Rapido is one of several brands to bring out a compact range of low-profile motorhomes in recent years. Until now they were based on a Fiat Ducato, but supply issues mean that this year, the range has been redeployed to the Peugeot Boxer.

That might disappoint those wanting to match the convenience of a narrower motorhome with the ease of an automatic gearbox: Peugeot doesn’t produce such a thing. But otherwise, the cab you step into here should look familiar, with central drinks holders.

The cab
Captain’s chairs are upholstered to match the front lounge

Our test model came in the Luceo furniture finish that is an option for this year, in an interior with pale wood locker doors, a white, woven finish on walls, pale upholstery and matt black spotlights with USB ports.

Extra touches in the lounge make it more comfortable than most. A fold-down stool by the door means that there is easily room for six to sit at the dining table. There are two coat hooks here, and a couple more by the washroom door, along with a slot that seems ideal for an umbrella stand.

Rapido has also included two useful LEDs next to the cab seats, making this an excellent place to read or watch TV (if you’re looking for one, our best motorhome TV guide will help).

There is a half-height fridge in the kitchen, but that is probably enough for the food of three; there’s also a spice rack with elastic retainers above.

You only get two burners on the hob, but it is level with the work surface, so should be easy to clean. The sink is on the small side, but the ample worktop has mains and 12V sockets, and is well lit, too. A shelf clips into a slot on the wall for a second food prep area, and there’s an extractor fan – handy in a more compact ’van such as this.

The bright and airy lounge
In the bright and airy lounge, a fold-down stool by the door means there is easily room for six to sit at the table in comfort

There is no microwave, although a combined grill and oven is an option, but it would take up much of the drawer space under the worktop.

This compact motorhome still has a washroom where a partition swings over to reveal the shower. But to fit it in, Rapido has come up with a slightly skewed shape for the shower tray.

This doesn’t have the world’s best headroom, and you have to step up into it. But the shower itself is nicely adjustable, with a large riser, and the area is well lit by a rooflight.

The main washroom has a salad-bowl-style handbasin, with a mirror behind it that takes advantage of the same LED that lights the shower. There is a light over the toilet and two more hooks.

You also have to step up into the rear bedroom. But – again unusually for a compact ’van – this one has a wooden partition. The single bed is a good 1.99m long, and at 1.85m, the other bed isn’t exactly short, either.

Along with a socket next to the steps up to the bed, you get USB ports and individually switched spotlights at the head end, although headroom here is not generous. It’s probably why the beds don’t rise up at the end. You can add a cushioned panel to make the bed an enormous transverse double.

The deep lockers above the bed
Plentiful storage includes a run of deep lockers above the bed

The third bed is made up using the dinette seats and table, and a panel that is stored in the garage.

That garage is a bonus. With a height of 1.20m, it is big enough for at least one bike, while the double doors make loading simpler, too. The gas bottle locker is accessed from here.

The large hanging wardrobe and cupboard at the foot of each bed can easily be accessed by simply lifting the base. Then there are four overhead lockers in the rear bedroom and two in the dinette.

Kitchen storage includes three large drawers, one with a cutlery tray and another with a hidden drawer. There are also two deep overhead lockers.

In the washroom, you get a very large, partially enclosed shelving area just behind the toilet.

Practical Motorhome Says…

Rapido has successfully walked the line between providing a relatively compact ’van and still having creature comforts such as an extractor fan, cab lights and a proper bedroom partition. If you like touring as a couple with bikes, and tend to eat out a lot so won’t mind not having an oven, this vehicle should be in your sights.

You can get more compact ‘van ideas by taking a look at our guide to the best motorhomes under 6m.

  • After a different type of ‘van instead? Then take a look at our best campervan guide

Technical spec of the Rapido C55

  • Price: £TBC
  • Sleeps: 3
  • Belts: 4
  • Base vehicle: Peugeot Boxer
  • Engine: 2.2-litre, 140bhp Blue HDi
  • Length/width/height: 6.72/2.17/2.75m (22’0”/7’1”/9’0”)
  • MTPLM: 3500kg
  • MiRO: TBC
  • Payload: TBC
  • Water (fresh/waste): 110/90 litres
  • Leisure battery: TBC
  • Gas: 1 x 13kg

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