Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

Transit Nugget

Today we’re going to talk about nuggets. Now, don’t get excited, because for all that the word evokes tender, crunchy, deep-fried deliciousness, we’re here to discuss a different kind of nugget. The&nbsp;Ford Transit Custom Nugget&nbsp;camper van.

It’s an odd name, granted, but the underlying concept is far from abnormal. Take one <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-custom/van/review/n18288">Ford Transit Custom</a> van,&nbsp;subject it to a conversion by the renowned camper van gurus at Westfalia, then sell it through <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/ford">Ford</a> dealers with a full manufacturer warranty.

Makes for a fairly mouthwatering proposition, doesn’t it? And it only gets better from there, because the Nugget is available in a choice of two body lengths.

The standard-wheelbase L1 model is five metres long, while the long-wheelbase L2 measures 5.3 metres (and comes with a washbasin and toilet).

Nuggets come with a choice of golden breadcrumbs or crispy batter… sorry, our minds were elsewhere. All Nuggets get a 2.0-litre diesel engine with various power outputs (128bhp, 148bhp or 168bhp), and you can have a manual or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/automatic-gearboxes-everything-you-need-to-know/n17022">automatic gearbox</a>.

You can add ketchup to your Transit Custom Nugget if you want to – and remove it again easily because most of the fixtures and fittings are wipe-clean.

And whether you’re the type of person who keeps it in the fridge or cupboard, you’ll be well catered for, as the Nugget gets a fairly high spec, with a full kitchenette. Indeed, it needs to, given that there are some fairly luxurious rivals in the campervan market.

The most obvious is the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/california/mpv/review/n19868">VW California</a> –&nbsp;which has become the most default camper for many families –&nbsp;as well as the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/grand-california/mpv/review/n20215">VW&nbsp;Grand California</a>.

There’s also the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/v-class/estate/review/n23174">Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo</a>&nbsp;as well as manufacturer-approved conversions of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/trafic/van/review/n18803">Renault Trafic</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/vivaro/van/review/n18281">Vauxhall Vivaro</a> –&nbsp;though&nbsp;admittedly&nbsp;none shares the Nugget's&nbsp;appetising name.

So do you fancy a side order of Nugget? Read on through our review to find out for yourself. We’ll cover what it’s like to drive, how practical it is, and how much it’ll cost you. The only thing you won’t get is a taste test.&nbsp;

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

Ford camper van is good value but not quite as plush as the VW California

Ford Transit Custom Nugget

A staple of British holidaymakers, camper vans come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, but are usually based on existing commercial vehicles. Camper vans will have been modified to make them more comfortable for extended use, and often come with extra amenities including cooking facilities, a sleeping area and, in some cases, a toilet or shower.

Camper van

There are two obvious rivals for the Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo&nbsp;campervan – the Ford Transit Custom Nugget and the VW California – and we’re being treated to all-new versions&nbsp;of both&nbsp;this year.

In contrast,&nbsp;Mercedes isn’t replacing the current Marco Polo just yet, but it has given it a&nbsp;comprehensive makeover to keep it competitive, and you'll be able to spot a 2024 model by checking out the front end. The new version&nbsp;has a&nbsp;bold and impressively deep grille surrounded by a dark,&nbsp;glossy panel, plus revised headlights and foglight surrounds.

Beyond that front facelift, the exterior updates are less pronounced, but it’s all change inside –&nbsp;at least in the front, where there's a completely new dashboard. Gone are the analogue dials, bolted-on <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment system</a>&nbsp;and curvaceous dash, replaced by a horizontal beam housing two 12.3in&nbsp;digital screens.

So does the updated Mercedes Marco Polo have what it takes to compete with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-campervans/n26020">best campervans</a> including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-nugget/mpv/review/n22681">Ford Transit Custom Nugget</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/california/mpv/review/n19868">VW California</a>? We've driven – and slept in – the 2024 model to find out...

Estate

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

V CLASS

The Mercedes Marco Polo campervan is great to drive and well made but very expensive

Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo

The Volkswagen California&nbsp;can trace its history back to the 1950s so it's probably no surprise that it's the first model most people think of when you mention a campervan.

Things have changed a bit since the previous-generation California though – let alone the 1950 Type 2 Transporter. For example, the 2024 model is based on a long-wheelbase <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/multivan/mpv/review/n24442">VW Multivan</a> instead of a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/transporter/van/review/n18205">VW Transporter</a>, adding&nbsp;269mm to its&nbsp;length and a petrol <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a> to the engine range. Plus, you now get sliding doors on both sides, rather than just on one.

There are three main versions of the new California, all kitted out for a camping trip. Entry-level Beach Camper, which has a fold-out hob, is aimed at occasional campers, while Coast and Ocean get kitchenettes&nbsp;and other extra&nbsp;equipment.

