LUNAR’S first ever motorhome, theRoadstar, was produced around 1984. A coach-built model, it was based on a Mercedes-Benz chassis cab.

By the 1990s Lunar had built up a rangeof several coach-built motorhomes. Thesefirst models had limited success, and production was halted in 2008; but Lunarre-entered the market in 2013, this timewith panel conversions. The first of thesewas the Vacanza, a Nissan-based micro-motorhome (now re-named the Camper Car).

Following the Camper Car’s success,Lunar decided to produce a new, largerconversion, aimed at the couple who wantcoach-built accommodation but with a compact and easier-to-park panel vandesign. This new model was named theLandstar.

The layout of the Lunar Landstar consistsof a rear lounge area, a nearside kitchenand a wardrobe with washroom opposite.Entry is by a sliding door (on the nearside,of course).

Exterior HHHHThe exterior is nicely finished off with boldside graphics in blue, grey and black.Lunar’s name is placed at the top, with‘Landstar RL’ boldly displayed mid-way up the side panel. Alloy wheels look smartagainst the silver paint finish.

On the offside are all the service points -water filler, mains electrics socket and the cassette loo hatch. The Lunar hasGrade 3 thermal insulation, meaning that it is suitable for full year-round use.The exterior is really smartly finished.

Entrance and Lounge HHHHAs you step into the Landstar, on yourright is a cupboard which houses two six-kilo gas cylinders. There’s a courtesylight by the electrically-operated foldingstep. The entrance does feel a littlegloomy, but as you walk down to the rearit feels brighter and more spacious. This is mainly down to the Sprinter’slength of seven metres, allowing extrainches for Lunar’s designers to play with.

The rear lounge has a captain’s swiveltable that stores neatly away in one of thesmall twin wardrobes. A window is placed

Lunar Landstar RL

Model: Lunar Landstar RLPrice: £49,995Base vehicle: Mercedes MB

Sprinter 313 Engine: 129 bhp diesel CDI

2.143 six speed manual

Length: 6.95 m (22’10”)Width: 1.99 m (6”6”)Height: 2.82 m (9’3”) MTPLM: 3500 kgPayload: 420 kgSleeps: 2Fresh water tank: 70 litres Waste water tank: 35 litres

We like: Smart looks, easy to park, brightand spacious, good storage, practicality,competitive price.

We don’t like: Windows in rear loungecould be larger; no window in washroom;shower is not a moulded unit.

Brief test

By Andy Jenkinson

The new Landstar RL brings Lunar intoa new section of the motorhome market.Ideal for couples, Lunar’s

latest motorhome is smart,practical and competitivelypriced

Smart graphics on the RL. All servicepoints are located on offside.

The Landstar looks good from all angles.

Ample seating in the rear lounge; we felt largerside windows wouldn’t have gone amiss.

on either side - in our minds, slightly largerunits are needed, to allow users morevision. Roof lockers are finished in glosswith classy chrome handles, giving the‘van a slightly continental feel.

The lounge is fitted with a TV point and a control panel for the Combi heating.There’s a mains socket - one of five, in fact - and the Heki roof vent providesnatural light and ventilation. Night lightingis provided by four LED corner spots anddimmable lights set into the roof lockers.Mounted on the ceiling by the rear doorsare twin speakers for the radio.

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Overall impressions HHHHThe Sprinter’s cab comes well equippedwith features such as Bluetooth andremote central locking. The two front seats do swivel, though the driver’s seat is a little more restricted. Extra length is provided by the Sprinter base vehicle, and that allows more interior space.

All this makes the Landstar an attractivebuy for couples, and its competitive pricemeans that it’s one for your shortlist. Withthis smart and practical model, the Lunarbrand steps slowly but surely back into the motorhome marketplace.

More information: www.lunarcaravans.com

Our thanks to Lunar Caravans and the Royal Umpire Caravan Park

at Croston in Lancashire.

For more information on the Royal Umpire Caravan Park,

visit www.harrisonholidays.com

nThe large sink hasa designer-style tap.

The side kitchen hasgood worktop andexcellent storage.

Seating makes up into twinsingle beds or one double.

The side washroom doesn’t seem tocontinue the luxury feel. No sidewindow is fitted, and the showercubicle isn’t a moulded unit.

The Sprinter cab has an air of quality, and it’s comfortable to drive.

Kitchen HHHGood worktop space is enhanced by extending flaps at each end. Fittingsinclude a Dometic oven, three-burner hob and a microwave above. Opposite the kitchen, in the wardrobe base, is a Dometic 95-litre fridge.

The kitchen has excellent storage with an overhead locker and drawer plus twocupboards. The good-sized sink comeswith a plastic drainer and a large designer-style tap. Night lighting and theside window are other strong features.

Beds and seating HHHHThe upholstery is finished in Aquacleanfabric which has a suede effect and looksrather smart, adding a touch of practicalluxury. There are two scatter and bolstercushions. The two settees can either beused as single beds or made up easilyinto a large double, using a slatted basethat slides out from the nearside settee.Four people (even six) could sit here incomfort.

Storage HHHHFor a couple, the roof locker storage isvery good. The kitchen comes with decentstorage, and those extension flaps add tothe work space. The washroom’s storageis restricted mainly to small items, whilethe wardrobe has its height limited by the fridge in its base. Overall, however, theLandstar’s storage will be more than adequate for most users.

Washroom HHHThe Sprinter’s extra inches have allowed a separate shower cubicle to be fitted -but, disappointingly, it’s not a mouldedunit. The absence of a side window issomething we wouldn’t expect on thisclass of motorhome. Lunar fits a Thetfordswivel cassette loo, and the small handbasin comes with storage below. The washroom has a large mirror with a shelf above.

Footnote: We do know the differencebetween a Lunar Landstar and

Roadstar motorhome! In a ‘brief test’ in our last issue, we described the

new Lunar motorhome as a‘Roadstar’, when in fact it was their

new Landstar RL. We apologise to Lunar and to our

readers for any inconvenience.

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