If you’re hunting for a motorhome that can genuinely accommodate a family without everyone feeling like sardines, the 2007 Compass Avantgarde 130 deserves serious consideration. At 6.19 metres long, this isn’t a compact weekender, it’s a proper family tourer that acknowledges the reality that five people need actual space to coexist peacefully on holiday.
Built on the reliable Peugeot Boxer 2.2 HDI chassis, the Avantgarde 130 represents Compass’s attempt to create a motorhome that works for extended family trips without requiring a HGV licence. You’d be looking at a vehicle that sleeps five but realistically carries four in comfort, a sensible approach that suggests the designers understood the difference between cramming people in and actually living together on the road.
What immediately strikes you about this layout is the commitment to proper living space. The full dinette arrangement means you’re not constantly converting beds back to seating every morning, and with an overcab Luton double bed, the parents get their own space while the kids sort themselves out below.
Size and Practicality of the Compass Avantgarde 130
At 6.19 metres long and 2.21 metres wide, the Avantgarde 130 sits in that sweet spot where you’re getting proper interior space without needing a football pitch to turn around. The 2.89-metre height means you’ll clear most car park barriers, though you’d want to check before diving under anything that looks marginal.
The 3.3-tonne maximum weight puts you comfortably within standard driving licence territory, though with a payload of 539kg, you’d need to think carefully about what you’re packing. Four people with luggage, food, and water could easily approach that limit, particularly if you’re the type who packs “just in case” items for every conceivable scenario.
When you’re manoeuvring this beast around British campsites, that 6.19-metre length becomes very real. You’re not nipping into tight spaces or making three-point turns in narrow lanes without some planning. But the trade-off is interior space that indeed works for family life.
Driving the Compass Avantgarde 130
The Peugeot Boxer 2.2 HDI engine underneath should provide adequate motivation for a vehicle of this size, though you’d be wise to adjust your expectations accordingly. This isn’t about rapid overtaking on A-roads, it’s about steady, reliable progress with enough torque to handle hills without drama.
With the five-speed gearbox, you’d likely find yourself using all the ratios, particularly when loaded and tackling anything resembling an incline. The steering wheel controls would make adjusting the radio less of a production, though you’d probably find yourself planning overtakes well in advance rather than making split-second decisions.
The driver’s airbag provides some reassurance, though the real safety feature is probably the vehicle’s inherent reluctance to encourage heroic driving. Electric mirrors and windows add a touch of convenience that you’d appreciate during the daily routine of setting up and moving on.
Living Space in the Avantgarde 130
The full dinette layout represents the Avantgarde 130’s strongest selling point. You’re getting proper seating for family meals, games, and general socialising without the constant furniture shuffling that plagues many motorhomes. When you’re stuck inside during a Lake District downpour, this fixed seating arrangement would prove its worth.
The convertible nature of the dinette means you can create additional sleeping space when needed, though the quality of sleep on converted seating is always questionable. You’d probably find it adequate for children but less appealing for adults who value their rest.
Storage throughout the living area appears adequate for family needs, though you’d need to be disciplined about organisation. With five people’s belongings, even generous storage can quickly become chaotic without a system.
Sleeping Arrangements in the Compass Avantgarde 130
The overcab Luton double bed gives parents their own space, a crucial feature often overlooked in family motorhome design. You’d climb up there at night and have genuine privacy, though the access might become tiresome for anyone with mobility concerns.
The dinette conversion provides additional sleeping space, though the comfort level would depend heavily on the quality of the cushions and the conversion mechanism. Children would likely adapt better than adults to the compromises inherent in convertible bedding.
With five berths but realistic capacity for four, the Avantgarde 130 acknowledges that comfortable sleeping requires more than just fitting bodies into spaces. You’d appreciate this honesty when everyone’s trying to get a decent night’s rest.
