The Italian brand has taken the winning mix used by its value-for-money line-up and added design flair. Gentleman Jack reviews the Roller Team Zefiro 696
Overview
Roller Team’s 2016 Zefiro range has pulled off two neat tricks. First, although the slim windscreen ticket confirms its position as the Italian manufacturer’s value-for-money range, it has had some nips and tucks. (Read about tweaks for Roller Team's 2016 motorhomes here.) These are joined by an improved standard spec, resulting in motorhomes that can compete against far more expensive rivals.
Second, by sticking with Ford’s finest, Roller Team has ensured that these motorhomes will attract Transit devotees in droves. Don’t even think about buying a motorcaravan with other underpinnings until you’ve put the Zefiro through its paces. Impeccable road manners plus compliant long travel suspension offer a magic-carpet ride without the downside of excessive roll in corners.
Design
On the road
Lounging & dining
Kitchen
This was our first close encounter with Thetford’s new slim-tower fridge/freezer and we were impressed. The large separate cool drawer is perfect for storing fresh vegetables and the like.
Sleeping
We also appreciated the individual hanging wardrobes, reading lights and an abundance of surfaces on which to place drinks, specs, Kindle and whatever else.
Many prospective Zefiro motorcaravanning parties will number just two – either young couples or empty-nesters. Thus they may be tempted to save £500 by opting for the 695.
We would urge caution here: the 696 with its additional over-lounge double bed is a far more astute buy. Empty-nesters may want to take along grandchildren and young couples may wish for the company of friends. However, just because the bed is there, it doesn’t mean you have to use it. The 696 will appeal to far more potential second owners at trade-in time than the 695, and it will have stronger residuals than its strictly two-berth stablemate.
The Zefiro 696's island double bed is 1.94 x 1.38m (6’4” x 4’6.25”). The over-lounge double bed is 1.94 x 1.28m (nearside) tapering to 1.1m (offside) (6’4.25” x 4’2.5”/3’7.25”).
Washroom
Storage
Equipment
Technical specs
Layout | Rear corner bed | |
Sleeps | 4 | |
Travel seats | 4 | |
MTPLM | 3500kg | |
Payload | 425kg | |
Length | 7.45m | 24′5″ |
Width | 2.31m | 7′7″ |
Height | 2.9m | 9′6″ |
Engine (capacity) | 2200 | |
Engine (power) | 125 | |
Fresh/waste water | 100L / 125L | |
Leisure battery | 95 Ah | |
Gas bottle size | 13kg | |
Number of gas bottles | 1 | |
External Options | ||
Kitchen Equipment | Thetford Fridge, 3-burner gas hob, Combined Oven/Grill, Separate grill | |
Washroom | Thetford C-250 toilet, Separate shower cubicle |
Verdict
Roller Team has taken the Zefiros’ winning mix of good spec and low prices, and added subtler styling in the new range for 2016. The Ford Transit base vehicle is a highly desirable bonus at this price.
Conclusion
Pros
- Good value for money
- Ford Transit base vehicle
- Two good double beds
- Plenty of storage
Cons
- Fixed table makes it hard to move or recline cab seat
- Only three rings on the gas hob