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A motorhome based on the new Renault Trafic has won the ‘Best rising-roof camper’ category in the 2015 Motorhome of the Year awards. 

The Ellastone, produced by Hillside Leisure, was acclaimed by Practical Motorhome magazine in its annual awards that are run in association with heating and water-systems specialist Whale and which recognise the best motorhomes to have been launched in the last 12 months. 

To determine the winners of the awards’ eight categories, the magazine’s judges assessed all the eligible vehicles over the summer of 2014 and then drew up a shortlist at last October’s NEC show. The list was then refined over the last year through on-the-road and full live-in tests. 

Based on the Trafic Panel Van in Business, Business+ or Sport specification and available with a 1.6 dCi engine in dCi 90 hp, dCi 115 hp, Twin Turbo ENERGY dCi 120 hp or ENERGY dCi 140 hp specification, the stylish Ellastone impressed the judges with its unrivalled combination of exceptional value and impressive specification. 

An official Renault conversion and completed by the experienced team of Derby-based Hillside Leisure, the four-berth Ellastone features an extensive list of equipment that makes it a relaxing and enjoyable home from home. It’s also perfectly usable as a daily driver, ensuring that owners can make the most of their Ellastone.  

Standard features of the Ellastone conversion and in addition to its innovative elevating roof, include low energy LED lights, leisure battery with split charging system, integrated two-ring hob and sink with electric tap, activity shower, Weaco 50-litre low energy fridge with ice box and foldout large double bed that when not in use is a rear seat with 2x3-point seat belts. 

All Ellastone conversions are based on the Renault Trafic’s Business specification with standard equipment including trip computer, heated electric door mirrors, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with HSA (Hill Start Assist) and Grip Xtend, and remote central locking. 

As with all Renault LCV models, the Renault Trafic comes complete with the industry-leading Renault 4+ warranty, which provides the ultimate peace of mind for four years or 100,000 miles, and four years’ free roadside assistance. 

On voting the Ellastone its ‘Best rising-roof camper’ of 2015, Practical Motorhome magazine said: This brilliant little four-berth ’van features some clever design touches in a tried-and-tested campervan layout of offside kitchen, with a rock’n’roll bed accessible from the side door. It’s well-priced, too, from £33,995. The Ellastone was a comfortable winner here – the judges scored it highly on its value for money. This is a great little camper – the interior is beautifully finished, and all the materials used look and feel good quality.” 

Adrian Cross, Director of Hillside Leisure, was delighted with the win. He said: “It’s fantastic to have the Ellastone recognised by such an authoritative and well-respected publication and the magazine’s reasons for the award have all been confirmed by the customer feedback we have received, owners praising the conversion for its space, economy, value and fantastic drive. 

“While the Trafic is a cutting-edge van and lends itself very well to the conversion, it’s extremely cost-effective to use as a base and offers a great deal for the money. Renault vans have got better and better and we’re in the midst of developing another conversion on a Renault chassis.” 

Gareth Matthews, Conversions Manager, Renault Group UK, said: “The Renault Trafic’s square-shaped load area makes it a very practical vehicle to convert into a campervan. The Trafic also offers a car-like driving position, handling and technology, not to mention class-leading fuel economy, stylish design and a very attractive price. Many campervan buyers use their vehicles every day as their first or second family vehicle, so all of these attributes make the Trafic-based Ellastone the perfect vehicle for them.” 

Kayleigh Robson, Trafic Product Manager, Renault Group UK, added: “We’re delighted that the Renault Trafic Sport-based Ellastone by Hillside Leisure, won Best rising-roof camper in the 2015 Motorhome of the Year Awards. With an in-built infotainment system including satellite navigation and DAB radio, smartphone holder and rear parking sensors as standard on our Sport version, it provides the perfect vehicle for campervan buyers.” 

Further information on the Ellastone winning the award can be found in the November issue of Practical Motorhome magazine.  

The Ellastone is priced from £33,995 on-the-road and is available to order from all Renault dealerships as well as Hillside Leisure. 

 

ENDS