Built in Germany by Europe’s biggest motorhome manufacturer, Dethleffs, the Eurostyle is a dealer-special range that’s exclusive to Lowdhams.

The 2011 line-up looks better than ever – the bold ‘love ’em or hate ’em’ racing stripes have been replaced with more subtle graphics.

The A69 is the biggest of the bunch, but is far from intimidating at less than 7m in length, considering it houses six sleeping berths and belted travel seats. Although the 3850kg chassis may pose a licencing problem for some younger drivers, most potential buyers will love the massive 810kg payload and the flexible storage space.

On board, the layout has a double- and single-dinette up front, behind non-swivelling cab seats. The overcab bed raises and supports itself on gas struts when not in use to improve cab-to-habitation area access. Both dinettes have their own table, clipped to a wall rail. The larger table hinges at the knee to form the base of a bed. There’s a compact kitchen amidships, next to the entrance door, and to the rear are two lengthways bunk beds, with the washroom placed alongside in the corner.

The lockers and interior doors are simple and flat-faced, but the quality and finish is outstanding, even though this is a ‘budget’ range. The windows get blinds, flyscreens and voiles, but the curtains are simply decorative. The standard specification is basic, but Lowdhams offers an upgrade pack. Our test model had the Deluxe Pack, including cab air con, a passenger airbag, cruise control and an insulated waste tank. It costs £1495, but buying these items separately would cost £3495.

The kitchen, which often proves a sticking point for potential UK buyers of imported motorhomes, is compact but adequate. The three-burner hob doesn’t have spark ignition, but the combined SMEV oven and grill should meet most chefs’ needs. There’s a deep circular steel sink basin and plenty of storage, with a manual energy selection fridge/freezer opposite.

If the kitchen is compact, the washroom is cramped. The swivel-head toilet allows legroom, but the washbasin intrudes on your upper body space when seated. With the washroom door closed, to use the basin you’ll need to stand sideways on to it, with your feet in the shower tray.