Apache 700 Size and Family Practicality
You’ll immediately notice the Apache 700’s substantial presence at 7.39 metres long, sitting on a 4-tonne chassis. This size provides excellent interior space but requires confident handling, particularly on narrower country roads or when navigating car parks.
The motorhome offers a factory standard payload of 600kg, though you should note this decreases as additional features are added. For a family of four with typical camping equipment, this should prove adequate, but if you’re planning to travel with six people, you’ll need to be mindful of weight distribution and limits.
External storage is well-considered, with accessible lockers for your gas bottles and the cassette toilet. The inclusion of a rear-mounted bike rack capable of carrying four bicycles is particularly useful for active families, eliminating the need for aftermarket additions.
When parked, you’ll appreciate the manual side awning that extends your living space outdoors, perfect for summer evenings or creating a sheltered outdoor dining area when the British weather permits.
Driving The 2010 Fiat Ducato Base
Behind the wheel, you’ll find the 2010 Apache 700 powered by Fiat’s reliable 2.3-litre JTD diesel engine producing 130bhp. This provides adequate power for motorway cruising, though you’ll notice the engine working harder on steeper inclines when fully loaded.
The 6-speed manual gearbox offers good flexibility across different driving conditions, helping to maximise fuel efficiency on longer journeys. Driver comfort is enhanced with cruise control (particularly welcome on motorway stretches) along with electric windows and mirrors for convenience.
Safety features include driver and passenger airbags as standard, while the elevated driving position provides excellent visibility. The inclusion of a reversing camera significantly eases manoeuvring this 7.39-metre vehicle, particularly when backing into pitches or navigating tight spaces.
You’ll find the cab comfortable for longer journeys, with good adjustment in the captain-style seats. The cab area integrates well with the living space, creating a cohesive interior when parked up.
Six-Berth Living with U-Shaped Lounge
When you step inside the Apache 700, the layout immediately impresses with its practical design. The motorhome features four travel seats with belts – two forward-facing and two rear-facing (though the latter don’t have belts, limiting their use while in transit).
The standout feature is the U-shaped rear lounge, providing a sociable seating area that can accommodate the whole family. This space benefits from large windows on three sides and a sunroof above, creating a light, airy atmosphere that connects you with your surroundings.
Storage options throughout the living area are generous, with overhead lockers running along both sides of the motorhome. The interior height provides comfortable headroom throughout, even for taller adults.
The overall ambience is typical of 2010-era Auto-Trail models, functional rather than luxurious, with hardwearing fabrics and practical surfaces designed to withstand family use. While the interior styling shows its age compared to contemporary models, the space planning remains effective.
How Does Six-Berth Sleeping Work?
You’ll find the Apache 700 lives up to its 6-berth designation with three distinct sleeping areas. The over-cab double bed provides a permanent sleeping space, complete with privacy curtains to create darkness and separation from the main living area.
The U-shaped rear lounge converts into a spacious double bed, offering perhaps the most comfortable sleeping position in the vehicle. The cushions fit together well to create a flat sleeping surface, though as with many motorhomes of this era, you may notice the joins between sections.
The final sleeping area utilises the dinette, which converts to accommodate two more sleepers. This arrangement works well for children but may be less comfortable for adults over multiple nights. Each sleeping area benefits from adequate ventilation and lighting options, with the over-cab area featuring dedicated reading lights. The blackout facilities throughout the motorhome are effective, ensuring you won’t be woken by early summer sunrises.
Family Kitchen with 4-Burner Hob
When preparing meals, you’ll appreciate the practical kitchen layout with its 4-burner hob, providing flexibility for family cooking. The kitchen includes a sink with mixer tap and a 3-way fridge (operating on gas, 12V, or mains electricity) large enough for several days’ provisions.
Storage in the kitchen area is well-considered, with cupboards both above and below the worktop. The worktop space itself is somewhat limited (a common compromise in motorhomes of this size), but there’s enough room for basic meal preparation.
The kitchen’s central position within the motorhome layout means the chef remains part of the social space while cooking, which you’ll find particularly useful when travelling with family. Ventilation is provided by an overhead vent, helping to reduce condensation when cooking. While not offering the refinements of more modern motorhomes (such as built-in ovens or microwaves), the kitchen provides all the essentials for self-catering holidays.
