'Well-priced debut model that pushes boundaries' - Caravan Guard rates the all-new Xplore CV X8

Unless you’re coming across to motorhomes or campervans from the touring caravan sector, the name Xplore might need some explaining.

It’s a sister-brand to Elddis, from the company that is now part of the Erwin Hymer Group of course – and for motorhomes it represents a more adventurous approach, with the CV X8 van conversion campervan here the debut model (and very much a promise of more to come).

Its all-black exterior – complemented by BF Goodrich All-terrain tyres, flared wheel arches, plus mudflaps – is certainly distinctive, hinting also at a younger target market than Elddis products. Key fittings throughout the interior are also in black, which helps towards the vehicle’s modern feel.

It’s certainly a radical departure from the standard Elddis Autoquest CV80 from which it is derived. Indeed, apart from the more flamboyant looks – outside as well as in – the Xplore CV X8 campervan has exactly the same floorplan as its stablemate. And that includes the elevating roof section.

It’s the roof, from German specialist SCA, that gives the CV X8 full four-berth status. Once up, it provides a particularly generous – and comfortable – double that’s some 2.14m x 1.43m

The Midi-Heki opening rooflight is a fitting you don’t always get with such beds, either, but it helps provide not just valuable daylight but also ventilation.

There’s also safe travel for four, with Isofix fittings and height-adjustable head restraints for the forward-facing rear bench seat that makes a front lounge area when you’re parked up on site with the cab seats swivelled. The side-fixing table here has a handy extension for mealtimes

The second lounge at the back comprises inward-facing settees that easily convert into a double bed (1.85m x 1.30m).

Full blackout is achieved thanks to fitted cab blind units, while the other windows get concertina blinds with flyscreens. In daytime mode here there’s a free-standing table that also stows nearby in a dedicated locker.

There’s also a full flyscreen for the side door, which slides back to reveal a kitchen that includes an 84-litre Thetford compressor fridge with freezer compartment set high (over the wardrobe) for easy access, and a Thetford cooker with three-ring hob and combined oven and grill.

There are drawers at the end of the kitchen unit, where you’ll also find a worktop extension. The circular sink has a loose cover – you’ll want to sort a storage spot for this when travelling to prevent it from rattling!

The washroom has a swivel-bowl toilet, countertop handbasin with tap that extends for use as a shower, with curtain surround, and an opening window with some rather neat plastic moulding – something you don’t always get in a van conversion washroom.

Also here are a locker with mirror doors and shelving and a couple of handy hooks.

Overall specification is decent, with the likes of Whale heating and hot water systems – the latter is the Expanse with an eight-litre water boiler which, like the 25-litre gas tank, is slung underneath – making a real difference in terms of optimising internal storage. Fresh and wastewater tanks are 90 and 45 litres respectively.

Internal fittings include a flatscreen TV holder, individual reading lights to all four corners of the rear lounge, and ActivCare finish to the upholstery.

The cab has the kinds of fittings you’d expect these days – cruise control, manual air-conditioning, automatic lights and windscreen wipers, leather trim for the steering wheel and gear lever and a 7in touchscreen with DAB radio, Bluetooth and reversing camera – although you might well want to upgrade to the 10in version that also includes a satnav.

There are also options to enhance the initial offering of 140bhp engine and six-speed manual transmission (the automatic option is shown here).

If you want to add to the adventure of the Xplore CV X8 campervan, the Back Rack option might be pricey, but it will prove the perfect way of carrying your bikes and other outdoor gear with you and still being able to use those rear doors.