Auto-Trail Imala 730 - Practical Motorhome

Read Editor Niall Hampton's 2016 Auto-Trail Imala 730 review if you need a stylish low-profile coachbuilt motorhome with an island bed, at a cheaper price

Verdict

If you buy an Imala 730 you will get access to Auto-Trail desirability at a lower price, but in a range that doesn’t feel downmarket.

On top of that, the Auto-Trail Imala 730 brings the convenience and comfort of a well-executed island-bed layout to the party, and that in itself will be a deal-maker for many buyers. And to see other Auto-Trail motorhomes for sale, click here.

Pros

Its 3500kg MTPLM – anyone can drive it
Upmarket style at an entry-level price
It has an impressive, retractable island bed
It has a separate lined shower cubicle
ESC with hill hold and Traction Plus control are standard

Cons

You need a big space to park a 7.25m-long motorhome
Only two travel seats as standard
It only has blinds (curtains are for show)

Auto-Trail’s play for a slice of the entry-level coachbuilt motorhome market surprised many followers of the marque – not least because Tribute coachbuilts already occupy this space and are built in the same factory. But raised eyebrows were soon lowered and all doubts put aside when Imala was seen in the metal.

Lighter in weight and more affordable than other Auto-Trail models, the new Imala line-up targeted younger customers, who lack C1 entitlement on their driving licences, and has been very well received. So much so that the range has expanded for 2016 and, if confirmation were needed that the Imala range has come of age, then the island-bed Imala 730 provides that proof.

Lighter in weight and more affordable than other Auto-Trail models, the new Imala line-up targets younger customers

Living

The Auto-Trail Imala 730’s parallel lounge is a sociable space with a pleasing atmosphere, thanks to daylight that enters from both side windows and the cab skylight. The lounge seating is comfortable, and a folding-leaf table can be added for meals. Over-locker lighting and cassette blinds offer a touch of class.

Kitchen

Thanks to a retractable fixed bed that requires a smaller share of the space in this 7.25m-long ‘van, the Auto-Trail Imala 730 has an impressive galley. The worktop is generous and, with the cooker lid lowered and the sink infill, there’s plenty of space for food preparation.

A dual-fuel hob atop the separate oven and grill, a 96-litre, dual-fuel fridge with separate freezer, and a microwave oven round out the kitchen. Five task lights and under-locker LEDs illuminate the kitchen after dark.

Washroom

The nearside washroom’s central location will serve the occupants of both double beds. It has a swivel-seat cassette toilet, an oval basin above a cupboard and a window you can open to clear the steam. To the left as you enter is a half-length mirror and a well-sealed separate shower cubicle is located to the right.

Beds

Towards the rear, the island bed affords two positions: push it towards the headboard so there’s space to move around; pull the bed flat at night. When raised, the headboard can be left in situ in the evenings, for watching TV or reading. Illumination options include windows, a rooflight and ambient LED lighting.

The lounge can be converted into a second double bed, by pulling the sliding seat frame into the gangway and rearranging the cushions. A sliding partition screens the master bedroom from the lounge.

The island bed measures 1.86m x 1.34m (6ft 1in x 4ft 4in), while the dinette bed measures 2.17m x 1.22m (7ft 1in x 4ft).

Storage

Nine overhead lockers, two wardrobes and cupboards comprise the 730’s storage options, in addition to the under-bed space, which is accessible from an exterior hatch on the rear wall. A payload of 330kg should cover the kit needs of most touring couples; if not, C1 licence holders can up-plate to 3650kg free of charge.