Verdict
Despite the extra length of the twin-axle chassis, there are still compromises in the Compass Camino 674 – notably the slimline wardrobe.
But the remaining storage options are superb and, overall, the layout works very well, particularly if you regularly have guests, as the central washroom gives a welcome dose of privacy to the master bedroom.
The overall design is attractive and the spec impressive considering the competitive price-tag.
Pros
It’s a good layout that works well
There’s an impressive amount of kit
The rear master bedroom is cosy and private
This van has attractive ambient lighting
Cons
The washroom feels small with the doors closed
Wardrobe space is compromised by the fact that it’s narrow and the placement of the Alde header tank
The lounge could be bigger
The 2018 Compass Camino has a lot to live up to – after all, the Camino 660 was our 2017 Tourer of the Year.
Fortunately, though, the parent company’s recent change of ownership to the Erwin Hymer Group does not signal a raft of changes.
In fact, you’d be hard pressed to spot the difference unless you know the model well.
It’s still a four-model range and still features attractive flush windows and metallic blue sidewalls, albeit with a new swirling graphics scheme, and the smart new front end introduced as part of the range revamp last season.
The biggest change for 2018 is the model you see here: the transverse-island-bed 644 has been dropped, replaced by the all-new 674.
The new 674 bows to the current fashion for a central washroom, but with the innovation of fixed twin single beds to the rear – a layout offered by Vanmaster last season, but now available in a much more affordable form.
And to see other Compass caravans for sale, click here.
The design is attractive and the spec impressive considering the competitive price-tag
Pitching & Setting-up
Like the rest of Erwin Hymer Group UK’s range, the Compass uses the firm’s well-received screwless SoLiD construction, and sits on an Al-Ko galvanised steel chassis with AKS stabiliser, ATC, shock absorbers and Secure wheel lock receivers.
There’s a gas barbecue point and an impressive three external locker hatches, with the nearside front one hiding a 230V socket for use in the awning.
The main services are all on the offside, and there are heavy-duty steadies all round – the fronts easily accessed through cutouts in the sills, the rears a bit of a reach under the back panel.
Living
All Compass Camino caravans get a new upholstery scheme for 2018 called ‘Lugano Reflections’, which features a new type of fabric that’s claimed to better resist damage by pets’ claws, but our test van was fitted with the £930 option of rather slippery but luxuriously padded leather, adding to the top-spec feel.
Despite the 674 being a twin-axle tourer, the lounge isn’t enormous.
If you plan on having plenty of social evenings then it may be worth opting for wraparound seating in place of the central chest, but it feels spacious thanks to the large amount of daylight brought in by the large front sunroof and huge rooflight overhead, which stretches right back to the kitchen.
There are two USB points up front, but the main TV point is well sited above the small sideboard by the two-piece glazed entrance door, beneath a brown-tinted Perspex drinks cabinet, and thick end bolsters should make this lounge a comfortable place to relax and catch your favourite shows.
It’s also good to find the main lounge table conveniently stored in the kitchen.
Kitchen
As well as that extra-long rooflight, the neat ceiling moulding also integrates an Omnivent above the dual-fuel hob and separate oven and grill, which boasts a pan cupboard beneath.
The galley layout in the Compass Camino 674 has clearly been thought about, with the microwave at a handy height, just above the vast nearside fridge/freezer, and masses of worktop in the main offside kitchen area, with a sturdy pop-up flap and a sink cover, should you need more.
There’s classy under-counter lighting, too, as well as dedicated task lighting and, for 2018, there’s a much more modern – and huge – stainless-steel sink.
We’re pleased to see two 230V sockets here, along with flexible storage options thanks to four small overhead cupboards, generous drawers and a huge under-counter cupboard, too.
Washroom
The centre washroom will be familiar to fans of Erwin Hymer Group UK products, with its multi-function layout meaning it can be a separate WC and shower, a main family bathroom, or an en suite, depending on which doors you open or close.
On the nearside there’s a lined shower with an Ecocamel Orbit showerhead in an elegant backlit riser, plus a sliding bi-fold door on a track. There is some wheelarch intrusion, but it’s still a generous size.
On the opposite side of the caravan there’s the toilet – with a smart concealed cistern – and a salad-bowl sink, atop one of two good-sized bathroom cabinets.
There’s a heated towel rail in here but no window, although there is a rooflight.
Beds
The main event for buyers of the 2018 Compass Camino 674 is going to be the rear bedroom, which is an attractive and cosy space, made all the more private by having the bathroom in the centre to separate it from the main living area.
The twin single beds are a useful 6ft 2in x 2ft 3in, and each gets a thickly padded headboard and a reading light, plus there are a couple of USB charging points and a 230V socket down below.
The Ozio antibacterial mattresses use a new construction and feel firm but comfortable, and there’s a TV point at the foot of the offside berth.
One real bonus of this layout is the flexibility to add a four-drawer chest between the beds: not only is it ideal for your smalls, but it’s also the perfect place for books and specs, or mugs of tea or coffee.
Windows on either side with proper curtains add a domestic feel, too.
Up front, the lounge sofas can be turned into a whopping 6ft 8in by 4ft 7in double bed, though the extra-thick leather-clad cushions make it a squeeze to put together.
Spotlights in each corner mean everyone will get the opportunity for night-time reading.
Storage
There’s masses of storage space in this Compass Camino 674 – more than enough to test its 159kg payload, which can be upgraded for free.
There are seemingly endless overhead lockers – four in the lounge, seven in the bedroom – with elegant rotating handles operating their positive catches.
There’s storage under the bunks and sofas, too, with three out of four accessible from outside.
The standard onboard water tank is to be found in the rear of the offside bed box.
As well as those external hatches, there’s a large front gas locker with a handy light, should you need to change bottles in the dark.
Technical Specifications
| Berth | 4 |
| MiRO | 1617 kg |
| Payload | 159 kg |
| MTPLM | 1776 kg |
| Shipping Length | 7.96 m |
| Width | 2.3 m |
