The rear-lounge Europa has been a staple of WildAx’s range, based, as it was, on a Renault. But last year, faced with restrictions in supplies of that base vehicle, the Yorkshire converter redesigned the Europa to sit on a Citroën Relay base; or, as in our test model, a Fiat Ducato that includes Fiat’s nine-speed automatic gearbox. The latter option costs £4000 extra, giving our test model a price of £58,995.

Our test ’van had the standard Fiat Ducato cab; although production models, we were told, would be on Fiat’s new Series 8 Ducato.

The Europa was shortlisted for the best motorhome for couples category at the Practical Motorhome Awards and remains a two-berth, two-belts vehicle.

However, those familiar with the previous version should spot one difference straight away. WildAx has adjusted the size of the washroom to allow space for a small cupboard and overhead locker between the driver’s seat and the front washroom wall.

Striplights under the lockers run most of the way around the lounge, and with two spotlights, keep it lit at night, while a Heki and two large side windows bring in the daylight. The U-shaped seating has improved, too, with curved corner cushions.

Excellent lighting in lounge from Heki roof vent and a couple of spotlights
Excellent lighting in lounge from Heki roof vent and a couple of spotlights

The table is really two small tables that butt together. The idea is that you only put up one if that’s all you need.

In the kitchen, you get a spotlight by the three-burner gas hob and the spice rack. On the old WildAx Europa, the sink slid out from under the worktop, for more workspace. Now, there’s a fixed rectangular sink, with only a moderate amount of worktop, although there is a large extension that you pull up from the end of the peninsula.

Across the way, you get a slimline 141-litre fridge with a separate freezer section, and a microwave above it.

The half-height wardrobe has been shifted over to allow for larger fridge
There is a microwave, but it has been set quite high up over
the fridge

There’s a step into the washroom, but plenty of headroom when you get there. The folding basin has now been replaced by a smaller fixed basin, with a mould that WildAx makes itself.

A small mirror is cleverly included in the curve of the ceiling. The shower shares space with the rest of the washroom. Although the shower head rises and falls on a bar, there is only one drainage hole.

A large roof vent and window let in light and air, but the window is clear, so you’ll probably want to keep the blind down.

Remove all of the backrests at the end of the lounge and you can leave the side settees as single beds. The nearside one is huge, at 6ft 4in (1.94m) long.

The double is trickier to assemble, because WildAx has opted for boards that you need to remove from under the centre of the ‘U’ and place head to tail in the gap. But once that’s done, no infill cushions are needed.

Make up the double bed by placing two boards in the gap between the settees
Make up the double bed by placing two boards in the gap between the settees

As for storage, there are no fewer than 10 overhead lockers in this ’van, all with tambour doors. The wardrobe is over the nearside settee, so is only half-height. It is, though,
a good width for the clothes of two, although the posts for the tables are stored here. Each table top has its own storage – two cupboards, one above the other. They seem rather redundant once the tops are in use.

The shelved cupboard in the front lounge is a useful addition. To access the underseat areas in the rear lounge, you have to remove the base cushions and lift flaps. The wheel
arch takes up some room on the nearside, while the offside area holds the leisure battery. The nearside rear corner, accessed by another flap, is clear, but a similar space on the offside houses the heater.

Aside from the kitchen lockers, there are three large drawers under the sink and a solid pull-out shelf for bottles. Finally, a large pan cupboard under the combined oven and grill also gives access to the gas taps at the rear.

Practical Motorhome Says…

Moving the Europa onto a Citroën/Fiat base vehicle has enabled WildAx to smooth down some of its perhaps more quirky features. The inclusion of what is, in effect, a front lounge is a very positive step. The sleeping options are also impressive – it’s elements such as this that saw the WildAx Europa make its way onto our best campervan round-up.

The table situation could perhaps be tweaked, both in terms of the overall design – they felt a touch wobbly – and where the bits are stored when they are not in use. But overall, the WildAx Europa is now a very commendable rear-lounge two-berth.

You can find out more about WildAx in our guide to the best campervan converters.

Or you could try these…

Benimar Benivan 122 – the ‘van that won best van conversion over £50,000 offers a good spec at a reasonable price.

Malibu Van 640 LE RB GT Skyview – this 4 berth provides comfort and an array of optional extras.

Globecar Roadscout R Elegance – this elegant ‘van is a great option to consider if you’re touring as a couple.

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