New motorhomes for 2014: Auto-Roller T-Line range

SIENA-BASED ROLLER-TEAM produces several ranges of coachbuilt motorhomes, all of which are imported from Italy by Auto-Trail. Both are under the global Trigano umbrella.

Originally Auto-Roller was an independent family-owned company making both touring caravans and motorcaravans. In 1996 it was taken over by the Italian-owned CI Group and a couple of years later the production of its motorhomes transferred to what is still one of the biggest motor caravan factories in Europe.

The Italian CI Group was originally a UK based conglomerate of caravan and motorhome manufacturers led by the visionary Sam Alper. When Caravan International (CI) collapsed in 1994 the Italian importer bought the name and successfully recommenced motorhome production.

You’ll get a better body

Not new but important to bear in mind when choosing a new Roller-Team motorhome is that last year they introduced their ExPs construction system. In short this uses thicker cladding, better insulation and laminated plastic interior walls. The result is that they are now stronger and more resistant to water ingress. After extensive product testing they decided to offer a ten-year body integrity warranty.

2014 Auto-Roller T-Line range

T-Line models, will have a electrically-operated (much-improved)

drop-down bed. All models have two rear travel seats. Comfortmatic and 150bhp engine upgrade are available on these Fiat Ducato-based motorhomes. Two exciting new models join Roller-Team’s flagship

range, the compact T-Line 590 and the palatial T-Line 744

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Auto-Roller T-Line 590

Price from £42,695 OTR

Good things do come in little packages and this is our favourite new ‘van from Roller Team for 2014. Not only is the 590 short, it’s got minimal rear

overhang and a low chassis, so it should corner as if it’s on rails.

4-sleeping berths 4-travel seats, a great kitchen and roomy washroom,

all in under 6m. We loved the combined sink and hob with long spout

monobloc mixer tap and the large domestic-style fridge-freezer. It’s

great that major players are including shorter models in their flagship

ranges and not just concentrating on rolling gin palaces.

Two-up motorcaravanners can lower the drop-down double-bed to the seat squab level. Four-up motorcaravanners will stop the bed at mid-height and make an additional double-bed from the forward lounge seating. The centrally-placed kitchen is split either side of the central aisle – facilitating the inclusion of a mine’s-bigger-than-your’s two-door fridge-freezer. The far rear is home to a washroom with separate walk-in shower cubicle. Length: 5.99m (19ft 8in). Based on a

Fiat Ducato. 35 Light, 130bhp. Weight: 3500kg/3650kg