Motoring: McLouis Tandy 672 Motorhome

You may find this surprising given the name but McLouis motor homes are built in Italy with the Tandy sitting at the top of McLouis' range of motor homes.There are six versions of the Tandy and with a price that starts from �43,655.81 (including VAT) the 672 is the most expensive and luxurious of the low profile, four-berth models. The Fiat Ducato X250 35 Light is used as the base vehicle so we are off to a good start. You have a choice of two MJet turbo-diesel powerplants, a 2.3-litre 130hp unit or a larger 3.0-litre 157hp engine, both being mated to six-speed gearboxes, with both offering good refinement, performance and economy. As you would probably expect the 3.0-litre's extra power will make touring a little more relaxed. The Ducato's inherent stability, fine handling and strong braking performance ensures that this motorhome is safe and a pleasure to drive despite the additional weight of the motor home. The Tandy 672 feels roomy and seems well appointed. The mellow colours of the two soft furnishings schemes available with the Tandy - Siena or Terra Toscana - are easy on the eye with no garish shades to induce a migraine. The Tandy 672 is an attractive motor home and the overall appearance of both the outside and the interior is modern and far from bland. The quality of the all materials used, including all woodwork and the soft furnishings, is exemplary, and the craftsman and engineers have played their part in maintain the overall quality of build with everything fitting together well. There's plenty of well-planned storage on board the Tandy 672 with roof lockers all around. All the utility points such as fresh water fill-up, dirty water pump-out and mains electric hook-up are easily accessible via hatches along the right hand side of the vehicle. Rear corner steadies help to keep the vehicle stable whilst you are camped up. A mosquito net for the entrance door, bike rack attachments and electrically-heated door mirrors all come as part of the package.Enter the caravan through the main offside door situated behind the cab, and you walk straight into the kitchen which comes equipped with a four-burner gas hob, an extractor fan over the gas hob, an oven and a spacious 150-litre fridge. To the right of the hob and oven is the stainless steel sink and drainer that includes a cover for additional food preparation space. As motor home kitchens go it's of reasonable size and there is just about enough cupboard space for food and crockery. Dining in the Tandy 672 can be a relaxed affair for up to six as to the right of the main door, the dining area features ample seating and a decent sized table, and the cab seats swivel around for two additional dining places. Immediately to the left of the main door are the washroom and the entrance to the main bedroom at the rear of the vehicle. Opposite the washroom is the Tandy 672's pice de r�sistance, a very impressive, well lit separate shower room that has plenty of useful shelving for soap, shampoo and other toiletries. At the back of the motor home the master double bed is given pride of place with two bedside tables and wardrobes either side of the bed, and storage lockers above the heads. There is a reasonable amount of privacy but remember that fellow campers must use the same facilities. The seats within the dining area can also be quickly transformed into another spacious double bed or two singles.To sum up, the McLouis Tandy 672 is hardly inexpensive, but it is very attractive, well made and offers plenty of comfort. It is well worthy of consideration. FACTS AT A GLANCEMOTORHOME: McLouis Tandy 672PRICE: �43,655.81 (including VAT)BASED ON: Fiat Ducato X250 35 WEIGHT/PAYLOAD: MJet130 = 368kg / MJet160 = 365kgMAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE LADEN MASS: 3500kgBERTHS: 4WILL IT FIT ON YOUR DRIVEWAY? Length/Height 7435mm/2750mm (inc roof lights)