Verdict
For its age, this is a great-looking ‘van that has clearly been well looked after. It still has plenty left to offer.
Pros
Immaculate bodywork
Superior specification.
Cons
Enclosed and cramped lounge space
Lack of double floor storage.
There are plenty of new models for less than the cost of this used A-class ’van – so why buy second-hand? In a word, ‘quality’.
The Rapido is winterised, boasts a high level of specification and an attractive internal finish that looks as good as new. Then there’s the A-class part of the equation. We chose this models for its spacious lounge in a short body length – now far less common than it was. First-timers are often (needlessly) deterred by the slightly unusual driving position of an A-class, but book a test drive and see for yourself – you could find yourself in the A-class club with change from £30,000.
Living
There’s a pleasant, bright feel inside thanks to a big windscreen, large side window and rooflights.
We were not entirely sold on the Rapido’s half-dinette/kitchen, because it seems to enclose the lounge too much, lessening the spacious feel of the A-class cab. However, the large, extendable table offers plenty of space in which four could dine at some leisure, and is attractively finished. It hampers movement through the lounge, though, due to the amount of room afforded the cab seats, but six could sit around quite cosily for a chat. The length of the sofa might seem incongruous – in a social situation, the kitchen end is out of the dinette occupants’ line of sight – but it does serve its purpose as a bed or as an excellent lounger.
There is a locker-height TV cabinet, but it’s too high to view comfortably. Elsewhere, the coathooks are tall enough for long coats and there is a dressing mirror.
Kitchen
There’s a fair amount of space in the kitchen, whose worktops have a high-gloss finish. Storage space is good, and the Rapido’s fridge/freezer is a strong selling point.
There are two slide-out wire trays beneath the Rapido’s sink, a large drawer for cutlery, and another large drawer beneath the oven.
Washroom
You get a washroom similar layout with a separate shower, a corner sink and a tapered surround towards the toilet – but not a lot of space around the toilet nor a huge amount of room to wash in at the sink.
The shower tray has lasted well, and is well-drained and ‘sunken’ so that you can ‘wash and go’ in the morning.
The Rapido loses marks for its clear window, but it does have a roof light over the shower space and a telescopic towel rail.
Beds
Sleeping arrangements are straightforward. There’s a drop-down bed with lots of headroom and a mattress made from high-quality Bultex foam, and a large made-up single bed (you just slide out a simple, extendable base to create it).
Storage
Exterior storage space in general is good, even though there’s no double floor. The main exterior storage space is two, 50kg-rated slide-out skirt bins.
Internally, locker storage is pretty good, with the wardrobe being particularly roomy. There’s also a full-length sofa-base locker, and a hinged half-dinette seat.
Technical Specifications
| Payload | 790 kg |
| MTPLM | 3850 kg |
| Shipping Length | 6.00 m |
| Width | 2.31 m |