Kitchen Facilities in the Avantgarde 130
The kitchen layout includes the essentials: oven, grill, three-hob burner, and a Dometic fridge. You’d have enough cooking capability for proper family meals, though the workspace might feel cramped when preparing anything elaborate. The sink provides washing-up facilities, though you’d probably find yourself using campsite facilities for major cleaning sessions.
The 90-litre compressor fridge should handle family food storage adequately, though you’d need to shop more frequently than at home. The three-hob burner gives you flexibility for cooking multiple items simultaneously, essential when feeding a family with varying tastes and schedules.
Storage around the kitchen would require careful organisation. With family cooking comes multiple ingredients, utensils, and the general chaos of feeding several people. You’d need to develop systems to prevent the kitchen becoming a disaster zone.
Bathroom Space in the Avantgarde 130
The bathroom includes toilet, shower, vanity unit, and fold-down sink – everything needed for family hygiene routines. The Thetford cassette toilet is standard motorhome fare, reliable if not luxurious. You’d need to factor in regular emptying, particularly with family usage levels.
The shower would handle basic washing needs, though anyone accustomed to power showers might find it underwhelming. With four or five people using the facilities, you’d probably find yourself supplementing with campsite shower blocks for more thorough washing sessions.
The fold-down sink is a space-saving feature that makes sense in a compact bathroom, though you’d need to remember to fold it up before using the shower. These small compromises are part of motorhome life, but they can become irritating with repeated use.
Avantgarde 130 Systems and Storage
The gas locker accommodates two 6kg bottles, providing adequate fuel for cooking and heating. You’d need to monitor usage carefully during extended trips, particularly in winter when heating demands increase significantly.
Water storage would require regular attention with family usage. Four people showering, washing dishes, and general water consumption can drain tanks surprisingly quickly. You’d probably find yourself seeking water points more frequently than anticipated.
The electrical system includes two 40-volt sockets below the TV, useful for charging devices or running small appliances. However, without hookup, you’d need to manage power consumption carefully to avoid flattening the leisure battery.
Practical Additions Worth Noting
The Fiamma awning extends your living space significantly, creating an outdoor room that’s particularly valuable with children. You’d find this essential for meals outside and general relaxation, though setup and takedown add to your daily routine.
The four-bike rack acknowledges that family holidays often involve cycling. You’d have transport for everyone’s bikes without interior storage compromises, though loading and securing four bikes requires some organisation.
The tow bar opens possibilities for additional transport or storage, though you’d need to consider the impact on payload and driving dynamics. The reversing camera integrated into the rear-view mirror would prove invaluable when manoeuvring, particularly in tight camping situations.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Avantgarde 130’s layout appeals but you’re considering alternatives, the Compact 2-Berth Excellence: Compass Avantgarde 115 Under 6m Review offers similar design philosophy in a more compact package, better suited to couples or smaller families who prioritise manoeuvrability.
The Budget-Friendly Family Choice: Elddis Autoquest 115 Complete Guide represents Elddis’s take on the compact family motorhome, potentially offering different interior layouts or specification levels worth comparing.
For those considering different manufacturers entirely, the Rear Lounge Luxury: Swift Sundance 580 PR U-Shaped Layout Review provides an alternative approach to family motorhoming, possibly with different sleeping arrangements or kitchen configurations.
Final Thoughts
The 2007 Compass Avantgarde 130 represents honest family motorhoming, acknowledging that five people need proper space and that compromises should be thoughtful rather than arbitrary. The fixed dinette layout and separate overcab bed show understanding of how families actually use motorhomes.
You’d be buying into a philosophy that prioritises liveable space over maximum berth count, which makes sense for anyone planning extended trips or regular use. The Peugeot base provides reliability, while the layout offers genuine family functionality.
However, you’d need to accept the limitations that come with this size and age. Fuel economy won’t impress, parking requires planning, and some systems might need attention given the 2007 vintage. But for families seeking a motorhome that actually works for group travel, the Avantgarde 130’s honest approach to space and layout makes considerable sense.
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