On Test Auto-Sleeper Sigma EL on MWB Peugeot Boxer … historic road... · On Test Auto-Sleeper Sigma EL on MWB Peugeot Boxer 2.2 HDi ... matches my new bike. I have to mention my

On Test Auto-Sleeper Sigma EL on MWB Peugeot Boxer 2.2 HDi

130 I NOVEMBER 2007 MOTORCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTHLY

LOUNGE WIZARDComfortable accommodation for two comes courtesy of a compact low profi le with sumptuous rear lounge and luxury appointments

Words by Di Johnson, pictures by Pete Johnson

■ PRICE FROM: £40,941 OTR ■ BERTHS: 2■ BASE VEHICLE: Peugeot Boxer MWB

chassis cab■ LAYOUT: Nearside caravan entrance

ahead of kitchen, washroom and wardrobe opposite, U-shaped rear lounge

■ ECONOMY: 26mpg overall

AT A GLANCE

Auto-Sleepers’ designers have given the Sigma a rounded look

Britain’s well-respected motorhome manufacturer Auto-Sleepers has come up with two new coachbuilt models, the four-

berth Sigma EK (end kitchen) and the dedicated two-berth EL (end lounge), which is the model we got our grubby, but eager hands on.

The Sigma looks very like a stretched Nuevo and, like the Nuevo, the crafty stylists have managed to blur the white box shape into something really quite rounded, soft and, dare I say it, pretty. The smart integral awning gives it a much smoother shape. Certainly, this ‘van can hold its head high amongst the Continental competition.

It’s sad to see Auto-Sleepers drift away from making monocoque construction motorhomes. These iconic one-piece GRP bodies gave the distinctive Auto-Sleeper shape that we’ve all come to know and love. Realistically however, modern Styrofoam, GRP-skinned sandwich construction is such an improvement on older coachbuilding methods, it must be difficult to justify the additional cost of producing the monocoque. Nostalgia must, it seems, take a back seat.

Entry, via a nearside caravan door positioned behind the passenger seat, reveals the kitchen lying along the nearside. Opposite is a wardrobe and washroom, with a positively palatial U-shaped lounge in the rear providing loads of social seating.

There’s no provision for forward-facing belted seating in the rear of the EL. If you need to carry friends or relations the EK layout is the

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MOTORCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTHLY NOVEMBER 2007 I 131

Live-in Test report

LOUNGE WIZARDComfortable accommodation for two comes courtesy of a compact low profi le with sumptuous rear lounge and luxury appointments

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only option. The model we tested was wedded to the 120bhp 2.2HDi engine, which is an optional upgrade. The 100bhp (also 2.2-litre) engine is the standard fitting, with a choice of the 120bhp or 160bhp for those that prefer some extra-frisky horses under their right foot. 120bhp is the least that I’d be comfortable with and - being greedy - I’d have the 160 if I could afford it.

STEPPING UP I find the assistance of a running board makes cab entry a much more ladylike affair than the usual scramble. Its provision on the Sigma is a real plus for petite me. The brand-new seat adjustment mechanisms, while comprehensive, were so stiff it was a real trial to get the driver’s seat correctly positioned. However, even during the short period of our test, they eased a bit.

The correct seating position is attainable for most shapes and sizes and the seatbelt arrangements (they are fitted to the seats), low seating position (despite swivels) and twin, padded, armrests all add up to cracking good cab seating.

Cab layout is good with an almost oversupply of nooks and crannies for stashing kit. You can even get your laptop in a low-level locker in the cab. Forget plastic wood trim, the Sigma’s got faux carbon fibre decorating the dash. Of the two, I prefer the carbon. It makes a bit of a style statement - and it matches my new bike. I have to mention my new bike, it’s carbon-fibre and pink you know. If I’d known this Sigma had a bike rack fitted I’d have brought it along for the test; only in the interests of comprehensively assessing the ‘van you understand!

