Thoughts welcomed.

I looked at the website when we were looking to downsize, Micky, but they are so rare and with so few dealers that I didn’t pursue it. We were primarily concentrating on width for our downsize which pretty much ruled out most coachbuilts.

Thanks Tinny, I understand that there may only be one dealership in the UK, this north of the border. At the moment I can't find any details of this or prices of the models on the Internet. 

It doesn’t encourage you to explore further I’m afraid.

I am not familiar with this make but without access to a dealer within a reasonable distance it would have to have massive benefits over other makes to pursuade me. Other manufacturers do a drop down bed (e.g. Adria) if that is a feature that you want.

It is, hg, but also size and quality,  We've also looked at Chaussons and Swift Rio with drop down beds but I'd need to be convinced about their quality. Anyone had experience of these?

As Tinny says, the proximity of a dealership does also add to the equation but not over quality.

Beautifully made at a price. VW is a good base for a small motorhome. They've been imported on and off for many years. Each time Wingamm 'returns' it has a different dealer. We gawp at the models with lust at the motorhome shows.

Lack of commitment to the UK, I was told that fibreglass motorhomes do not have the insulation properties of aluminium, price, and difficulty in servicing/maintaining an unusual van always put us off.

You Tube hosts a few videos with one showing the 2018 Micro costing 82k euros - probably a show model with all the extras. My perception has always been that they are Hymer A-class prices.

Personally what discourages us is the continental layout of fixed seating and table which does not work for us.  We like the 2 berth arrangement which enables us to sit with our feet up or lie down when we choose.

Insulation or lack of is one of the main reasons that Auto Sleepers coach built motor caravans stopped having the one piece fibreglass bodies

Agree with a lot of points made, especially Aspenshaw....

...i looked pretty closely at the NEC a year or so back, not that i was interested in purchase but in the design, technology and build....

and make no mistake, these are fantastically well designed and put together vans, some of the designs work really well, especially for couples.

however, if the comments about the lack of dealerships are true, it will make it difficult to purchase, if many miles away...

although my quick google of the website showed two dealers in the south, Danbury at Yate (Bristol) and Essanjay at Poole.....which may change things a bit....

Micky, what van (size) do you currently have, how small are thinking of going....and perhaps proposed approx budget.

also, are you a rear lounge fan, a front lounge, must it be a PVC, perhaps only a coachbuilt?

..make up beds, fixed beds, drop down bed (transverse or longitudinally)?

....there are just soooooo many options now, especially with the arrival of the new Crafter from VW which has already seen a few brands coming up with a 'slightly larger' PVC that offers a similar but different alternative to Fiat or Merc.

i agree that Swift nor Chausson wouldn't exite me on the quality front (though Chusson are one of the most innovative design companies on the market).

with Hymer and Carthago (and Bürstner, Adria and Rapido and cheaper 'home market' offerings from Elddis, Bailey....) offering 'proper' MHs but just smaller/slimmer, there are plenty of compact choices out there.

good luck.

Thanks folk, the suggested insulation issue is an interesting one, one I've not heard of. I will look into this. If it is problem it may be more significant for those of us who live/tour in Northern Europe. Currently own a 7.5 and looking to get closer to 6 if possible. Obviously cost is important BB but at this stage I'm not discounting any make or model. Just in the info. gathering stage.We've had panel vans, lutons, low profiles in the past and all have suited our needs at specific times. Know we fancy something a little more compact. Love the 4 wheel drive Mercedes  Hymer but Mrssf cannot see my attraction in this.