The quest continues

We first saw an Elddis Autoquest 115 back in 2007. Nick Harding tests the latest iteration of this good-value motorhome to see how it stands up

A low-profile coachbuilt for two,the Autoquest 115 was introduced in 2007, as a 5.71m-long model. Today, it’s been stretched to 6.15m, although it maintains its twin settee/end-kitchen/rear-corner washroom floorplan. It’s still made in Britain, although Elddis and its sister brands are now part of the Erwin Hymer Group, in turn owned by North America’s Thor Industries.

Build quality – 74%

Featuring screw-free, bonded construction, with one-piece aluminium sides and a GRP shield under the floor, every Autoquest is backed by a 10-year bodywork integrity warranty.

The 115 sits on the motorhome-specific version of Peugeot’s Boxer chassis cab, a long-established, proven base vehicle. There’s also a subtle switch from the L2 to the longer L3 variant, which means less tail overhang. As Elddis now uses a 3,500kg chassis (earlier 115s kept to 3,300kg) there’s also a generous near-900kg of payload for this model. Inside, typical Elddis touches include the dovetailed joints in the woodwork, positive catches for all lockers and upholstery that’s treated to make it easier to keep clean. Key fixtures include underfloor 80-/40-litre fresh/waste water tanks (they’re a bit on the small side), and Whale heating and hot water systems – the water boiler is also fitted underneath which is a great way to optimise storage space.

Driving – 77%

Elddis suggest 28-34mpg in terms of fuel economy. A sleek overcab section and slim 2.2m width (when you tuck the mirrors in) help in that respect, and also allow you to use or pass through spaces that larger motorhomes would struggle with.

The manufacturer has a long-standing association with base vehicle supplier Peugeot, with the latest Autoquests boasting a 140bhp Euro 6.3 engine (coupled to a six-speed gearbox) that’s more than adequate for powering such a vehicle. Unfortunately, there’s no automatic transmission offering. Latest models include fittings such as twin airbags, DAB radio and air-conditioning in the cab as standard.

Daytime – 78%

The extra body length makes its presence felt in the lounge. The twin, inward-facing settees are 1.78m (6ft) long and the set-up is completed by easily swivelled cab seats and a free-standing table. The windows let in plenty of light – you barely notice the lack of a sunroof in the overcab section.

Night-time – 70%

Changing those settees to a transverse double bed that’s some 2.07m (6ft 9in) x 1.33m (4ft 10in) is very easy, thanks to metal-framed pull-out sections with height-adjustable feet. When made up there is even space for small seating areas either side towards the middle of the vehicle. However, as a bed it feels very firm and you might want to consider a mattress topper. Having two (small-ish) single beds is also a good option. Curtains extend around the cab, while the lounge windows receive roller blinds and curtains.

Kitchen – 75%

Across the back wall, you’ll find a full cooker (three-ring hob, separate grill and oven), adjacent to which is a Dometic 90-litre fridge with removable freezer unit. Over this, the sink is in matching black enamel, with a small area of permanent worktop to its right (this is also where the removable drainer sits) as well as the tiniest of slide-out worktops. Also here are three narrow drawers and a floor locker.

There’s lower-level work surface (alternatively, a place to put your free-standing TV) on the unit the other side of the habitation door, which also includes a drawer and shelved locker space. Overhead, another locker – home to the lower part of the TV aerial – is shelved. Other kitchen features of note include chrome fittings (including taps), two mains sockets, and racking for plates and mugs in one of the two overhead lockers.

Washroom – 73%

The solid door to the ‘smallest room’ opens to reveal space to shower as well as a swivel-bowl toilet and circular countertop basin. There is a fairly deep shower tray, but it has just the one plughole. The Ecocamel shower is great in terms of efficiency but there’s no window, and the only storage here is a shelved locker on the back wall (but it will easily take your shampoo bottles and other toiletries). Step out of the washroom and immediately beside you is a very generous, tall wardrobe, where the only encumbrance is the table slotted in on the right-hand side.

Details – 65%

Alloy wheels (£864) and a touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav (£792) bump up the price on this test model. Other factory-fitted options include a microwave oven (£252), towbar (£744), external mains electricity and gas sockets (£84 and £120 respectively), alarm system (£390) and a tracker (£336).