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
4
Comfort & Interior
4.4
Running Costs
3.7
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 reliable Ford engineering with comfortable living? The Ford Auto-Roller might be exactly what you need. This compact motorhome offers a perfect balance of drivability and home comforts, making it ideal for couples or small families wanting to explore the UK and Europe. Built on Ford’s proven commercial vehicle platform, it brings together decades of automotive expertise with thoughtful motorhome design.
The Auto-Roller stands out in the competitive motorhome market with its manageable size and quality construction. Unlike some rivals like the Fiat Ducato based motorhomes or Mercedes Sprinter conversions, the Ford chassis provides excellent parts availability and service network coverage. The interior feels well planned and practical, with clever storage solutions and comfortable living areas that maximise the available space.
Driving the Auto-Roller feels reassuring and composed. The Ford base provides a solid foundation with predictable handling and good visibility. It’s designed for those who want the freedom of motorhome travel without the intimidation factor of larger coaches. While it commands a premium over basic panel van conversions, you’re investing in proven reliability and a comprehensive living package that’s ready for adventure from day one.
How Does the Ford Auto-Roller Drive?
The Ford Auto-Roller is built around Ford’s reliable diesel powertrains, typically featuring 2.0-litre or 2.2-litre TDCi engines producing between 130 to 170 horsepower. These engines are designed for commercial durability and provide adequate power for motorhome touring. The performance feels composed and predictable, with enough torque for climbing hills even when fully loaded with gear and water tanks.
Where the Auto-Roller excels is in its driving characteristics. The Ford chassis provides excellent road manners with responsive steering and well-controlled body movement. The suspension copes well with the higher centre of gravity, keeping the motorhome stable in crosswinds and comfortable over long distances. Braking feels confident and progressive, while the six-speed manual or optional automatic transmission delivers smooth power delivery for relaxed cruising at motorway speeds.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L - 2.2L TDCi Diesel
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Power Output
130 - 170 bhp
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0-60 mph
14.0 - 16.5 seconds
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MPG Combined
28 - 32 mpg
- Boot Space
- Safety Rating
- (Euro NCAP base vehicle)
- Gross Weight: 3,500 - 4,250 kg
Inside the Ford Auto-Roller: Comfort & Features
Step inside and the Auto-Roller reveals a thoughtfully designed living space that feels more premium than many competitors. The layout typically includes a comfortable dinette that converts to a bed, a well-equipped kitchen area, and a compact but functional washroom. Build quality is solid throughout, with robust fittings and materials chosen for durability rather than just appearance. The cab area features comfortable driver and passenger seats that swivel to become part of the living space.
The heating system keeps the interior warm in colder months, while good insulation helps maintain comfortable temperatures year round. Storage is generous for a compact motorhome, with overhead lockers, under-seat compartments, and external storage hatches. Fresh and waste water tanks are well sized for extended touring, while the 12V and 240V electrical systems provide power for lighting, appliances, and device charging. Higher specification models add luxury touches like premium upholstery and enhanced kitchen equipment.
The Ford Auto-Roller succeeds as a well-engineered motorhome that doesn’t compromise on drivability or living comfort. The Ford chassis provides reassuring reliability and widespread service support, while the interior design makes smart use of available space. It’s particularly appealing for those who want proven mechanical reliability over exotic features or ultra-compact dimensions. The main considerations are the higher purchase price compared to basic conversions and fuel costs that are higher than car ownership. However, it’s not trying to be the cheapest option. Instead, it delivers dependable touring capability with comfort levels that make extended trips genuinely enjoyable. If you value reliability, service support, and thoughtful design over rock-bottom pricing, the Auto-Roller represents excellent value in the compact motorhome market.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Ford Auto-Roller?
As a motorhome, the Auto-Roller has higher running costs than a standard car, but they’re reasonable for the class. Fuel economy typically ranges from 28 to 32 MPG, depending on driving style and load. The Ford diesel engines are proven units with good parts availability and competitive service costs. Insurance falls into specialist motorhome categories, which can be more expensive than car insurance but offers features like European cover and contents protection.
The key advantage is reliability and ease of maintenance. Ford’s extensive dealer network means you can get service and repairs almost anywhere, unlike some specialist motorhome brands. Depreciation is steady rather than steep, and well-maintained examples hold their value reasonably well. For those exploring car finance options, many lenders offer competitive rates on motorhomes, making ownership more accessible with manageable monthly payments that spread the cost of your mobile lifestyle investment.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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ford auto-roller
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Fiat Ducato Base
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Mercedes Sprinter Base
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £55,000 | £52,000 | £58,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.2L TDCi 170hp | 2.3L MultiJet 140hp | 2.1L CDI 163hp |
| Power | 170 bhp | 140 bhp | 163 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 14.5 seconds | 16.0 seconds | 15.0 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 30 mpg | 32 mpg | 29 mpg |
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Practicality
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Reliable chassis, Wide service network, Proven engines | Popular platform, Good value, European presence | Premium feel, Strong build, Advanced safety |
Is the Ford Auto-Roller Practical for Everyday Use?
For a compact motorhome, the Auto-Roller delivers impressive practicality. The layout maximises every inch of available space with clever storage solutions and multi-function furniture. The kitchen area includes a two-burner hob, combination microwave, and three-way fridge, providing everything needed for self-sufficient touring. Fresh water capacity is typically 100 litres, with waste water tanks sized appropriately for extended stays without facilities.
The Auto-Roller works brilliantly for couples or small families who want the freedom to explore without the complexity of larger motorhomes. Sleeping arrangements are comfortable, while the washroom includes a cassette toilet and shower facilities. External storage hatches provide space for outdoor furniture, cables, and touring equipment. Compared to other used Ford cars, it’s obviously specialised, but within the motorhome world, it offers excellent space efficiency and user-friendly features that make touring life enjoyable rather than cramped.
“We’ve had our Auto-Roller for three years and it’s been absolutely brilliant. The Ford base gives us confidence on long trips and we’ve never had any major issues. The layout works perfectly for the two of us and we love the freedom it gives us.” by Michael Thompson
The Ford Auto-Roller stands out as a sensible choice for those entering the motorhome lifestyle or upgrading from basic conversions. It successfully combines Ford’s commercial vehicle reliability with thoughtful motorhome design, creating a package that’s both dependable and comfortable. The driving experience is reassuring, while the living accommodation provides genuine touring capability for extended adventures.
You choose the Auto-Roller because you want a motorhome that works reliably year after year. The Ford foundation ensures parts availability and service support wherever you travel, while the interior design maximises comfort within the compact footprint. It’s perfectly suited for touring couples or small families who prioritise reliability and practicality. For those seeking touring freedom without complexity, the Auto-Roller deserves serious consideration, especially with flexible finance options making ownership more accessible.