Time to Roam Magazine Issue 13 - February/March 2015 | Page 35

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tried + tested motorhome review
of the latest Fiat/Chrysler Jeep).
The more powerful three litre diesel turbo has
given this smooth automatic even more grunt.
Inside, the refreshed dashboard layout
is outstanding in looks and functionality.
The Ducato has all the luxuries and
safety features you’d expect including
cruise control, ABS brakes, Bluetooth
connectivity and in-built dashboard GPS.
Our test model had an optional reverse
camera, with a monitor mounted on the
dash just to the right of the steering wheel.
It’s an option I wouldn’t go without.
Both the drivers and passenger seats
swivel around 180 degrees becoming
comfortable recliners. A small removable
table (cleverly stowed in one of the many
ample storage spaces) slides into place
between the two front seats. It’s a a handy
platform on which to place an early evening
refreshment as you kick back in the “recliner”.

Pros
• Spacious interior
and quality finishes
• Impressive new
Fiat Ducato base
• Filtered water tap in
kitchen is standard

Cons
• Exposed screw
heads in bathroom
and on rear interior
door panels (being
very picky)
• Reverse camera not
standard and fed
into the standard
dashboard screen

Spacious interior

• External gas BBQ
outlet is an option,
not standard

Inside the Casuarina feels like a much bigger
motorhome thanks to five large double glazed

Factory and sales:

02 9939 0600

Sales Nth NSW and QLD:

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02 6681 1555

Toyota Hiace
from $59,900

Dometic windows, including two in the rear doors.
All come with pull-up insect screens and block
out blinds . The windows can be locked partly
open to let in fresh air, but keep out intruders.
Up front there are also pull up-blinds for
the windscreen and the driver and passenger
windows to shut out light and ensure privacy.
There are eight different floor plans available
in the range including one without a bathroom.
It has an extra chair and dinette instead. With
most buyers these days choosing on-board
ablutions, in the Casuarina they are conveniently
located right opposite the van entry door – very
handy when most of your living is likely to be
outdoors under the big 4m Fiamma awning.
The bathroom is slightly bigger than in the
Melaleuca, although as compact as you’d expect
in any campervan-style motorhome, with shower
over the toilet and a small hand basin in the
corner. It’s certainly adequate for an averagesized person. There are two drainage points
in the cubicle, making it less likely you’ll step in
a puddle following someone else’s shower.
Storage is a stand-out feature of the

VW Transporter
from $67,500

frontlinecamper.com.au
Issue 13 Feb/Mar 2015

35