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
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.2
Running Costs
3.5
Practicality
4.6
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 campervan that doesn’t compromise on everyday usability? The ford misano represents Wellhouse Leisure’s answer to buyers wanting premium campervan features without sacrificing practicality. Built on Ford’s proven Transit Custom platform, this pop-top campervan delivers genuine four-berth accommodation while remaining compact enough for daily driving duties.
The Misano’s clever pop-top design sets it apart from bulkier high-top alternatives. When lowered, the sub-2-metre height means car parks, drive-throughs and residential streets remain accessible. Yet once pitched, the elevated roof provides full standing height for most adults. Ford’s refined diesel engines offer adequate performance with reasonable fuel economy, while the sophisticated suspension delivers surprisingly car-like handling characteristics.
Interior quality matches German premium rivals but typically at better value, particularly in the used market. Thoughtful touches include sliding, swivelling rear seats that create various social configurations, plus comprehensive storage solutions throughout. The compact kitchen and bathroom facilities provide genuine self-sufficiency without wasting space.
What truly distinguishes the Misano is its foundation on mainstream Ford mechanicals. This ensures dealer support nationwide, readily available parts, and familiar driving dynamics. Combined with Wellhouse’s quality conversion work, the result is a campervan that works equally well for school runs and European adventures, making it an outstanding proposition for buyers seeking versatility without compromise.
How Does the Ford Misano Drive?
The Ford Misano uses Ford’s proven 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine producing 130PS or 170PS depending on specification. The 130PS variant provides adequate performance for most situations, while the 170PS option offers better overtaking ability when fully loaded.
Six-speed manual transmission comes as standard, with Ford’s excellent automatic gearbox available as an option. The automatic proves particularly beneficial in stop-start traffic or when manoeuvring on campsites. Fuel economy averages 28-32mpg depending on driving conditions and payload.
The Transit Custom’s sophisticated suspension setup delivers surprisingly car-like handling for such a tall vehicle. Electronic stability control and advanced safety systems provide confidence in challenging conditions. The pop-top design keeps the centre of gravity lower than high-top alternatives.
Maximum payload capacity reaches 1,000kg including passengers, luggage and fresh water. This generous allowance accommodates family holidays without weight restrictions becoming problematic. The 3,500kg gross vehicle weight permits standard car licence holders to drive without additional qualifications.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L EcoBlue diesel
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Power Output
170 bhp
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0-60 mph
11.2 seconds
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MPG Combined
30 mpg
- Boot Space
- Safety Rating
- Pop-top roof, Kitchen facilities, Bathroom compartment
How Comfortable Is the Ford Misano?
Interior space impresses with generous headroom throughout the main living area. The pop-top provides full standing height for most adults, while the lower section accommodates everyday activities comfortably. Large windows create an airy feel and excellent all-round visibility.
Seating arrangements accommodate five passengers with proper three-point seatbelts for safety. The rear seats slide and swivel to create various social configurations. Upholstery uses hardwearing fabrics chosen specifically for outdoor lifestyle demands.
Climate control includes diesel heating for year-round comfort, while roof vents and windows provide natural ventilation during warmer weather. Sound insulation keeps road noise to acceptable levels, though some wind noise occurs at motorway speeds due to the vehicle’s height.
Storage solutions include overhead lockers, under-seat compartments and external storage boxes. The wardrobe provides hanging space for clothes while numerous smaller compartments accommodate camping equipment. Everything has its designated place to prevent items moving while travelling.
The misano excels with exhilarating performance matched by refined comfort, creating a driving experience that exceeds expectations in every way.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Ford Misano?
Purchase prices for used Ford Misano models typically range from £45,000 to £65,000 depending on age, mileage and specification. New conversions command premium prices exceeding £70,000, making used examples attractive propositions. Depreciation follows typical motorhome patterns with initial steep drops followed by more stable values.
Servicing costs mirror standard Transit Custom requirements with additional checks on camping equipment. Annual services typically cost £300-500 at Ford dealers or independent specialists. The habitation equipment requires separate annual safety inspections costing around £150-200.
Insurance premiums reflect the vehicle’s high value and specialised nature. Specialist motorhome insurers often provide better coverage than mainstream providers. Typical annual premiums range from £600-1,200 depending on driver experience and security measures.
For buyers considering financing options, researching how to find the cheapest car finance deals in the uk could yield significant savings on purchase costs.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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ford misano
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Volkswagen California
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Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | from £45,000 | from £55,000 | from £58,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L EcoBlue 170hp | 2.0L TDI 150hp | 2.0L CDI 163hp |
| Power | 170 bhp | 150 bhp | 163 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 11.2 seconds | 12.1 seconds | 10.8 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 | Pop-top design, Four-berth accommodation, Ford Transit Custom base | Premium build quality, Factory conversion, Strong resale values | Luxury interior, Advanced safety systems, Refined driving dynamics |
Ford Misano Practicality & Boot Space
The Ford Misano excels in everyday practicality with dimensions suitable for normal parking spaces and height restrictions. At under 2 metres tall with the roof lowered, most car parks and drive-throughs remain accessible. This versatility makes the Misano genuinely usable as a daily driver.
Internal storage impresses with thoughtfully designed compartments throughout. The kitchen area provides adequate preparation space while keeping everything secure during travel. The bathroom compartment includes a cassette toilet, basin and shower facilities within a compact but functional layout.
Payload capacity accommodates four people plus holiday equipment without difficulty. The fuel tank’s 70-litre capacity provides excellent range, while the auxiliary systems operate independently from the main vehicle. Fresh and waste water tanks offer sufficient capacity for extended wild camping.
For those exploring used ford cars, the Transit Custom base provides reassurance through Ford’s extensive dealer network and parts availability. This mainstream foundation distinguishes the Misano from rivals using more obscure commercial vehicles.
“We’ve owned our 2021 Misano 4.1 for two years and covered 15,000 miles across Europe. The build quality has proved excellent with only minor warranty items addressed promptly by our dealer. The Ford base provides confidence on long journeys, while the interior remains impressive after extensive use. The pop-top mechanism works perfectly and the upper bed is genuinely comfortable for two adults. Storage capacity exceeds our previous VW California, while the kitchen facilities prove adequate for extended trips. We’ve wild camped for a week without difficulties thanks to the solar panels and efficient systems. Fuel economy averages 30mpg on tour, which seems reasonable for the size and weight. The automatic gearbox was worth the extra cost for ease of use in busy European cities. Overall, the Misano has exceeded our expectations and we’d definitely buy another.”
The Ford Misano delivers premium campervan experiences built on proven commercial vehicle foundations. Wellhouse Leisure’s sophisticated conversion creates genuine four-berth accommodation within surprisingly compact external dimensions. The pop-top design maximises internal space while maintaining everyday practicality.
Ford’s Transit Custom base provides reliability, dealer support and driving dynamics that rival many cars. The refined diesel engines offer adequate performance with reasonable fuel economy. Standard safety systems and robust construction inspire confidence on extended European tours.
Interior quality and design match German premium rivals while typically offering better value. The sliding seat system and clever storage solutions demonstrate thoughtful engineering throughout. Used examples represent particularly attractive propositions for buyers seeking premium features without new vehicle depreciation.
Minor compromises include limited wardrobe space and wind noise at motorway speeds. However, these pale against the Misano’s numerous advantages over budget alternatives. The combination of Ford reliability and Wellhouse quality creates an outstanding campervan proposition.