I thought the overhead shelf, which

stretches across the width of the cab and is just right for road atlases, maps or guidebooks, was a super addition. Pete, my husband, had a different opinion. He wasn’t impressed as he kept knocking his head on it. You’d think he’d have learnt his lesson after the first couple of knocks. Okay, I admit even I nudged it a couple of times. Nevertheless, I think it’s such a functional shelf that it’s worth the odd knock or three.

Both Peter and myself managed to stall the engine (maybe we were asking too much of it) in second gear. There were only 19 miles on the clock when we took delivery, so we must make allowances. I’m still not sure if it has a slightly higher second gear than we’re used to, or maybe it was incompetence on our part.

The suspension performed excellently and the ‘van was steady as a rock on corners. We experienced no wafting about when overtaking

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or when being overtaken by large vehicles on the motorway. The additional 6th gear makes for economical and relaxed cruising when pootling along at 50mph (at just 1800rpm).

ENCIRCLING THE SIGMA A stroll around the outside shows that there’s a low exterior locker, with lift-up lid (with restraint), on the offside for the wet stuff, together with electric hook-up socket, water-fill point and cassette toilet access. On the nearside you’ll find a nice big gas locker into which three 6kg propane cylinders can be slotted. This should be more than enough gas for an extensive Continental tour. Another refinement is the large-bore waste tank valve on the nearside by the caravan door. There’ll be no long waits while your grey water feebly dribbles away - it’ll whoosh out!

And talking of exits, the Seitz caravan

I LIKED■ The lounge■ Cab swivel seats ■ Adaptable tables■ Colour scheme■ Full cooker with electric hotplate ■ Plenty of worktop■ Large bed■ Ambience■ Choices of lighting■ The look of the exterior■ Room for three 6/7kg gas cylinders

I WOULD HAVE LIKED ■ More storage space in the washroom

I DISLIKED ■ Leaking rooflight■ Slow-draining kitchen sink

door feels solid, has a window, material map pockets and remote central locking. With a low floor there’s no requirement for external steps, only a single interior well, which I found easy to use. A neat, recessed awning comes as standard.

A SESSION IN A SIGMAThe palatial lounge must be the most impressive feature of the Sigma. I liked everything about it. The standard upholstery is a luxurious material in pale biscuit and a lovely warm apricot shade. The apricot is featured in the lined curtains and the four cushions. The gorgeous cushions, with decorative piping and panels of different coloured fabric, add to the luxurious ambience.

Textured bound-edge carpet, in a warm biscuit shade, is fitted throughout the interior. The carpet will keep your tootsies warm when travelling in colder months. Revealed beneath is mosaic-affect silver-grey vinyl.

Three massive windows flood the lounge with light, but in case that’s not enough, a big wind-up rooflight completes the job. I’m a big fan of oodles of natural light, but this rooflight had a downside, of which, more later.

Two speakers in the rear ensure good sound levels when listening to your favourite radio station. But why, oh why, didn’t Auto-Sleepers wire the radio so that it’ll continue to play and not automatically switch off after 30 minutes?

There are no less than six adjustable spots and high-level mood lighting to take care of the twilight hours. The cabinetwork is finished in light to mid-tone wood, which melds superbly with the apricot. To give the scheme some zing, softly rounded silver handles adorn the high-level locker doors. Tambour closures to the corner units are also in classy silver.

On the offside, the wardrobe wall provides a good place to install a flat-screen television, as there are already sockets there (12V and 230V plus aerial). Installation here would also be good for bedtime viewing. The Sigma’s lounge will be a difficult place to eject your friends from - such is its comfortable ambience and convenience. I think that Auto-Sleepers has produced a lounge to be proud of. I’m getting quite carried away here so I’d better just mention that six bodies could cosily enjoy its ambience.

DINING DELIGHTS When it’s time to eat, the comfortable lounge becomes a spacious dining room. This is a British ‘van so no clumsy immovable table to deal with here, simply the tried-and-tested folding-leg lightweight version. It’s about the right size to eat comfortably from both sides of the lounge, without it being awkward to leave the table.

