A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.4
Running Costs
3.6
Practicality
4.3
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a motorhome that combines Italian engineering with British craftsmanship? The Fiat Auto-Trail might be exactly what you’re looking for. This popular motorhome range uses reliable Fiat chassis paired with Auto-Trail’s thoughtful British design and build quality. It’s the perfect choice for people who want the freedom of the open road without sacrificing home comforts.
From the moment you see it, the Auto-Trail stands out with its well-proportioned profile and quality finish. The Fiat base provides proven reliability and excellent parts availability across Europe, making it ideal for both UK adventures and continental touring. But the real appeal becomes clear when you step inside. The interiors feel spacious and well-planned, with clever storage solutions and comfortable living areas that make the most of every inch.
Driving the Fiat Auto-Trail is a surprisingly refined experience. The modern Fiat engines are smooth and economical, making long journeys comfortable and affordable. The handling is stable and predictable, giving you confidence on winding country roads while remaining easy to park at your destination. It’s a motorhome that aims to make every trip, whether a weekend getaway or extended European tour, feel effortless and enjoyable. While it represents a significant investment, you’re paying for proven reliability and British build quality that will serve you well for years to come.
What's the Fiat Auto-Trail Like to Drive?
The Fiat Auto-Trail is built for comfortable touring rather than spirited driving. The range typically features Fiat’s proven 2.3-litre MultiJet diesel engines, available in various power outputs from 130 to 180 horsepower. The base 130hp version provides adequate performance for most situations, while the more powerful variants offer stronger acceleration when fully loaded or tackling steep gradients. All engines are tuned for efficiency and reliability rather than outright performance.
Where the Auto-Trail really excels is in its road manners and ease of driving. The steering is light at low speeds, making campsite manoeuvring straightforward, while offering good stability on motorways. The suspension is well-calibrated to provide a comfortable ride for passengers while keeping the vehicle composed around corners. This makes it an easy and confidence-inspiring motorhome to drive in all conditions. You get the sense of a well-engineered machine that’s built to cover serious miles in comfort.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.3L 4-cylinder MultiJet Diesel
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Power Output
130 - 180 bhp
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0-60 mph
14.0 - 11.5 seconds
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MPG Combined
28 - 35 mpg
- Boot Space
- Safety Rating
- (Euro NCAP)
- Payload: 500 - 800 kg
Inside the Fiat Auto-Trail: Comfort & Features
Step inside any Auto-Trail model and you’ll immediately appreciate the British attention to detail and build quality. The layouts are thoughtfully designed with proper home-like furniture, comfortable seating areas, and well-equipped kitchens. Materials feel solid and hardwearing, from the soft furnishings to the cabinet doors and worktops. Everything from the taps to the storage catches operates with satisfying precision and quality.
The living areas are genuinely comfortable for extended periods, with good headroom and clever storage throughout. Modern models feature excellent insulation and heating systems, making them suitable for year-round use. Standard equipment typically includes a well-appointed kitchen with oven, hob, and decent-sized fridge, plus a comfortable bathroom with separate shower. Higher-specification models add features like air conditioning, premium upholstery, and upgraded electronics that enhance the premium motorhome experience even further.
The Fiat Auto-Trail represents excellent value in the premium motorhome market, successfully combining proven mechanical reliability with thoughtful British design. The build quality is impressive throughout, from the solid Fiat chassis to the well-appointed living areas. On the road, it’s comfortable, stable, and surprisingly easy to drive for such a large vehicle. The trade-offs are a higher purchase price compared to some European competitors and slightly higher running costs than basic campervans. However, the quality and attention to detail justify the premium. It’s perfectly suited for couples or families who want to explore extensively without compromising on comfort or reliability. If your budget allows and you appreciate quality construction, the Auto-Trail is difficult to fault as a touring motorhome.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Fiat Auto-Trail?
As a premium motorhome, the Auto-Trail commands higher running costs than basic campervans, but they’re reasonable for the class. The efficient diesel engines are the highlight here, with real-world fuel economy typically ranging from 28 to 35 MPG depending on driving conditions and payload. This means you can tour extensively without breaking the budget at fuel stops each week.
The main consideration is the initial purchase price and ongoing maintenance costs. Auto-Trail models hold their value well due to strong build quality and desirable layouts. Insurance costs are moderate for the motorhome class, though comprehensive cover is essential given the investment involved. When it comes to servicing, both the Fiat chassis and Auto-Trail habitation areas have good dealer networks across the UK. Car finance options are widely available for motorhomes, with many dealers offering tailored packages to spread the cost over several years.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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fiat auto-trail
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Bailey Approach
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Chausson Flash
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £65,000 | £58,000 | £62,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.3L MultiJet 140hp | 2.3L MultiJet 140hp | 2.3L HDi 140hp |
| Power | 140 bhp | 140 bhp | 140 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 12.5 seconds | 12.8 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 32 mpg | 30 mpg | 33 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 650 kg | 620 kg | 680 kg |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Premium build, British design, Excellent layouts | Competitive pricing, Good equipment, Reliable chassis | Continental styling, Efficient engines, Spacious interiors |
Fiat Auto-Trail Practicality & Boot Space
For a motorhome, the Auto-Trail excels in practical everyday usability. Payload capacities typically range from 500 to 800 kg depending on the model, easily accommodating clothing, food, and equipment for extended tours. The storage solutions are genuinely thoughtful, with proper wardrobes, under-bed compartments, and exterior lockers for outdoor gear. Fresh and waste water capacities are generous, allowing several days of independent camping.
Where the Auto-Trail really shows its strengths is in real-world touring scenarios. The layouts work brilliantly for couples or small families, with comfortable sleeping arrangements and practical living spaces. External access to key systems makes maintenance straightforward. For those considering the motorhome lifestyle, the Auto-Trail offers an excellent introduction to used Fiat cars adapted for leisure use. While larger than a standard car, the driving experience remains manageable for most drivers with a little practice.
“Absolutely love our Auto-Trail. The build quality is superb and it’s surprisingly easy to drive. The layout works perfectly for us and we’ve had no reliability issues in three years of touring. Only minor complaint is the fresh water tank could be slightly larger.” by David Mitchell
The Fiat Auto-Trail stands out in the competitive motorhome market by offering genuine premium quality and thoughtful design. It successfully packages Fiat’s proven mechanical reliability, British build quality, and practical layouts into an accessible and enjoyable touring package. While it may not be the cheapest option in its class, it excels in the areas that matter most for extended touring comfort, reliability, and long-term satisfaction.
You choose the Auto-Trail because you want a motorhome that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Its excellent build quality, comfortable interiors, and stable road manners make every journey more enjoyable. It’s perfectly suited for serious touring enthusiasts but also comfortable enough for weekend breaks. If you’re looking for a motorhome that offers genuine home-from-home comfort with proven reliability, the Auto-Trail should be at the top of your list, especially with flexible financing options making ownership more accessible.