Special anniversary editions are usually packed with loads of extras. To celebrate its 65th anniversary, Auto-Sleepers is doing something a bit different: the four models in its new LXV Collection have had a couple of items removed.

But there’s a good reason for this: it’s a way of keeping prices within reach for those who might have thought that they couldn’t stretch to a new Auto-Sleeper.

In addition, and to ensure the Auto-Sleeper touring experience isn’t compromised, the company has added lots of other tempting extras, and one particular motorhome upgrade that is a real bargain: automatic transmission and alloy wheels (which together normally cost £4395) for just £65.

So how does this work out in practice and should this ‘van be on the shortlist for those after the best 2 berth motorhome? We headed to Marquis Leisure to see the £88,995 Auto-Sleepers Broadway EL LXV Anniversary Edition.

Cab and lounge in the Auto-Sleepers Broadway EL LXV Anniversary Edition

Most of the spec reduction has taken place on the outside and in the cab. You don’t get a spare wheel with this model, for example, just a Fix&Go kit, and you only get a white cab. Inside, there’s a plain steering wheel – no leather or controls – and only a 7-inch multimedia screen on the dash.

You also miss out on something that has been a quirk with Auto-Sleepers for many years – the wine glasses on their own rack in a locker. (Our test model included this and an awning, but they won’t feature on production models).

The Ducato cab
The comfortable Ducato cab features a standard wheel and a 7in multimedia screen

However, there’s lots more that really makes up for this. The new goodies added to this model for the first time include a clever, 120W Shadowflex solar panel from Renogy that can work in partial shade, the new Truma INet X2 control panel, ultrasonic water sensors in the water tanks, and a 100Ah lithium battery. All of which are very welcome bits of kit.

The new, exclusive anniversary navy decals on the outside look extremely smart, as does the small strip across the bonnet. This colour is repeated inside on the scatter cushions; they fit in well with a pale Santana furniture finish that includes black handles on the doors.

The drop-down bar
Drop-down bar can double as a table or for drinks, or even working from ‘home’

All this adds nicely to what is already a very comfortable interior. Although this is strictly a rear-lounge-only motorhome layout, you still get a bar that folds out behind the two cab seats and which could easily function as a small table for just the two of you – or even as a home office, because mains sockets are nearby.

The best rear lounge motorhomes will always provide a comfortable space at the back of the ‘van. With the EL LXV Anniversary Edition, the rear lounge itself is kitted out with comfy bolsters, and varied lighting that includes ambient light, lights around the Heki, two large corner spotlights and smaller focus lights you can move along under the lockers.

You also get a choice of two tables: a foldaway one that is stored in the wardrobe nearby, and a smaller pedestal one that when assembled still leaves plenty of room for people to stretch their legs.

There are mains sockets under each side settee, and there are relevant sockets for a TV next to a small cabinet near the door that would house a small set.

The kitchen in the Broadway EL LXV Anniversary Edition

The side kitchen includes a four-burner dual-fuel hob above a separate oven and grill and below an extractor fan.

The kitchen
Four-burner dual-fuel hob and separate oven feature in the nicely designed kitchen

You get a rectangular sink, a flatbed microwave and a paper-towel holder, but what particularly impressed me was what looked like a wireless charging pad on the back of the ample workspace.

The mains sockets and USBs in the kitchen charging pad
Clever wireless charging pad in the kitchen pops open to reveal mains sockets and USBs

It is indeed such a pad, but give it a push and it becomes two mains sockets with USB ports too. All your needs are catered for, then.

The washroom in the Auto-Sleepers Broadway EL LXV Anniversary Edition

The washroom includes a separate shower cubicle that (unusually) is screened off with a tambour door.

The shower and toilet in the washroom
Showerhead doubles-up as the sink tap (left); There’s a shower cubicle in the washroom which (unusually) is separated via a tambour door

This cubicle includes the sizeable washbasin whose tap doubles up as the showerhead. There’s no mirror here (there is a large one in the main washing area), but you do get a tooth mug and a towel holder.

Sleeping in the Auto-Sleepers Broadway EL LXV Anniversary Edition

If you don’t fancy removing all the backrest cushions, you can put the two platforms under the side settees together to make a standard double bed. But remove all those backrests and you can either have two 1.9m-long singles or a massive double that is pretty much 1.9m wide and long.

The double bed
The double bed is big, even without removing the backrest cushions – then it’s enormous!

Storage in the Broadway EL LXV Anniversary Edition

The options you have for loading a motorhome will always be important.

Unusually for a rear lounge, this motorhome has a ‘garage’ of sorts: the area under the back settee is externally accessible and could easily accommodate, say, a set of skis. There’s an internal access flap here, too, which is just as well because you do have to remove all the cushions to lift the slats. You can leave the base cushions on if you want to access the area underneath the side sofas, however.

The storage under the sofa
Sofa lifts to reveal more handy storage options, and there’s an externally accessible locker, too

Once you also include seven overhead lockers, a half-height wardrobe and a shelved cupboard beneath it, there is a huge amount of clothes storage space in this ’van, even if one locker is taken up with a crockery rack.

The locker and cupboard space by the kitchen
There’s more locker and cupboard space by the kitchen – all are very useful

Kitchen storage isn’t bad, either, with one overhead locker, two lockers under the sink, a column of three drawers, and a locker big enough for a frying pan.

The washroom is slightly less generous, but still has a cupboard.

Alternatives to consider

If you’re looking for a more entry-level Fiat Ducato, you could take a look at the Joa by Pilote 75 TB, a ‘van with fixed single beds.

Or how about a Fiat Ducato-based campervan instead? If one couple appeal, see what we made of the Coachman Veloce VL65 when we tested it.

Tech specification of the Auto-Sleepers Broadway EL LXV Anniversary Edition

  • Price (new) From: £88,995
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Belts: 2
  • Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
  • Engine: 2.2-litre 140hp
  • Length/width/height: 6.36/2.26/2.61m (20’10”/7’5”/8’7”)
  • MTPLM: 3500kg
  • MiRO: 3051kg
  • Payload: 449kg
  • Water (fresh/waste): 102/91 litres
  • Leisure battery: 100Ah lithium
  • Gas: 25 litres LPG, underslung
  • Contact: auto-sleepers.com
  • Seen at: marquisleisure.co.uk

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