Launched at February’s NEC show, the new Kampa LE from Jöbl is the latest in the van converter’s range of high-quality campers based on the VW Transporter.

Prices start from £58,750, although there are plenty of tempting extras, as shown in the model reviewed here (£64,678 as tested). Finished in a dark metallic blue with 16in alloys, the Kampa LE has a very smart exterior.

The pop-up roof allows for extra headroom as well as providing sleeping accommodation, and the tailgate allows easy entry to the rear of the ‘van. The 30-litre waste-water tank is here, while on the offside are the mains socket and 60-litre fresh-water tank.

Standard VW cabin, here with optional DSG and 150bhp engine
Standard VW cabin, here with optional DSG and 150bhp engine

Our review model came with the optional (and superb) seven-speed DSG, which, coupled with the optional 150bhp engine, makes a great drive.

The soft-latching side door is another welcome extra, while the cab also has adaptive cruise control, DAB radio, Bluetooth and auto-lights.

The lounge is fitted with two forward belted seats, quite sporty in design and with a pull-up headrest.

Two travel seats are belted and have integral headrests
Two travel seats are belted and have integral headrests

The front seats can be swivelled to face the rear if there are four of you dining in the lounge. The table slots in here – although a slightly larger table would not go amiss.

At night, LEDs in the roof do a good job, but there are no spotlights. The cab and side windows have blackout curtains. Two mains sockets in the kitchen also have USBs and there’s an air outlet for the 2kW Eberspãcher diesel heater in the lounge.

The tabletop is stowed behind the rear nearside seat, with the leg slotted into place by the side door.

Double bed in the lounge is easily made up with filler cushions
Double bed in the lounge is easily made up with filler cushions

As with most campervan layouts, the Kampa LE is a 2+2; that is, the high-top allows another bed to be pulled down. It’s really only big enough for children, and is accessed by ladder, making this model ideal for touring couples who want to take the grandchildren away for the occasional weekend break.

The main sleeping area offers the option of two single beds by pulling out the seat base and lowering the back. Infill cushions plug gaps with the front seats, which are turned side on. For a double bed, the seats slide together. The bed is very comfortable, although some customers might prefer to add a mattress topper.

Double bed in the pop-up section can accommodate smaller children
Double bed in the pop-up section can accommodate smaller children

The well-planned side kitchen comes with plenty of cupboard storage and a small amount of worktop. The LED downlighter is sensibly positioned, and there’s a two-burner hob, sink and oven/grill. Opposite is more work surface and cupboard storage, with the control panel, and the Dometic 45-litre fridge, with some shelving above.

Kitchen is small but well designed, with a Dometic two-burner hob and combined sink both fitted with glass covers
Kitchen is small but well designed, with a Dometic two-burner hob and combined sink both fitted with glass covers

Although the LE has no dedicated washroom, an area at the rear has been designed to be separated from the rest of the interior byy a slide-out divider. There is a Dometic electric-flush toilet, and a small stainless-steel handbasin. This is one of the features that saw it included in our best VW campervan guide.

As in the kitchen, there is a hot water supply here, too. When not in use, the divider simply slides back out of the way. It’s really neatly designed and is an innovative space-saving feature.

There's no dedicated washroom, but a neat divider slides out to separate off the rear
There’s no dedicated washroom, but a neat divider slides out to separate off the rear

Storage in the Kampa LE is also very good, with the kitchen benefitting from well-planned cupboards and shelving. In the rear, there is more useful storage space, ideal for clothing. The locker for the gas cylinder is located here, too.

This thoughtfully designed interior really does make the best use of the space available – especially if it’s just two of you on tour.

The shower point is one of many useful optional extras
The shower point is one of many useful optional extras

Overall, the Kampa LE comes with excellent spec, including an 85Ah leisure battery, the Dometic fridge, and the well-equipped kitchen. Another welcome extra on our review model was the shower point added at the rear, which we reckoned should really come fitted as standard.

PRACTICAL MOTORHOME SAYS…

Lift tailgate for easy access to the LE's rear
Lift tailgate for easy access to the LE’s rear

We really liked this van when we tested it, and it’s a worthy inclusion in our best campervan round-up. Based on the VW Transporter, Jöbl’s new Kampa LE is ideal for those quick weekend getaways. It’s also good to use as daily transport, especially with that excellent seven-speed DSG. We’d like to see a BBQ point and the shower as standard, but we were impressed by the lounge, the kitchen, and that clever ‘washroom’ arrangement. Another plus is that the LE is NCC badged.

Wondering if the Kampa LE could be the right ‘van for you? See how it got on when we compared it to the Ford Nugget.

You can also get some more great inspiration in our guide to the best van conversions over £50,000.

If you liked this… READ THESE:

Review: Ford Nugget Plus

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