[tio]

Just some thoughts on my '17 stepway laureat dci. I bought the car about six months ago as a 2 berth caravan tug. I fell in love with caravanning about three years ago and had kitted myself out with a Santa Fe 2.2 deisel and an old avondale 4 berther, fantastic rig and not too expensive to put together. I got the four berth not out of necessity but just because of the the extra space (novice, greedy, old, fat bar steward). However, one word, thirsty. The frequent stops at the govt. rape stations soured the experience to such an extent that I ditched the rig. Back to the drawing board, lots of head scratching. I looked at tents, trailer tents, teardrops, gopods, freedoms and older, lighter vans as well as lusting after the knaus travelino. With all these options whiring away in me noggin I was about to plonk for a hyper mile golf 2 litre diesel when tragedy struck and my lovely auntie Joy passed away and kindly left me a huge chunk of change. Well you know what happened next.

Anyway onto the oh-so personal review.

Looks: I think it's a handsome beast that holds its own against the best of them.

Comfort: A real winner. The seats are not only the right height for the, shall we say larger frame, but are also extremely comfortable. The suspension verges on witchcraft in its ability to isolate you from the rumble strip that passes for roads now but also handles the corners (in this class). Truly remarkable.

Economy: The old Hyundai suggested 35mpg book, perhaps half that towing. Of course I love the economy! Keep it under sixty and level and you can get astonishing results (HonestJohn). I am as politically incorrect as it is imaginable to be but I'm now a fan of 'ECO', God help me.

Practicality: Well, .. fifth injector .. SOLD, SOLD and SOLD. And it's a hatchback. Did I mention the road tax?

Tow Car: I phoned the insurance peeps as you do and said I'm towing this baby, she said "If you fit a tow bar we'll give you a discount". I booked the bar the same day. The day after the fitting the Holy Unicorn of all vans appeared on fleabay, a mint-ish '92 Lunar meteorite 'S' plopped into the ether. It was like the scene in the conversion of St. Paul by Caravaggio (minus the horses arse, or not). Anyhoo, I have a full scale two berth @61% kerb weight with consequent control and economy.

The downsides, glove box, cup holders, cubby holes and perhaps the worst instrument binnacle visibility I have ever come across. Overall I'm like a dog with two appendages. Ahem.

Thank you auntie Joy.