There’s no necessity to carry a picnic table either, as it works perfectly outside; so sensible. It’s a table that’s solid enough to withstand wear and tear, but light enough to move. It’s so obviously the right solution, why don’t the Continental makers follow our lead? When not required, this paragon of dining virtue lives in the wardrobe.

Both cab seats swivel and, for a casual meal or coffee, a swan-necked pivoting table can be mounted inside the caravan door beside the passenger seat. The tabletop is stored behind the driver’s seat, its leg in the wardrobe.

When it’s time for wine or brandy, one of the overhead lockers is decked out with four bottle restraints and a set of crystal wine glasses. These may be reached without leaving the table and this locker is even provided with its own light.

1 The kitchen and washroom sit forward just behind the cab. Cabinetwork is finished in mid tones, which

sits well with the colour of the upholstery

2 A positively palatial, U-shaped lounge provides loads of social seating

3 Pete didn’t much enjoy colliding with the overhead shelf in the cab

4 A locker perfect for outside kit resides on the offside

5 There’s space for three cylinders in the capacious gas locker

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We stored the extra cushions in the cab, but the corner cushions make good backrests for bedtime reading, before stashing them away for the night. Six spotlights mean that whatever position you choose you’ll be well illuminated.

The windows are all fitted with pleated blinds, but should you prefer, there are also sumptuous curtains. These are all rather superfluous for us, as we like to watch out

S I G M A

SLEEPING THE SIGMA WAY As with the lounge, it’s in the bedroom that the Sigma scores. Lose the shaped corner and centre backrest cushions, pull out the well-engineered sofa base sliding mechanisms and flatten the side backrests to make up a vast double bed. As the nearside settee is shorter than its partner, it’s best to sleep with your heads to the offside; feet don’t take up so much room. Having said that, the short side is at least 4ft 9in (1.48m) wide, so it’s generous either way.

■ OVERALL LENGTH: 6.28m (20ft 7in)*

■ OVERALL WIDTH: 2.32m (7ft 7.5in)*

LAYOUT PLAN

for wildlife. At the Camping and Caravanning Club’s Postern Hill site (where we stayed for the test), there are occasional visits from deer, but Pete saw a badger, which was just as exciting.

On the second night of the test we had a bit of trouble. At four in the morning it

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started to rain heavily. I shut the window hastily and went back to sleep. I was woken unceremoniously by cold water dripping on my side; I yelled, wimp that I am. Inconveniently, the rooflight was leaking.

Two saucepans were hastily found and placed under the drips, but we gave up trying to get back to sleep and decided to get an early start. Soon the rain ceased, inside and out, but even so I realised that I was really not sad not to be staying the next night in the ‘van. More, very heavy, rain was forecast for the next day. We knew that we would have to return the ‘van as soon as possible.

Auto-Sleepers told me that it would recall the Sigma back to the factory to do a full investigation and a re-test. The problem would be rectified, I was assured.

WELCOME WORKTOPThe Sigma has a compact nearside kitchen, which, at first glance, lacks essential worktop. The good-sized stainless steel sink has a draining area, a swivelling mixer tap and a drop-down textured glass lid. To the right of the sink is a small amount of workspace.

However, a flip-up worktop can be pulled up to the right of this, across the doorway. It restricts exit through the caravan door, but there is an alternative. Above the fridge, and below the drainer, is a large pullout worktop. This again restricts passage through the ‘van if extended fully, but it’s a small price to pay. Extra worktop is invaluable and is worth working around.

A cutlery drawer sits beneath the sink bowl. Beneath this, is a cupboard, which houses a tip-forward rubbish bin. I found that particular cupboard so useful for bottles that I moved the bin elsewhere.

A Caprice slot-in cooker is next along the line. This has a gas-saving solid electric hotplate, together with three gas burners. There’s a separate grill and oven too, while beneath is a saucepan storage cupboard, which also houses the gas isolation valves. A chrome spice rack is located above. The kitchen is well illuminated by two fluorescents, positioned under the overhead lockers.

