Citroen Caledonian
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a motorhome that perfectly balances comfort with affordability? The Citroen Caledonian might be exactly what you need for your next adventure. This specialist campervan conversion transforms the reliable Citroen Relay into a well-equipped home on wheels, offering a taste of the touring lifestyle without breaking the bank. It’s designed for those who want the freedom of motorhome travel with the practicality of a trusted French commercial vehicle platform.

From the moment you see it, the Caledonian stands out as a thoughtfully designed conversion. The exterior maintains the Relay’s robust appearance while housing a surprisingly well-appointed interior that maximises every inch of available space. Unlike basic panel van conversions, this feels like a proper motorhome with all the essentials you need. The build quality reflects Caledonian’s experience in the conversion market, with everything from the kitchen to the sleeping area showing careful consideration.

Driving the Caledonian feels reassuringly familiar if you’ve driven larger vans before. The proven Citroen powerplant delivers adequate performance for motorhome duties, while the handling remains stable and predictable even when fully loaded. It’s a motorhome that aims to make touring accessible and enjoyable, whether you’re planning a weekend break or an extended European adventure. While it may not have the luxury appointments of premium motorhomes, you’re getting excellent value for money and proven reliability.

How Does the Citroen Caledonian Drive?

The Citroen Caledonian is powered by the reliable 2.2 BlueHDi diesel engine producing 139 BHP, which provides adequate performance for motorhome touring. This proven powerplant delivers smooth acceleration from standstill and has enough torque to handle gradients comfortably even when fully loaded with gear and passengers. The 6-speed manual transmission works well with the diesel engine, offering good fuel economy on longer journeys and reasonable overtaking ability on A-roads.

Where the Caledonian excels is in its predictable road manners and comfortable cruising ability. The suspension is well-suited to carrying the additional weight of the conversion while maintaining a composed ride on most road surfaces. Steering is light at low speeds for easy manoeuvring in campsites, but weights up appropriately at motorway speeds for confident touring. The driving position is typical of commercial vehicles, offering good visibility and a commanding view of the road ahead, making it an easy and reassuring motorhome to drive for extended periods.

Inside the Citroen Caledonian: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Caledonian and you’ll immediately notice the efficient use of space and thoughtful layout design. The interior features a practical lounge conversion that can comfortably seat several people during the day before transforming into sleeping accommodation at night. The kitchen area includes essential amenities like a gas hob, sink, and adequate storage for your touring needs. Materials feel robust and fit for purpose, designed to withstand the rigours of regular camping use.

The seating is comfortable for relaxing after a day of exploring, and the large windows create an airy feel that prevents the interior from feeling cramped. Storage solutions are cleverly integrated throughout, with overhead lockers and under-seat compartments maximising the available space. The conversion includes practical touches like reading lights, 12V charging points, and good ventilation. While it may not have the luxury finishes of high-end motorhomes, everything feels well-made and designed with real-world camping in mind.

The Citroen Caledonian is a compelling choice if you want a well-built motorhome conversion that prioritises practicality and value over luxury. It successfully combines the reliability of the proven Citroen Relay platform with thoughtful conversion work that maximises liveable space. The interior layout is sensible and user-friendly, making it easy to live with on extended tours. The main trade-offs are a more utilitarian feel compared to premium conversions and the typical commercial vehicle driving experience. However, this isn’t trying to be a luxury motorhome. Its purpose is to provide comfortable, reliable touring accommodation at a reasonable price point. If your priority is getting out and exploring rather than having the fanciest fittings, the Caledonian delivers exactly what you need with proven dependability.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Citroen Caledonian?

As a diesel-powered motorhome, the Caledonian offers reasonable running costs for its size and capability. The 2.2 BlueHDi engine typically delivers fuel economy in the mid-to-high 20s MPG when touring, which is respectable for a vehicle of this size and weight. Insurance costs are generally moderate for motorhomes, though they will be higher than a standard car due to the specialist nature and higher value of the conversion.

The main consideration is the initial purchase price, which reflects the specialist conversion work and quality of the base vehicle. However, motorhomes like the Caledonian tend to hold their value well, especially if properly maintained. Servicing follows standard Citroen commercial vehicle schedules, with parts readily available through the extensive dealer network. When you factor in the money saved on accommodation during holidays, many owners find the Caledonian represents excellent value, particularly with flexible finance options available to spread the cost.

Citroen Caledonian Practicality & Boot Space

For a motorhome conversion, the Caledonian is impressively practical with its extra-long wheelbase providing generous interior space. The 3-4 berth layout works well for couples or small families, with comfortable sleeping arrangements and adequate storage for extended trips. The kitchen facilities are well-designed for preparing meals on the road, while the lounge area provides a comfortable space to relax whatever the weather outside.

Where the Caledonian really shines is in its real-world usability for touring. The XLWB platform provides excellent stability when parked, while still being manageable to drive and park compared to larger A-class motorhomes. Storage capacity is generous with numerous cupboards and compartments throughout, plus good external storage options. For couples looking to explore or small families wanting their first taste of motorhome touring, the Caledonian strikes an excellent balance compared to other used Citroen motorhomes, offering genuine practicality without intimidating size or complexity.

The Citroen Caledonian stands out in the competitive motorhome conversion market by offering genuine touring capability at an accessible price point. It packages proven mechanical reliability, practical interior design, and thoughtful conversion work into a package that makes motorhome touring achievable for more people. While it may not have the premium finishes of more expensive conversions, it excels in the areas that matter most for real-world touring.

You choose the Caledonian because you want a motorhome that gets you exploring without breaking the bank. Its sensible layout, reliable mechanicals, and practical approach to touring make every trip more enjoyable and stress-free. It’s perfectly suited for couples or small families wanting to discover the freedom of motorhome travel, especially when considering cars under £50,000 that offer this level of touring capability.