Moto-Trek X-Cite G 2016

Moto-Trek’s established Euro-Treka models are still described as ‘revolutionary’. This apparent contradiction is explained by their main selling point – they remain one of only two British manufacturers to volume build coachbuilts equipped with slide-outs.

The latest model, X-Cite G, is destined to enjoy wide appeal because it offers a comprehensively equipped motorhome with a garage, in addition to the slide-out, and yet can be driven by anybody with a licence to drive a passenger car. Want to find out more? Read our review!

A glance at the exterior suggests that the ’van will prove to be an engaging and stress-free drive over all types of roads and in all conditions. Contributing to this are the minimal rear overhang, the independent rear suspension, its 2.25m width, the low-profile overcab and its modest length. It was a great drive in our test.

This and other 2.2-litre Peugeot Boxer derivatives with the ubiquitous Sevel underpinnings are powered by Ford’s reliable Puma engine. It has a louder bark than the Fiat, but it feels more spirited and is well suited to its gearbox ratios.

As soon as the lounge slide-out had been deployed, campsite neighbours appeared en masse for a look. All were impressed by the feeling of spaciousness the slide-out created.

Its freestanding table can be moved around to suit the preferences of those on board – a welcome feature that gives the Moto-Trek quite an advantage over rivals. Most photographs show the table parallel to the settee, which requires diners to eat side-by-side. We prefer to dine facing each other, so we would move it forwards and one of us would sit on a swivelled cab seat.

The permanent high-level transverse bed is above the garage. Access and egress are reasonably easy, though the narrow rungs on the aluminium ladder can be unkind to bare feet. A wide opening window plus the panoramic skylight should stop anyone from feeling claustrophobic.

The ’van we tested was a preproduction prototype, with just one bed. The 2016 brochure indicates that the seat bench in production models will be convertible into a low-level island double. This will be perfect for accommodating guests arriving under their own steam or even for couples wanting a double bed each!

A washroom amidships features wipe-clean walls, plus all the usual fixtures and fittings. Unfortunately, its windows were transparent; we’d much prefer the privacy that opaque glazing offers.

Still, the room gets full marks for the generous storage and ‘proper’ vanity basin. The wooden duckboard should protect the shower tray and – as with so much in the Moto-Trek – we wondered why other manufacturers hadn’t followed suit.

Although the main storage area is that fantastic, twin-door garage, careful thought has also been given to the interior options. High-level lockers have a fiddle-rail to stop stuff from tumbling out the first time they are opened after a twisty journey. Positive-locking catches and wipe-clean contrasting finger panels all redounded to its credit.

There is a downside to the Moto-Trek X-Cite G being fully loaded and having such sturdy furniture: the weight. With two people aboard this example, the actual available payload is nearer 150kg than the quoted figure of 250kg. (We’ve estimated an additional 25kg for the De-Luxe Pack and 75kg for the passenger.)

The good news is that Moto-Trek has recently achieved some weight saving, while a free weight upgrade to 3850kg is available. Of course, this would compromise the original aim of having a slide-out and a garage on a sub-3500kg motorhome. The payload quoted for 2016 models weighing 3500kg is a more practical 300kg. This can be increased by an additional 90kg by travelling with only 10 litres of fresh water on board.

‘Elite’ trim offers a choice of three soft-furnishing fabrics, four shades of leather and seven cabinetwork finishes – all at no extra charge, unlike that offered by other brands.