The one beef I have with the kitchen is that when I pulled the plug, I needed the patience of a saint while waiting for the sink to empty. Why can’t Auto-Sleepers get this right; it’s not rocket science is it?

SLUICING DOWN An otherwise well thought-out washroom is let down by a lack of storage.

This is one of the new fashionable moving-wall jobs. The basin unit is attached to a swinging wall, which, together with another panel, sections off a spacious separate shower. The basin is of a good size and has its

S I G M A

6 Oodles of space and a good British-style removable table. What more could you want?

7 The passenger seat can be furnished with a swan-necked table that’s perfect for coffee or laptop

8 The vast double bed is comfortable and easy to make

9 The kitchen features a full cooker and hidden worktop

10 A good-sized basin, towel rail, plenty of space and two good lights add up to a desirable washroom.

Pity about the cabinet

11 The swinging wall in the washroom creates a separate showering space

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own dedicated mixer tap, which can be swung out of the way when rinsing your bits.

There are the usual useful additions of hooks, towel rails, toilet roll holder, liquid soap dispenser and, more importantly, a heating outlet to keep you cosy while showering. Two drain holes in the shower and one in the toilet area will give you the best chance of losing your shower water, whatever the tilt of the floor. These drains proved efficient and speedy.

The floors of both areas are covered in slatted, non-slip rubber matting and a big circular light in each provides good illumination.

There’s a rather mean storage cabinet - one of those awkward plastic cupboards with sliding mirror doors. It’s too small and the doors proved difficult to slide. Small objects spill out of the lower shelf as there’s only a bar restraint. Also, the shelves tip forward slightly. And I’d have preferred a larger mirror - vain creature that I am.

ROOM FOR GEAR Storage provision in the rest of the ‘van is very good. Overhead lockers number a generous 13, including those over the cab. The space under

the rear lounge seating is easily accessible as hinged struts support the cushions when lifted. There’s no requirement to remove the backrests on the side settees, but when accessing the big rear locker the middle backrest has to be removed. Much of this space is usable as there are no tanks located here.

The wardrobe is positioned between the washroom and the lounge and above the Truma Ultraheat space heater. The wardrobe is of a reasonable size and there’s room within to store the table in its own dedicated slot. Overhead, and just outside, is a light triggered by opening the door.

Beneath the wardrobe and above the heater is a big drawer. Shoes, I think. Yes, it’s a great place to store shoes, or it would have been if it hadn’t kept sliding open. The catch had been fixed in slightly the wrong place and when cornering it slid open. It’s a big drawer - something you tend to notice when it slides open! Nevertheless, once fixed it’ll make a jolly useful storage space.

POWER, HEAT AND STUFF There are 12V and TV aerial points placed alongside a 230V socket on the side of the wardrobe, along with the control for the Truma Ultrastore gas/electric water heater. Confusingly, the switch for the electric water heating is inside the wardrobe beside the electric space heating isolation switch. The space heater control and selector switch is positioned high up at the end of the kitchen.

Two more 230V sockets are provided, one at the end of the kitchen base unit and one in the cab behind the driver’s seat. The latter will be useful for the occupant of the swivelled passenger seat, using the table here for ‘play station’ or laptop. All the sockets are the modern stylish sort - black with a metallic-effect border.

Above the caravan door is a snazzy LCD

panel performing all sorts of neat tricks, such as an electronic spirit level function that finds your levels front-to-back and side-to-side when pitching. This is in addition to all the usual stuff - battery condition, water level, lighting and power switches. There are even sensors and displays for interior and outside temperatures.

On the ‘van we tested, optional rear steadies were fitted. Not for a moment did either of us feel the need to lower them. Others must be more sensitive to movement in the rear of a motorhome: that or they’re more ‘gymnastic’ than us.

