When you’re looking for a motorhome that won’t dominate every car park or leave you sweating through narrow Cotswold villages, the Auto Sleeper Devon presents an interesting proposition. At 5.94 metres, it’s compact enough for everyday driving yet promises a proper bathroom, something many smaller motorhomes sacrifice for space elsewhere.
This particular Devon runs on Peugeot’s reliable 2.0HDI engine producing 109bhp through a five-speed manual gearbox. With 51,308 miles on the clock, it’s clearly been used for its intended purpose, though that modest payload of 389kg means you’ll need to pack thoughtfully. The question is whether Auto Sleeper has managed to squeeze everything you need into this tidy package without making too many compromises.
Size and Practicality of the Devon
At just under six metres, the Devon sits in that sweet spot where you can still use most car parks and won’t need to plan your route around low bridges. You’ll find this length manageable on British roads, though the 3,500kg gross weight means you can drive it on a standard car licence, assuming you passed your test before 1997.
That 389kg payload tells its own story though. Once you’ve added two people, clothes for a week, food, and the inevitable camping chairs, you’ll be watching the scales carefully. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does mean the Devon works best for couples who pack light rather than families loading up for extended adventures.
Driving the Auto Sleeper Devon
The Peugeot Boxer base provides a solid foundation, and that 2.0HDI engine should deliver reasonable performance for a motorhome of this size. With 109bhp on tap, you won’t be winning any traffic light grands prix, but it should cope adequately with motorway cruising and the occasional Welsh hill.
The five-speed manual gearbox keeps things simple and reliable, though you might find yourself wishing for a sixth gear on long motorway stretches. Electric windows and mirrors add a touch of convenience that’s welcome when you’re manoeuvring into tight pitches or checking your clearance past parked cars.
Living Space in the Devon
Step inside and you’ll discover Auto Sleeper’s approach to maximising limited space. The forward-facing seat with proper seatbelt provides additional seating when you’re parked up, while the bench seat arrangement offers flexibility for both dining and relaxation.
The swivel cab seats create a proper lounge area when combined with the freestanding table, giving you space for four people to sit comfortably, assuming they’re all reasonably friendly. Storage appears throughout the layout, with overhead lockers above the kitchen area providing space for lighter items.
Devon Sleeping Arrangements
When evening arrives, that bench seat transforms into a double bed, following the classic Auto Sleeper approach of maximising space efficiency. You’ll need to clear the seating area and rearrange cushions, but it’s a straightforward process that becomes second nature after a few nights.
The bed size should accommodate most couples comfortably, though taller individuals might find their feet approaching the end sooner than they’d like. It’s worth noting that this single bed arrangement makes the Devon primarily a two-person motorhome, despite the additional seating capacity.
Kitchen Space in the Devon
The kitchen runs along one side and includes the essentials: a Thetford oven and grill, sink, and that 90-litre fridge. For a motorhome of this size, it’s a comprehensive setup that should handle most cooking requirements, from morning coffee to proper evening meals.
Storage above the kitchen provides space for crockery and provisions, though you’ll need to be organised to make the most of the available space. The layout suggests Auto Sleeper has prioritised functionality over luxury, which makes sense at this size and price point.
Auto Sleeper Devon Bathroom
Here’s where the Devon potentially scores over many compact motorhomes; it includes a proper bathroom with swing-wall shower. Many motorhomes this size either skip the shower entirely or provide something barely usable, so this represents a genuine advantage.
The swing-wall design maximises shower space when you need it while keeping the bathroom compact when you don’t. A roof vent helps with ventilation, which is crucial in such a small space. You’ll still need to be realistic about shower duration and water usage, but at least you have the option.
Power and Water Systems
The Devon includes the standard motorhome systems you’d expect, with gas for cooking and heating, mains electric hookup capability, and a 90-litre fuel tank that should provide decent range between fill-ups. The Brabantia pull-out airer is a thoughtful touch that recognises the reality of drying clothes in a small space.
Water capacity isn’t specified in the available information, but in a motorhome this size, you’ll likely be looking at modest fresh and waste water tanks that require regular attention during extended tours.
Devon Storage Solutions
Storage in any compact motorhome requires careful consideration, and the Devon appears to address this with wardrobes and overhead lockers throughout. The bike rack and tow bar options suggest Auto Sleeper recognises that external storage might be necessary for longer trips or active holidays.
You’ll need to think vertically and make use of every available space, but the layout seems designed with practical storage in mind rather than just looking good in showroom photos.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Devon’s compact size appeals but you want to explore alternatives, the Updated Compact Excellence: Auto-Sleeper Nuevo Modern Features Review offers a different take on small motorhome living with potentially updated features and layout variations.
For those wanting to stay with Auto Sleeper but considering a different approach, the Fixed Bed Philosophy: Auto-Sleeper Broadway FB Alternative Layout Review provides an alternative layout philosophy that might better suit your touring style.
If you’re open to other manufacturers, the British-Continental Fusion: Swift Bolero 630EW Design Compromise Review represents a different approach to compact motorhome design with its own set of compromises and advantages.
Final Thoughts
The Auto Sleeper Devon appears to tackle the challenge of compact motorhome design by prioritising the essentials: proper bathroom, decent kitchen, comfortable seating and sleeping for two. At 5.94 metres, it remains manageable for nervous drivers while providing more space than you might expect.
The modest payload means it’s best suited to couples who travel light and don’t need to carry extensive equipment. If you’re the type who packs three pairs of shoes for a weekend away, you might struggle. But for those who appreciate the freedom of a smaller motorhome that can access places larger models can’t, the Devon offers a sensible compromise.
The inclusion of a proper shower sets it apart from many competitors, though you’ll need to accept the limitations that come with compact living. It’s honest motorhoming – no pretence of luxury, just practical touring capability in a manageable package.
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