a change to Anthracite fabric metal laminate on kitchen worktops and bedroom cabinet tops, plus a new Taupe Grey laminate destined for the washrooms. The upholstery fabrics (Sevilla for Elddis and Bridgepoint for Compass) now benefit from the ActiveCare fabric protection system, which is claimed to increase durability, comfort and stain resistance.
Kitchen locker doors gain concealed catches, and there’s a better joint-concealing tape on wallboards.
The above, plus refreshed graphics and a new door with re-engineered handles and an integrated bin, should ensure that these models retain their crown as the UK’s best-selling value-for-money ranges ever.
Refreshed Accordo
The compact and svelte Accordo range receives a similar make-over and also changes body colour, from Azure Blue to Rembrandt Silver. It remains on the low-line Peugeot Boxer chassis-cab, which for 2020 has a bigger engine (2.2-litre, up from 2.0-litre) in order to meet the latest Euro 6D (RDE 2) emissions standards.
New engine for Encore
The flagship Encore range gets new Fiat Ducato underpinnings, with two engine choices and the option of its nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.
Similar improvements to those on the other coachbuilt ranges apply to the Encore, with the exception of the space and water heating. Alde’s 3020 combi boiler, with domestic-style radiators, is retained.
The four-berth 255 (rear corner permanent bed), two-berth 275 (huge across-the-rear changing/showering area with twin-settee forward lounge) and four-berth 285 (twin longitudinal permanent single beds towards the rear) are all retained.
The new four-berth 250 replaces the 254. Essentially, it’s very similar, with repositioning of the fixed low-level island double bed appearing to be the only major layout change. The outgoing 254 placed the bed’s head-end rearward along the offside wall, while the 250 rotates it 90 degrees, so the head end is along the rear wall.
All Encores are the same length, (7.41m/24’4″) and crucially, despite the luxury inventory, under 3500kg.
Cracking new campervans
First seen for the 2019 market year, the competitively priced, stylish and practical Elddis and Compass campervans have made some serious dents in competitors’ sales figures. Both the CV20 and the CV40 continue on the Ducato, with upgrades to heating, fittings and fabrics. EHG (UK) has increased elbow room in the central aisles and repositioned the gas taps.
Now there is an additional model: the CV60, a rear-corner (extending) permanent bed model with cupboards across the walkway.
In all single and double fixed bed models, mattresses – made by Hypnos – include a foam sandwich construction with a mini-pocket spring core for increased comfort and support.
New season prices
2020 prices are likely to rise 5-8%, to cover the extra cost of the base vehicles’ Euro 6D engines.
Our pick: Compass/Elddis CV60
Our immediate reaction on stepping inside this lovely high-top PVC for the first time was that it appeared to defy the laws of physics. It contains so much and appears so roomy and yet still only stretches the tape to a tad below 6m. Clever kitchen, practical washroom, oodles of storage, optional silver-grey coachwork and automatic transmission, plus a diamond-sharp price – they’ll be in demand.
Little wonder, then, that the CV60 was crowned Motorhome of the Year in our prestigious Motorhome of the Year Awards 2020.
The many changes to fixtures and fittings should ensure that Autoquest and Avantgarde models retain their crown as the UK's best-selling value-for-money ranges ever