Verdict
It might be a bit long in the tooth, but Auto-Trail has done a lot to keep the end-kitchen Tracker a fresh alternative to rivals such as the Auto-Sleeper Nuevo.
Pros
Standard equipment
Kitchen
Quality
Cons
Large overcab area dents fuel economy
How the Tracker has grown. Ten years ago it was a tiny low-line based on the original Fiat Scudo. Today, it’s based on the Fiat Ducato, and for 2011 it’s wider than ever.
The bodyshell now measures 2.31m, which Auto-Trail claim delivers an extra 87mm interior width.
Our test model, which we drove for 300 miles, had Auto-Trail’s traditional, rather bulbous low-line mould. This ensures a generous interior overcab storage locker, but means it has a protruding Luton section similar to that of an overcab coachbuilt, which takes its toll on fuel economy.
New standard kit worth noting for 2011 includes a 3m integral awning, cab air con and a rear-mounted spare wheel in a moulded carrier. Also standard are cruise control, central locking to cab and habitation doors, driver and passenger airbags; and the external gas barbecue point should prove very useful in summer time.
Otherwise, the layout has remained as tried and tested: that is, swivel cab seats, facing sofas up front, an end kitchen and a corner washroom. A large, freestanding table seats four, and stashes in its own dedicated locker alongside the 97-litre fridge/freezer.
At night, the facing sofas slide to meet and form a spacious, flat double bed (measuring 2.1 x 1.66m), or they can be used as single beds.
Auto-Trail’s kitchens have always been among the best around. The domestic-style cooker here, with three gas burners and an electric hotplate, as well as a separate oven and grill, are more than enough for culinary needs. Similarly, the washroom is well appointed, with a separate shower cubicle.
The quality of Auto-Trail’s woodwork is as impressive as ever, and the Ashbourne fabric is attractive. The Tracker also has drop-in carpets and LED lighting throughout.
Our model came fitted with the Media Pack (£999), which includes a 15” drop-down colour TV monitor over the cab, and a new ‘double DIN’ radio/CD player with 7” touchscreen and built-in Freeview. We found the touchscreen interface easy to use, and was impressed with the screen display because it automatically turns into a monitor for the infra-red reversing camera when you engage reverse gear.
Technical Specifications
Payload | 285 kg |
MTPLM | 3500 kg |
Shipping Length | 6.39 m |
Width | 2.31 m |