Volkswagen Ashton
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a motorhome that combines German engineering with British craftsmanship? The Volkswagen Ashton might be exactly what you’re looking for. This premium motorhome conversion offers the reliability of a Volkswagen base with specialist motorhome conversion expertise. It’s perfect for adventurous couples or small families who want the freedom of the open road without compromising on comfort or quality.

The Ashton conversion stands out from competitors like the Ford Auto-Trail or Fiat Chausson with its attention to detail and thoughtful layout. Built on the proven VW Transporter platform, it delivers a refined driving experience that feels more like a premium van than a cumbersome motorhome. The conversion quality is impressive, with well planned living spaces and practical storage solutions throughout.

What makes the Ashton special is its ability to feel like home wherever you park up. The interior design maximises every inch of space while maintaining a light and airy feel. Whether you’re exploring the Scottish Highlands or touring European campsites, this motorhome offers genuine comfort and convenience. While the initial investment is significant, you’re getting German reliability combined with specialist conversion expertise that should serve you well for many adventures to come.

What's the Volkswagen Ashton Like to Drive?

The Volkswagen Ashton is built on the proven VW Transporter platform, typically featuring the reliable 2.0 TDI diesel engine. With around 140 to 180 horsepower depending on specification, it provides adequate power for motorhome duties. The engine delivers strong low end torque, making it comfortable for hill climbing even when fully loaded with camping gear and fresh water tanks.

Where the Ashton really impresses is in its refined driving experience. The VW base provides excellent road manners, with precise steering and stable handling that inspires confidence on winding country roads. The ride quality is well controlled, absorbing most road imperfections to keep passengers comfortable. Wind noise is well suppressed for a high profile vehicle, and the diesel engine remains reasonably quiet at cruising speeds. This makes it genuinely pleasant to drive long distances, unlike some larger motorhomes that feel cumbersome and tiring.

How Comfortable Is the Volkswagen Ashton?

Step inside the Ashton conversion and you’ll immediately notice the quality of the interior design and build. The layout is thoughtfully planned to maximise living space while maintaining a sense of openness. High quality furniture and fittings create a genuine home from home feeling, with soft furnishings and clever storage solutions throughout. The galley kitchen is well equipped with quality appliances and ample worktop space for meal preparation.

The seating area converts to a comfortable double bed, while many layouts also feature a separate sleeping area or drop down bed. Heating and hot water systems ensure year round comfort, while LED lighting creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The bathroom facilities, though compact, are well designed and practical. Large windows and roof lights flood the interior with natural light during the day, preventing the cramped feeling you might expect. Overall build quality is excellent, with solid construction that should withstand the rigours of regular touring.

The Volkswagen Ashton represents motorhome conversion expertise at its finest. The combination of proven VW reliability, excellent driving dynamics, and thoughtful interior design creates a genuinely appealing touring vehicle. The build quality is consistently high, and the attention to detail shows throughout the conversion. It successfully delivers the freedom and comfort of motorhome life without the bulk and complexity of larger vehicles. The trade-off is a higher purchase price and less absolute interior space than some competitors. However, the refined driving experience and quality of construction justify the premium for many buyers. It’s ideal for couples or small families who value quality over quantity and want a motorhome that’s as pleasant to drive as it is to live in. If your budget allows and you appreciate attention to detail, the Ashton is highly recommended for those serious about touring.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Volkswagen Ashton?

As a premium motorhome, the Volkswagen Ashton comes with correspondingly higher running costs than a standard van conversion. Fuel economy is reasonable for the class, typically achieving 28 to 35 mpg depending on driving conditions and load. The reliable VW diesel engine helps keep maintenance costs predictable, though servicing at VW Commercial specialists can be more expensive than independent garages.

The main consideration is the initial purchase price, which reflects the quality of both the base vehicle and conversion work. Insurance costs are moderate for a motorhome, though they’ll be higher than a standard van. Depreciation tends to be slower than cars due to the specialist nature and build quality. When considering used Volkswagen cars or commercial vehicles, the Ashton represents excellent value for money given the comprehensive living facilities and German engineering quality you receive for your investment.

Is the Volkswagen Ashton Practical for Everyday Use?

For a compact motorhome, the Volkswagen Ashton offers impressive practicality. The clever interior design maximises every inch of space, with abundant storage cupboards, wardrobes, and under seat compartments. The kitchen area provides genuine cooking facilities with a decent sized fridge, gas hob, and grill. Fresh and waste water tanks are generously sized for extended off grid camping, while the electrical system supports modern devices and appliances.

The compact external dimensions make it suitable for touring narrow European roads and accessing smaller campsites that larger motorhomes cannot reach. It fits into standard car parking spaces and most height barriers, giving you genuine freedom to explore. For couples or small families who prioritise quality over sheer size, the Ashton strikes an excellent balance. While it won’t match larger A-class motorhomes for absolute space, it offers everything most people need for comfortable touring in a much more manageable package.

The Volkswagen Ashton stands out in the competitive motorhome market by delivering genuine quality and refinement. It combines the proven reliability of VW engineering with specialist conversion expertise to create a motorhome that excels in both driving and living. The thoughtful interior design maximises space while maintaining comfort, and the quality of construction is evident throughout.

You choose the Ashton because you want a motorhome that doesn’t compromise on the driving experience. Its compact dimensions and refined road manners make it perfect for exploring both Britain and Europe with confidence. While the initial investment is significant, the combination of German reliability and conversion quality makes it a sound choice for serious touring enthusiasts. For those seeking car finance options, flexible payment plans are often available to spread the cost.