Citroen Aurora Leisure
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a motorhome that combines practicality with the reliability of French engineering? The Citroen Aurora Leisure might be exactly what you need for your next adventure. This compact motorhome offers a clever balance of functionality and comfort, making it perfect for couples or small families who want to explore without the bulk of larger motorhomes. Built on Citroen’s proven commercial vehicle platform, it brings decades of van expertise into the leisure market.

From the moment you step inside, the Aurora Leisure feels thoughtfully designed rather than hastily converted. The layout maximises every inch of space while maintaining a homely atmosphere that makes longer trips comfortable. Unlike some rivals like the Ford Auto-Trail or Fiat based motorhomes, the Citroen foundation provides a solid base with good driving manners and reasonable fuel economy. The build quality reflects Citroen’s commercial vehicle heritage, with robust components designed to handle regular use.

What sets the Aurora Leisure apart is its focus on practical touring rather than luxury camping. The driving position is comfortable and car like, making it accessible for drivers who might find larger motorhomes intimidating. It offers enough space for extended trips while remaining manageable in towns and on narrow roads. The price point typically sits in the mid range of the motorhome market, offering good value for those who prioritise functionality and reliability over premium finishes.

What's the Citroen Aurora Leisure Like to Drive?

The Aurora Leisure is built around Citroen’s 2.2 litre HDi diesel engine, typically producing around 110 to 130 horsepower depending on the model year. This engine is tuned for torque rather than outright speed, which suits the motorhome application perfectly. You get plenty of pulling power for hills and overtaking, while the six speed manual gearbox keeps engine noise reasonable at cruising speeds. The 0 to 60 time isn’t really relevant here, but the engine provides adequate acceleration for safe motorway merging.

Where the Aurora Leisure really impresses is in its road manners. The compact motorhome feels stable and predictable, without the wallowing that affects some larger vehicles. The steering is direct enough to inspire confidence on winding roads, while the suspension copes well with the additional weight of camping equipment. Wind resistance is kept reasonable by the compact profile, helping both fuel economy and stability in crosswinds. It’s a motorhome that feels like driving a large van rather than piloting a house on wheels.

How Comfortable Is the Citroen Aurora Leisure?

Step inside the Aurora Leisure and you’ll find a surprisingly homely environment. The layout typically features a rear bedroom, central bathroom, and front lounge that converts to additional sleeping space. Materials are hardwearing rather than luxurious, but everything feels well put together. The kitchen area includes a decent sized sink, three burner hob, and adequate storage for extended trips. Heating is usually provided by a blown air system that keeps the whole vehicle comfortable even on chilly evenings.

The sleeping arrangements are well thought out, with the rear bed offering proper adult sized comfort. The front lounge conversion works well for occasional use or children. Storage is generous throughout, with plenty of cupboards, wardrobes, and under seat compartments. The bathroom, while compact, includes a proper toilet and shower that make wild camping more comfortable. Insulation is good for a vehicle this size, helping to maintain temperature and reduce condensation during longer stays.

The Citroen Aurora Leisure succeeds in delivering practical motorhoming in a manageable package. It combines the reliability of Citroen’s commercial vehicle expertise with a thoughtful conversion that maximises usable space. The driving experience is reassuring rather than exciting, but that’s exactly what most motorhome users want. Build quality is solid throughout, with components chosen for durability rather than luxury. The main limitations are the modest power output, which can feel strained on steep hills with a full load, and the compact bathroom that might feel cramped for larger users. However, these are reasonable compromises for the overall package. For couples or small families wanting to explore without the intimidation factor of larger motorhomes, the Aurora Leisure hits a sweet spot. It’s particularly appealing to first time motorhome buyers who want proven reliability and reasonable running costs.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Citroen Aurora Leisure?

As a motorhome, running costs include both vehicle maintenance and camping equipment servicing. Fuel economy typically ranges from 28 to 32 MPG depending on driving style and load, which is reasonable for a vehicle this size and weight. Insurance costs are moderate, though specialist motorhome cover is recommended for the best protection. The Citroen base vehicle benefits from widespread dealer networks, making servicing and repairs more accessible than some specialist chassis options.

The main running cost consideration is the annual habitation check, which ensures all gas, electrical, and water systems remain safe and legal. This typically costs £150 to £200 annually. Motorhome finance options are available through specialist lenders who understand the unique aspects of recreational vehicle ownership. Depreciation is steadier than cars, with well maintained examples holding their value reasonably well. Overall, the Aurora Leisure represents good value in the motorhome market, especially when compared to German built alternatives.

Is the Citroen Aurora Leisure Practical for Everyday Use?

For a compact motorhome, the Aurora Leisure punches well above its weight in terms of practical space. The 6.2 metre length keeps it manageable on narrow roads and in campsites, while still providing genuine four berth capability when needed. Fresh water capacity is typically 90 to 100 litres, with grey water storage of around 80 litres, allowing for several days of independent camping. The rear garage area swallows bikes, awnings, and camping furniture with room to spare.

Daily practicality is excellent, with the kitchen providing enough workspace for proper meal preparation. The fridge is adequately sized for extended trips, while the cooker and grill handle most camping cooking needs. Storage throughout is well planned, with dedicated spaces for clothes, food, and equipment. Compared to other used Citroen vehicles, the Aurora Leisure offers a completely different ownership experience focused on exploration rather than daily transport. The compact dimensions make it suitable for users who want motorhome capability without the challenges of driving something truly large.

The Citroen Aurora Leisure stands out in the compact motorhome market by offering genuine practicality wrapped in a manageable package. It successfully combines Citroen’s commercial vehicle reliability with a thoughtful conversion that makes the most of every available inch. The result is a motorhome that appeals to both first time buyers and experienced tourers who value ease of driving and practical functionality over luxury appointments.

You choose the Aurora Leisure because you want motorhome freedom without the stress of driving something enormous. Its compact dimensions and car like handling make it accessible to drivers who might find larger motorhomes intimidating, while still providing genuine touring capability. For those seeking reliable adventure on a reasonable budget, particularly with flexible finance options available, the Aurora Leisure deserves serious consideration.