Our review van was fitted with a number of
options, from the aforementioned slide-out
kitchen and external shower to the adjustable
table in the club lounge, a Sirocco fan, a
120Ah lithium battery, a 12V compressor
under-bench fridge, a reverse-cycle air-
conditioner under the bed, and even a grey
water tank.
The lithium battery is kept charged by two
145W roof-mounted solar panels, with the
12V system managed by the onboard Redarc
Manager 30 battery management system.
At the foot of the bed, a TV hangs from the
ceiling on a special bracket that allows it to be
swivelled 180 degrees to be viewed from
either the dinette or the bed.
Due to its size, there are a number of expected
compromises found throughout the Eco-
Tourer. The internal kitchen bench is small, for
example. But the trade-off – a compact,
clever, well-finished and well-engineered unit
– is more than worth it.
SUMMING UP
Weighing 1930kg Tare, the Eco-Tourer is
reasonably light and, fully loaded, it is well
within the capabilities of the Prado, Pajero
and a host of other tow vehicles.
Its fundamental design is much the same as it
was in 2003, but the Eco-Tourer is as relevant
today as a couple’s van as it was back then.