The main rivals offer similar set-ups,&nbsp;so if all that appeals to you, you might also be considering a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-nugget/mpv/review/n22681">Ford Transit Custom Nugget</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/v-class/estate/review/n23174">Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo</a>. Read on to find out how we rate the 2024 VW California against the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-campervans/n26020">best campervans</a> you can buy...

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

CALIFORNIA

The 2024 VW California campervan is available as a plug-in hybrid and gains an extra sliding side door

New Volkswagen California

The staycation industry is booming. Whether it’s down to families saving money by not heading abroad, post-Brexit fears about passports, or people simply wanting to see more of our own island, many of us are staying in the UK for holidays. And for some&nbsp;that means buying a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/lifestyle-vans">campervan</a>&nbsp;like this Renault Trafic Paradise VX-e.

While a few manufacturers will sell you a ready-made camper, most will put you in touch with a third-party converter, who will transform a standard van into something you’d want to spend the night in. That’s the case with the Trafic Paradise, which&nbsp;has been created by converter Sussex Campers&nbsp;using a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/trafic/van/review/n24109">Renault Trafic Passenger</a> as the base vehicle.

What’s involved? Well, the Paradise – one of a number of Trafic conversions you can buy – is available in the same short or long-wheelbase forms as the vehicle it's based on. Plus, you can have a kitchen along the side of the van&nbsp;or at the back (the Paradise we tested had it at the back).

Other headlines are that it can sleep up to four people, and the kitchen has everything you need so you don’t need to live off canned food and takeaways. Oh, and there's an optional toilet for those middle-of-the-night emergencies.

The Paradise is&nbsp;clever, too – solar panels can help to keep its leisure batteries topped up, and its pop-top roof can be electrified, so raising or lowering it takes as much effort as pushing a button.

For power, it uses the Trafic’s 2.0-litre diesel engine. We'll tell you how well that works in the driving section of this review. We’ll also tell you what the Renault Trafic Paradise VX-e is like inside, how practical it is for a night or two away, and ultimately how it stacks up next to rival campers including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-nugget/mpv/review/n22681">Ford Transit Nugget</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/v-class/estate/review/n23174">Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/california/mpv/review/n19868">VW California</a>.

And don’t forget, if you’re in the market for a new campervan –&nbsp;or any model of new car –&nbsp;we can potentially save you thousands through our free <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals section</a>.

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

Trafic

Campervan based on the Renault Trafic has a clever interior but is an expensive choice

Renault Trafic Paradise campervan

The phrase&nbsp;“Keep it simple, stupid” is thought to have been first used by American spy planes engineer&nbsp;Kelly Johnson – but we reckon it's equally applicable to this Toyota Proace Matino campervan.

You see, for decades, buying a camper has been a daunting task for those new to the world of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/lifestyle-vans">lifestyle vans</a>&nbsp;because&nbsp;the whole process of converting a regular van then bringing it to market usually involves three companies – the van manufacturer, the converter and the dealer. So what happens if a problem arises? Who do you turn to?&nbsp;

Thankfully, in recent years, an increasing number of vehicle manufacturers – including <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/toyota">Toyota</a> – have decided to take on the responsibility of warrantying and supporting these vehicles in-house. That makes life much simpler for buyers, who can go straight back to the car maker if their camper goes wrong.

Not surprisingly, the&nbsp;approach has proved massively popular with first-time <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/camper-van">campervan</a> buyers. For proof, look at the success of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-nugget/mpv/review/n22681">Ford Nugget</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/v-class/estate/review/n23174">Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/california/mpv/review/n19868">Volkswagen California</a>. It’s little wonder, then, that Toyota wants to get in on the action with its Proace Matino.

The Matino Campervan Wellhouse Leisure Conversion – to give its full (anything but simple)&nbsp;name – is based on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/proace-verso/estate/review/n17331">Toyota Proace Verso</a> MPV, and comes with a&nbsp;2.0-litre diesel engine that offers a choice of two power outputs.

The least powerful engine comes with a manual gearbox, while the range-topper gets an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/automatic-gearboxes-everything-you-need-to-know/n17022">eight-speed automatic</a>. If you like to go camping on challenging terrain, note that the Matino isn't available with four-wheel drive – you'll need one of the rival campervans if you're dead set on having that.

The conversion is carried out by specialists Wellhouse and is available through selected Toyota dealers with a full manufacturer’s warranty. Just one ‘trim’ is available, but that's no bad thing because it includes&nbsp;everything you need for a good few days away, including a double bed and a kitchen.

Over the next few pages of this review, we'll take you through the Proace Matino’s capabilities. We'll tell you what the performance is like as you drive to your&nbsp;favoured camping spot, what it’s like once you’ve set it up, what it’ll cost to run and more.

And don't forget, when you next buy a new vehicle of any make and model, our free <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">What Car? New Car Buying service</a> has big savings on hundreds of new cars. You won't see the Matino there but you will find&nbsp;lots of the best <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/camper-van">new campervan deals</a>.