Split Bathroom Design
The Apache 700’s bathroom is divided into two areas, with a cassette toilet and sink in the main space and a separate shower compartment. This arrangement prevents the entire bathroom becoming wet when showering, a practical touch you’ll appreciate on longer trips.
The shower compartment provides adequate space, though taller users may find it somewhat compact. Water pressure depends on your site connections or the onboard pump, but the system is generally reliable for everyday use.
Storage in the bathroom includes a mirrored cabinet and some under-sink space for toiletries. The cassette toilet is straightforward to use and empty, with the access door conveniently positioned on the vehicle’s exterior.
While not luxurious, the bathroom facilities are perfectly functional for family touring, offering privacy and all essential facilities in a relatively compact space.
Power Systems and Heating
You’ll find the Apache 700 well-equipped with essential systems for comfortable touring. The electrical system provides both 12V and 230V options, with hookup capability for campsite connections and battery power for off-grid use.
Heating comes from a gas-powered system that distributes warmth effectively throughout the vehicle. The hot water system is reliable, though recovery times between showers should be considered when travelling with a full complement of six people.
The motorhome features a TV aerial connection point, with the fold-down TV positioned for viewing from the front seating area. Various power points are distributed throughout the interior, though by modern standards you might find these limited in number.
Control panels are logically positioned and straightforward to operate, with clear indicators for battery levels, water tank status, and other essential information.
Storage Solutions for Six People
Storage is a particular strength of the Apache 700, with thoughtful solutions throughout. The overhead lockers in the living areas provide ample space for clothing and personal items, while the kitchen storage accommodates cookware and provisions.
The wardrobe offers hanging space for longer items, supplemented by drawer storage below. Under-seat storage in the U-shaped lounge is accessible via lift-up bases, providing space for bulkier items.
Externally, the lockers offer secure storage for outdoor equipment, while the rear bike rack accommodates up to four bicycles without compromising internal storage space.
For a family of six using all berths, storage requires careful organisation, but the overall provision is generous compared to many competitors of similar vintage.
Is The Apache 700 Right For Your Family?
You’ll find the Apache 700 particularly well-suited to family holidays and extended touring. The 6-berth configuration makes it ideal for families with children or for couples who regularly travel with guests.
Weekend getaways are easily accommodated, with the motorhome quick to set up on site. For longer tours, the practical layout and generous storage make extended travel comfortable, though you’ll want to plan your route to accommodate the vehicle’s 7.39-metre length when navigating smaller roads or villages.
Festival-goers will appreciate the self-contained nature of the Apache 700, with its onboard facilities providing independence from site amenities. However, the motorhome’s size may restrict access to some more compact festival camping areas. For year-round use, the heating system provides adequate warmth for spring and autumn touring, though the insulation standards of 2010 models may make winter camping less comfortable than in more modern alternatives.
Family Motorhome Alternatives From 2010
If you’re considering the 2010 Auto-Trail Apache 700, you might also want to explore these alternatives:
Swift Kontiki 679 – Similar in size and berth configuration, often with a different interior layout that might better suit your specific needs.
Bessacarr E769 – Offers comparable sleeping capacity with a different approach to the washroom and kitchen layout.
Elddis Autoquest 180 – Generally more affordable, though typically with simpler specifications and fewer luxury touches.
For those willing to consider newer models with higher purchase prices, post-2015 Apache 700s address many of the older model’s limitations with improved insulation, updated interiors, and more modern systems.
Should You Buy This Decade-Old Apache?
The 2010 Auto-Trail Apache 700 remains a practical choice for families seeking a spacious, well-designed motorhome at a more accessible price point than newer models. Its 6-berth configuration, generous storage, and sociable U-shaped lounge create a versatile living space that accommodates different travel styles.
You’ll find the Fiat Ducato base vehicle provides reliable performance, while the 130bhp engine delivers adequate power for most touring situations. The inclusion of practical features like the reversing camera, bike rack, and side awning adds genuine value for regular users.
However, you should approach any decade-old motorhome with realistic expectations. Wear and tear on interior fittings, dated styling, and the potential for water ingress issues common to motorhomes of this era mean a professional pre-purchase inspection is essential.
For families prioritising space and practicality over cutting-edge features, the Apache 700 continues to offer good value, provided you find a well-maintained example with a documented service history. Its enduring popularity in the used market speaks to the fundamental soundness of its design and execution.
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