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Live-in Test report

WE STAYED ATCamping and Caravanning Club Forest Holidays Site at Postern Hill, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 4ND (tel: 01672 515195; web site: www.forestholidays.co.uk)

VEHICLE SUPPLIED BYMarquis Motorhomes Berkshire, Oxford Road, Chieveley, Nr Newbury G20 8RU (tel: 01635 248 888; web site: www.marquismotorhomes.co.uk)

TYPE■ Low-profile coachbuilt

PRICE■ From: £40,941 OTR ■ As tested: £42,179 OTR

BASICS■ Vehicle: Peugeot Boxer MWB chassis cab■ Berths: 2■ Three-point belted seats: 2 (including

driver)■ Warranty: 3 years base vehicle, 2 years conversion

CONSTRUCTIONGRP and Styrofoam sandwich construction, GRP rear bumper, skirts, wheel arches

DIMENSIONS (*manufacturer’s figures)■ Length: 6.28m (20ft 7in)*■ Width: 2.32m (7ft 7.5in)*■ Height: 2.97m (9ft 9in)*■ Wheelbase: 3.45m (11ft 4in)*■ Rear overhang: 1.90m (6ft 3in)■ Maximum authorised weight: 3500kg*■ Payload: 406kg (including 135kg essential

habitation equipment)*

INSIDE STORYNearside caravan entrance ahead of kitchen, washroom and wardrobe opposite, U-shaped rear lounge■ Insulation: Roof 25mm, floor 30mm, walls

25mm■ Interior height: 1.96m (6ft 5in)

THE VEHICLE■ Engine: 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, producing 120bhp (88kW) @ 3,500rpm Transmission: Six-speed manual gearbox, front-wheel driveFuel consumption: 26mpg overallBrakes: Servo-assisted discs all-roundSuspension: Front: Independent coil sprung. Rear: Leaf springs on rigid axleFeatures: ABS, driver’s airbag, remote central-locking including caravan door, electric windows, electrically-operated mirrors with indicator repeaters, height and rake adjustable swivelling cab seats with integral seatbelts

LIVE-IN TEST DATA AUTO-SLEEPER SIGMA EL

LIFE SUPPORT ■ Fresh water: Underslung. Capacity 80 litres

(17.6 gallons)■ Waste water: Underslung. Capacity 38

litres (8.4 gallons)■ Water heater: Truma Ultrastore boiler,

gas/mains operation■ Space heater: Truma convector with

blown-air, gas/mains operation■ Leisure battery: 110 amp hr■ Gas: 3 x 6/7kg cylinders■ Lighting: Awning light, filament lamp

in caravan door step-well, one ceiling-mounted fluorescent behind cab, four long fluorescents above lockers in kitchen and lounge, two fluorescents above cooker and sink, six adjustable halogen spots in lounge, one halogen spot above wardrobe, one filament lamp in drinks locker, two ceiling-mounted fluorescent lamps in washroom,

■ Sockets: 230V: three (behind driver’s seat, on end of sink base unit, on wardrobe wall), 12V: two (in cab, on wardrobe wall)

■ Control panel: Mounted above caravan door, LCD touch-screen display, monitors/operates all caravan functions

■ Blinds/curtains: Pleated blind/flyscreen to wind-up rooflight, pleated blinds and roller flyscreens to all caravan windows, roller blind and flyscreen to caravan door window. Curtains to lounge windows and around cab

■ Badged as NCC EN1646 compliant: Yes

OPTIONAL EXTRASFitted to test vehicle:■ Base: 2.2-litre 120bhp engine (£735)■ Conversion: 2-cycle rack (£285), corner

steadies (£218)Other options:■ Base: 3.0-litre 160bhp HDi engine (£1975),

cab air-conditioning (£823), cruise control (£164), passenger airbag (£212), alloy wheels (£434)

■ Conversion: Reversing sensors (£182), roof rack and stainless steel ladder (£343), inboard water tank (£61), extractor fan (£136), flat screen TV (£497), choice of upholstery (£205)