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

Proace

Campervan based on the Toyota Proace is significantly cheaper than its closest rivals and very well equipped

Toyota Proace Matino Campervan

Campervans like the Volkswagen Caddy California have a magical appeal. Even when they're parked on your drive,&nbsp;they offer a little bit of escapism at&nbsp;the prospect of getting away from it all.

The Caddy California is extra special because it swerves two big barriers to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/lifestyle-vans">campervan life</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;the sheer cost of buying many of the larger models, and the prospect of steering what is effectively a full-sized van along narrow country roads.&nbsp;

It's based on the fifth-generation <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/caddy/van/review/n18482">VW Caddy Cargo van</a>&nbsp;and is&nbsp;the smallest camper the German manufacturer&nbsp;makes, sitting below the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/california/mpv/review/n19868">VW California</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/grand-california/mpv/review/n20215">VW Grand California</a>. How small? Well, it's roughly the same size as a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17371">VW Golf</a>.

Amazingly, inside you'll find five seats, a double bed and a mini-kitchen. As we’ll explain later on in this review, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/volkswagen">Volkswagen</a> has developed some ingenious packaging solutions to make all that possible.&nbsp;

There are two versions – a standard-sized short wheelbase (SWB) model and the Maxi, which is 353mm longer. The Maxi gives you just that little bit more storage space in the boot area, which is very welcome in a camper van&nbsp;this compact.

There's also an optional annex tent that attaches around the Caddy's tailgate for additional protection from the elements (very handy for&nbsp;UK staycations at the mercy of the British weather).

In terms of rivals, it is technically possible to get the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/berlingo-cv/van/review/n18480">Citroën Berlingo van</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/tourneo-connect/estate/review/n17334">Ford Tourneo Connect</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/rifter/estate/review/n17558">Peugeot Rifter</a> and other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/mpvs-and-people-carriers/n17001">MPVs</a>&nbsp;converted into campers by specialist builders. The Caddy California is pretty much the only vehicle of its kind produced in-house by its manufacturer&nbsp;though. &nbsp;

Over the next few pages, we'll tell you all you need to know about how the VW Caddy California behaves on the road, what it’s like inside and what it’ll cost you to run. We’ll even let you know what it’s like to sleep in – a What Car? review rarity.

Don’t forget, whether it's a campervan, a car, an SUV&nbsp;or any other make and model of vehicle you're looking to buy, we can help you find the best prices quickly and easily through our free What Car? <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals pages</a>.

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

CADDY CALIFORNIA

A small but pretty mighty camper van, with a competitive starting price, five usable seats and reasonable performance

Volkswagen Caddy California

The&nbsp;Volkswagen Grand California&nbsp;and other <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/lifestyle-vans">campervans</a> provide a real tonic for the soul, putting the prospect of getting away from it all at a moment's notice right on your driveway. Owning one allows you to grab the keys and hit the road for somewhere more appealing whenever you want.

With the Grand California, you'll have plenty of&nbsp;comforts when you get wherever you're going, too. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/volkswagen">Volkswagen</a> design team started with a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/crafter/van/review/n18277">VW Crafter</a> van then used&nbsp;every cubic millimetre of space to its best advantage to create a proper home away from home.

You can stay civilised when you're living off-grid because there's a shower, a toilet, hot and cold running water – and even central heating.&nbsp;

In other words, the Grand California is a step up into motorhome territory, and while it's not the only vehicle of its kind available in the UK, it's unusual because it's produced in-house by VW, rather than being converted from a van model by a specialist builder.

So, while the smaller&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/california/mpv/review/n19868">VW California</a> contends with the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/v-class/estate/review/n23174">Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo</a>&nbsp;and special-order versions of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit/van/review/n18188">Ford Transit</a>&nbsp;there aren’t really any manufacturer-backed rivals at the moment to challenge the Grand California.

You can choose from two different versions, depending on how many people you want to accommodate on trips. For families, there’s the four-berth&nbsp;600, which is six metres long and has room for two adults and the option of a top bunk for two children.

For couples who want maximum luxury, there's the 680, which sleeps two in greater comfort. The 680 is 6.8 metres long, and to get behind the wheel you need a driving licence that covers&nbsp;vehicles weighing&nbsp;more than 3.5 tonnes.

Read on to find out what the VW Grand California is like on the road, how practical it is inside and what it’ll cost you. And in the interests of thoroughness, we’ll also describe what it’s like to sleep in.

When you're looking for a fresh set of wheels, remember we can make the whole process easier and save you some cash if you search our free What Car? <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals pages</a>. It lists some of the best <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/camper-van">new Campervan deals</a>.

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

GRAND CALIFORNIA

Cleverly designed motorhome&nbsp;makes camping trips a piece of cake. &nbsp;

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