RV REVIEW

I’ ve long pondered the motorhome lifestyle. I’ ve always been an avid caravanner, but during those times of wet weather, hitching up in the mud and rain, wrestling with weight distribution bars, my mind has turned to the simplicity of a motorhome.

Avan has built B and C Class motorhomes, not to mention caravans and campers, for many, many years. It began about 25 years ago, with the launch of the classic Aliner. The company’ s motorhomes might not have the same daring appearance, but they are still quite attractive, particularly on the inside. This is more true now than ever, following a redesign to the entire range to mark Avan’ s 25 years in business.

The cab-chassis C Class Avan Ovation M7 Slide-Out Titanium Series, based on the Fiat Ducato Maxi, is a fairly nimble performer on the open highway, though the engine suffers some momentary turbo lag. The van was unladen when I reviewed it( save for the fuel in the tank) and though it was a little hesitant when climbing hills from a standing start, medium inclines weren’ t an issue when it already had some momentum.

The living quarters, thanks to the overhauled interior design, are very inviting. The dinette is comprised of a forward-facing seat( with two seat belts) on the offside, a sideways-facing lounge on the nearside, a table, and naturally, the driver’ s and passenger’ s chair can swivel around, too.

The offside kitchen is on the small side, with a

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