When you’re in the market for a campervan, deciding which one to buy can be really difficult. Unless you have a strong idea of which one you want, it’s easy to get lost among the literally thousands of options there are. Dozens of companies build campers in multiple permutations, using a wide range of vehicles; if you’re new to campervanning, all the names, layouts and specifications can be deeply confusing.
But there’s a more familiar option. Several vehicle manufacturers build campervans that you can buy straight from their showrooms. Such ‘factory’ campers are made to higher quality standards than many third-party builders of ‘converted’ campervans achieve, they’re fully covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and you can get them serviced by the dealer network. It’s a much more straightforward approach.
In this guide, we’re going to take a look at all the ‘factory’ campervans available to buy new in the UK right now, through a manufacturer’s franchise dealers. We’ll also look at a couple that offer a temporary solution to sleeping in a vehicle. If you’d like to more about exactly what factory and converted campervans are, and how they compare to each other, we have a page that explores exactly what’s what.
Citroen Holidays
This is the latest contender in the factory campervan sector. It’s based on the Citroen SpaceTourer, itself the MPV version of the Citroen Dispatch van. The interior is fitted out by camper specialist Bravia, to standards laid down by Citroen. It follows the standard pattern for this sort of camper. It has two double beds; the rear seats fold down to create one, the other is in the pop-top roof. The kitchen features a two-burner gas hob, 16-litre refrigerator and a small sink; it can be moved outside for al fresco cooking.
Power comes from a 180hp, 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel engine with an automatic gearbox. Just one model is offered, which comes very comprehensively equipped and significantly undercuts the more basic, base-model Volkswagen California on price. We haven’t yet had the opportunity to test the Holidays, but we were present at its UK launch.
Dacia Duster with Sleep Pack
This isn’t a true campervan, rather it’s a package that allows you turn the back of a Duster into a reasonably comfortable bed for the night. The core of the pack is a bed frame/storage box that you insert into the car’s boot; you then fold the back seats down and the bed out. The pack also includes a mattress and blackout blinds. Theoretically, the bed is big enough for two who are on very good terms with each other.
We’d go for the Sleep Pack Ultimate which also includes a three-person tent that attaches to the car’s tailgate. Also add the roof rack and you can take enough stuff for an extended trip while keeping the bed in place. The sleep pack is also available with the Dacia Jogger; it doesn’t have the Duster’s go-anywhere ability but does have more interior space.
Read our full Dacia Duster review
Read our full Dacia Jogger review
Ford Transit Custom Nugget
Ford introduced the Nugget for the first-generation Transit Custom and it’s now available on the second-gen platform, with an interior fitted out by the hugely respected camper specialist Westfalia. As well as beds for four, the Nugget has notably generous cupboard space, its fridge is twice the size of the Holidays’, and it has a large boiler connected to the external shower.
Ford offers the most comprehensive model range of any factory-built camper. There are two trim levels, two body lengths, two engines, front- or all-wheel drive and manual or automatic gearboxes. A plug-in hybrid version will be added to the range in late 2026. As ever with Fords, the Nugget is a very straightforward ownership proposition, and it offers the most engaging driving experience of all these campers.
We haven’t yet tested the current Nugget, but you can read our full review of the previous generation version.
Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco Polo
Based on the Mercedes V-Class MPV – which is spun off from the Vito van – the Marco Polo is the plushest of all the campervans discussed here. It sleeps four, comes with leather upholstery, the kitchen and cupboards have a cool German sleekness to them. It looks great, but it’s not the cosiest of spaces.
There’s just one diesel engine available, badged V300d, which is the most powerful available in a factory-built camper by some margin, having 237hp. It’s a lovely thing to drive, too, so long as you don’t mind the screen-heavy dashboard. Not cheap, though. Spec the optional AMG Line package and it’ll set you back well over £90,000.
Read our full Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo review
Volkswagen California
The archetypal and best-selling factory campervan, the latest generation of Volkswagen California is based on the Multivan MPV, rather than the Transporter van as previous generations were. That will no doubt put off some existing owners as the Multivan isn’t as rugged or spacious as the Transporter. However, it’s more comfortable, fuel-efficient and pleasant to drive.
There are three trim levels – Beach, Coast and Ocean – and three engines, including a plug-in hybrid that’ll appeal to company car drivers. It may seem odd but many families do use campervans as everyday transport, so company car drivers do need consideration.
Read our full Volkswagen California review
Read our full Volkswagen California T6 review
Read our full Volkswagen California T5 review
Volkswagen Caddy California
VW has applied a similar principle to Dacia’s Sleep Pack in creating the Caddy California. Fold the back seats down then fold out the bed; underneath at the boot end, there’s storage space and a pull-out mini kitchen. The Caddy offers two body lengths, petrol and diesel engines, and manual and automatic gearboxes.
It sleeps two rather intimately as the bed is only a metre wide, around 30cm narrower than the Dacia’s. It also costs considerably more, but it does have the kitchenette. These are the things you have to weigh up when making your decision.
Read our full Volkswagen Caddy California review
Volkswagen Grand California
The biggest factory campervan is based on the VW Crafter van. It’s much easier to spend an extended period of time in than the smaller vehicles here, having a proper double bed, separate toilet/shower room, a more comprehensive kitchen and a living/dining area. There’s loads of storage space, as well.
There are two versions available – the 600 and 680. The 600 sleeps four, two in the rear bedroom and two in a pull-down bed over the cab. The 680 is based on the long-wheelbase Crafter yet just sleeps two. It also has a gross vehicle weight of 3,880kg, so you’ll need to upgrade your driving licence if you passed your test after 1 January 1997. Go mad with the options and it gets rather expensive, but the Grand Cali is truly lovely space to holiday in.
Read our full Volkswagen Grand California review
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