E&OE

and twin armrests, headlamp height adjustment, adjustable-height steering column, 12V socket, pop-up map holder, lockable laptop storage bin, recessed shelves in front of passenger, twin door bins, full-width shelf above visors, variable rate intermittent wiper control, radio/CD player

LOUNGING & DININGSwivel cab seats provided with coffee table on a demountable swivelling swan-necked support. Free-standing table, stored in the wardrobe and used in lounge

KITCHENMain unit includes flip-up and pullout worktop, cutlery drawer, integral waste bin in cupboard, pan storage below cooker, two overhead lockers, spice rack■ Sink: Satin finish stainless steel bowl and

drainer under Chinchilla glass lid, long-spouted swivelling mixer tap

■ Cooker: Caprice 2040E slot-in unit with hinged glass lid, three gas burners and one solid electric hotplate, grill and thermostatically controlled oven, all with spark ignition

■ Fridge: Dometic RM7291L three-way unit with full-width freezer compartment. Capacity 86 litres

WASHROOMThetford electric-flush cassette toilet with swivelling bowl, drained floor. Basin with swivelling mixer tap and vanity cabinet mounted on swing-out acrylic shower wall. A second swing-out acrylic panel completes the closure. Stainless spray-head and mixer tap. Separate twin-drained floor

BEDLounge double■ Length: 2.09m (6ft 10in)■ Width: 1.48m (4ft 10in - minimum)

STORAGE■ Above cab: Central locker, two corner

cupboards■ Living area: Wardrobe with drawer below, six

overhead lockers (one equipped with glasses and clips for bottles), two corner cupboards with tambour doors, space beneath sofas

■ Exterior: Offside skirt locker

CONCLUSION I handed back the Sigma EL reluctantly, very reluctantly. In the case of many ‘vans I’ve tested, I understand how they would suit others admirably and I can see their worth for, say, families for instance. But, they wouldn’t be my choice. The Auto-Sleeper Sigma, however, we both admired. It has a fantastic lounge, which, with its three big windows and large rooflight, allows masses of light to flood in and gives you the best views possible. A lounge is the place where you spend most of your time in a motorhome, so should be the best that can possibly be provided.

I’m not normally a fan of rear lounges. Often there’s a chopped-off-from-the-rest-of-the-‘van, partitioned feel to them. However, as the views from the Sigma’s lounge are positively panoramic and the wardrobe carcass is chamfered, there was no foreshortening effect in the Sigma.

The overriding sense of the EL is of sumptuous comfort. When it was time to get my feet up at the end of a long day, I popped the table away and viola, the soft comfortable

motorhome, like any manufactured product, is the sum of its component parts and it all adds up very nicely in the Auto-Sleeper Sigma EL.

seating lulled me into a tranquil state of mind. The U-shape enabled us to sit every which-way and there were four cushions to make darned sure of our comfort.

When having a meal the table was the right size to reach easily, but when I had to get up from the table to get condiments I’d forgotten, there was more than enough room to do this without disrupting other diners. The design of the table also enables it to slide effortlessly to one side if someone larger needs to be accommodated.

The washroom is spacious, if a bit lacking in storage. The kitchen has more than the average provision for worktop. Lighting throughout is comprehensive and they’ve not thought twice about adding extra lamps above and beyond what might be deemed strictly necessary.

The interior colour scheme is lovely, with the luxurious fabrics having enough colour to ‘warm’ the interior, but with modern touches of silver metal to add energy. I think by now you’ll have gathered that I’d love to own a Sigma. The rooflight leaking was unfortunate, and shouldn’t happen, but it wouldn’t put me off. A

12 Space under the rear lounge is easily accessed as hinged struts support the sofa bases

13 The wardrobe contains the table and has a handy drawer beneath


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On Test Auto-Sleeper Sigma EL on MWB Peugeot Boxer … historic road... · On Test Auto-Sleeper Sigma EL on MWB Peugeot Boxer 2.2 HDi ... matches my new bike. I have to mention my