Find out what the Practical Motorhome review team makes of the Fiat Ducato based Lunar Newstar 58E
Design
The Newstar has a dated appearance thanks to the angular body shape, but the GRP quality is good and the graphics are handsome and understated.
Inside, Lunar has chosen a traditionally warm interior colour scheme, something that UK buyers really take to. It’s not fussy, and the use of a single fabric throughout the interior means it's uniform throughout, if a little unsubtle.
Inside, Lunar has chosen a traditionally warm interior colour scheme, something that UK buyers really take to. It’s not fussy, and the use of a single fabric throughout the interior means it's uniform throughout, if a little unsubtle.
On the road
The Lunar is based on the Fiat Ducato and its cab offers window and mirror electrics, as well as door speakers. It uses the 2.3-litre turbo-diesel, which usefully hikes the power and torque by around 30 per cent over rivals with the weedier 2.0-litre engine, thanks to the extra capacity and the addition of an intercooler – this extra ‘urge’ is worthwhile as it makes for more relaxed cruising.
Lounging & dining
When you want to have a meal and relax at the end of the day, the type of layout in the Newstar excels. It seats four at mealtimes and the dinette accommodation is comfortable. The Lunar has a wide seat base with a short, vertical, backrest.
Kitchen
The kitchen is across the back of the ’van, between the washroom and side wall. This limits available space on the worktop.
At 77 litres, the refrigerator in the Lunar is small, because it has been fitted over the wheel arch. Food preparation facilities around the sink and hob area are non-existent, but at least the sink has a recessed drainer, making it easier to stack dishes. The four gas burners on the Caprice cooker are preferable to many buyers than the three burners and electric hotplate in many other rivals.
At 77 litres, the refrigerator in the Lunar is small, because it has been fitted over the wheel arch. Food preparation facilities around the sink and hob area are non-existent, but at least the sink has a recessed drainer, making it easier to stack dishes. The four gas burners on the Caprice cooker are preferable to many buyers than the three burners and electric hotplate in many other rivals.
Sleeping
Generally, if well executed, the end-corner washroom layout opens up the opportunity for five berths – but the Lunar’s layout is compromised. The dinette beds are fine – a single and a double that are comparable in soze with most rivals – but the overcab bed is let down by having poor headroom. It’s a price you pay for a smoother roofline on the outside.
Washroom
The Lunar’s washroom feels a little basic with their plastic cabinets, but has a side window that makes it appear bright and clean. You get a bench cassette toilet fitted along the back wall, which makes it feel less like a domestic toilet but makes good use of the limited space available.
Integrated hand-basin/shower control units control water to the shower, rather than having a separate shower tap.
Integrated hand-basin/shower control units control water to the shower, rather than having a separate shower tap.
Storage
There’s no externally accessed storage, so your mains cables, ramps and other grimy items will need to be stowed inside.
The Lunar also lacks a dedicated television storage cupboard at roof level, but the shelf next to the door would provide space to place one.
However, there’s plenty of storage under the bunks and in lockers around the dinette, and a half-length wardrobe above the heater, too.
The Lunar also lacks a dedicated television storage cupboard at roof level, but the shelf next to the door would provide space to place one.
However, there’s plenty of storage under the bunks and in lockers around the dinette, and a half-length wardrobe above the heater, too.
Technical specs
| Sleeps | 4 | |
| Travel seats | 4 | |
| MTPLM | 3400kg | |
| Payload | 326kg | |
| Length | 6.16m | 20′3″ |
| Width | 2.22m | 7′3″ |
| Height | 3m | 9′10″ |
| Waste water | 59L | |
| External Options | ||
| Kitchen Equipment | Dometic Fridge, 4-burner gas hob, Oven, Separate grill | |
| Washroom | Thetford C-402 bench toilet, Shower curtain | |
| Heating | ||
Verdict
The Practical Motorhome review concludes that the Lunar Newstar 58E is a no-frills family ’van. The Lunar does little wrong, but gets outshone by more polished-looking rivals. It is worth considering if you can drive a hard bargain on the price.
Conclusion
Pros
- Good value
- Nicely finished
- Well specced
- Supportive seats
Cons
- Limited kitchen work area
- There are no external storage areas
- It feels basic
