Best Campervans in The UK For 2023
From stylish campervans by Volkswagen to more luxurious options courtesy of Mercedes and even a versatile camper variant based on the popular Ford Transit Custom, there exists a diverse array of campervans catering to every potential buyer. The significant demand in the market could make it difficult to find budget-friendly campervans. Nevertheless, their widespread popularity also means that a wise purchase could potentially recoup a noteworthy portion of your investment within a few years. Another option, especially for those with budget constraints, involves the conversion of a standard van into a camper. To explore further, look at our best campervans of 2023.
For those prepared to make a purchase, whether it's a van or a campervan, we currently offer a selection of vans at our used car supermarket.
Best campervans 2023
Volkswagen California
Year Launched: 2020
Volkswagen has long been linked with campervans, a connection that holds merit. These vehicles possess not just style but also robust engineering and intelligent design.
The Volkswagen California stands as the intermediary between campervans in the brand's collection (larger than the Caddy California, yet smaller than the Grand California). Among the options, this is likely our favored choice; granted, it lacks restroom and bathing amenities, yet it achieves a commendable harmony between comfort and practicality.
One of the limited campervans available for purchase, crafted directly by the manufacturer instead of being retrofitted by an aftermarket specialist, the Volkswagen California is solely offered with diesel propulsion and provides the choice between two- or four-wheel drive. Opting for the 4x4 model is wise if you're considering exploring muddied campsites or festival grounds.
And the twist? Well, that comes down to the cost. A brand-new Volkswagen California kicks off at approximately £60,000 and rapidly rises as you find yourself drawn to alluring add-ons or exclusive edition variants. The California retains its value remarkably, thwarting the odds of stumbling upon a discounted used model; nevertheless, you can take solace in the likelihood of recouping a significant portion of your investment if the notion of camping loses its appeal.
Ford Transit Custom Nugget
Year Launched: 2019
As expected, Ford is entering the campervan market, evident with the introduction of the Ford Transit Nugget in 2019. Collaborating with campervan experts Westfalia, Ford offers this converted Transit Custom van through its dealerships, complete with a warranty.
Designed for individuals with a roaming lifestyle, the Ford Transit Nugget provides onboard WiFi that can be connected to as many as 10 gadgets. According to Ford, this feature perfectly suits the contemporary remote work trend, enabling productive remote work while the younger ones enjoy their online entertainment.
Ford has ingeniously fit a Nugget with a three-room arrangement, encompassing a kitchen zone set apart from the rear seating. Combined with the roof tilting at the back, this generates a more expansive area offering increased headroom. Dual side-opening doors and front-to-back walk-through capability facilitate effortless access throughout the spacious cabin. This comfortably breezy cabin accommodates up to four individuals.
Under the hood, Ford employs its 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, presenting a selection between manual and automatic transmissions. It starts at approximately £75,000. For those needing more room, a long-wheelbase model is currently available for purchase, entering the market at a staggering £80,000. While this might equate to many potential Airbnbs, similar to the Volkswagen California, you can anticipate a substantial portion of your investment being recouped upon resale.
Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo
Year Launched: 2017
Drawing inspiration from the Mercedes V-Class people carrier, the Mercedes Marco Polo emerges as a fresh contender against the Volkswagen California and Ford Transit Nugget. Sharing a similar origin with the Transit, it undergoes Westfalia's conversion touch and is sold through dealers as an officially sanctioned modification.
Touted as a 'luxury camper,' the Mercedes Marco Polo stands as the epitome of high-end mid-size campervans at your disposal. It mirrors the driving experience of a Mercedes car, amplified by the MBUX infotainment arrangement, supple leather steering wheel, and the customary extensive array of driver-assist technologies. The notion of piloting a Mercedes Marco Polo is unlikely to evoke dissatisfaction unless one frets over being misidentified as an upscale Uber chauffeur.
The rear area also offers a delightful experience, featuring yacht-style wooden flooring that adds an element of sophistication and is also quite effortless to maintain. The kitchen has been intelligently crafted to include a twin gas hob, sink, and refrigerator. Electric controls can transform the back bench into a cosy double bed for bedtime arrangements. If additional space is needed, the roof can be elevated to lodge two more individuals.
Starting prices for a brand-new Mercedes Marco Polo commence at approximately £70,000; however, considering its presence in the market for several years, opting for a pre-owned model can result in substantial savings. A sum of £50,000 will secure you a previously owned Marco Polo.
Volkswagen Grand California
Year Launched: 2019
The Grand California is a new inclusion in Volkswagen's line of campervans. Emerging from the spacious Volkswagen Crafter van, this vehicle targets those seeking added room. Equipped with an integrated washroom, it eliminates those inconvenient nighttime journeys across the camping area.
It arrives in a duo of size choices: the Volkswagen Grand California 600 (spanning six metres) and the Grand California 680 (extending - you got it - to 6.8 metres). The more compact variant boasts an elevated roof and the choice for an extra cab-over bed, presenting itself as a campervan for four. Conversely, the lengthier model features a lower roof and accommodates two slumberers.
Every Volkswagen Grand California comes with a robust 177PS 2.0-litre diesel engine coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It serves as a rather laid-back highway traveler, making it perfect for your European road trips. However, urban navigation might remind you of its dimensions. Luckily, visibility is commendable, and sensors keep obstacle proximity in check.
The cost of entry for Volkswagen Grand California starts at approximately £80,000. Spotting them in the second-hand market is a rarity, but you could get a deal at £70,000.
Toyota Proace Matino
Year Launched: 2020
Similar to numerous other campervans showcased in this collection of best campervans of 2023, the Toyota Proace Matino comes across as an aftermarket alteration as opposed to a camper built directly in the factory. However, this fact shouldn't discourage you. The proficient folks at Wellhouse Leisure execute the modification, and you have the option to make a purchase directly from certain Toyota dealers, complete with a warranty.
Derived from the Toyota Proace Verso MPV, the Matino holds a starting price of £54,000, positioning it as one of the more budget-friendly campervans in our compilation of top choices. This initial cost covers a Proace Matino with a 120PS diesel engine and a six-speed manual gearbox. We'd suggest considering the additional expenditure of £2000 to acquire 180PS and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Toyota Proace Matino comes with a Webasto heater that's manageable through a mobile app, along with front seats that can swivel, a two-burner hob with a sink, a 25-litre fridge, and a solar panel. For additional room, you can opt for the Matino version with a raised roof, which offers an extra upper bed and mattress. While fitting four adults in the Matino could be snug, the roof bed is perfect for kids' enjoyment
Volkswagen Caddy California
Year Launched: 2021
The Volkswagen campervan series has not only grown with the addition of larger models such as the Grand California but has also introduced a tinier variant. Using the compact Volkswagen Caddy as its base, the Caddy California by Volkswagen proves perfect for independent explorers or duos in search of an economical micro camper that retains the cost-effectiveness of a car in terms of ownership and maintenance.
Volkswagen's ingenuity shines through in the design of the Caddy California, effectively utilising its space. Standard features comprise a pull-out double bed and a single-burner stove at the rear. Additionally, the range of choices on the menu is extensive. Among the appealing options is the choice of a panoramic sunroof (excellent for stargazing before sleep takes over). Furthermore, an attachable awning boosts weather protection.
Since the Volkswagen Caddy shares its platform with various VW Group passenger cars, such as the Volkswagen Golf, its driving experience is akin to that of a car. The Caddy California offers a range of petrol and diesel engine options, along with a manual or DSG automatic gearbox. Additionally, you have the flexibility to choose between the short or long-wheelbase versions, the latter being labeled the Caddy California Maxi.
The Volkswagen Caddy California is priced at approximately £30,000, a seemingly exceptional deal in the current market of campervans. However, this cost might gradually increase when you use Volkswagen's online configuration tool. Opting for a pre-owned Volkswagen Caddy California can be a cost-effective alternative.
Source and Images: Heycar