When you’re looking at family motorhomes that can sleep six people without feeling like a sardine tin, the Elddis Evolution 196 presents an interesting proposition. At 7.33 metres long, it’s not exactly compact, but for what you get inside (including that clever electric drop-down bed), it might just make sense for larger families or groups who want proper touring comfort.
The Evolution 196 sits in that sweet spot where you’re getting serious space and facilities without needing a truck licence. Built on the reliable Peugeot Boxer chassis with a 2.2-litre diesel engine, it’s designed for families who want to tour properly rather than just park up at one site for a week.
Size and Practicality of the Evolution 196
At 7.33 metres long and 2.2 metres wide (without mirrors), the Evolution 196 is definitely a substantial motorhome. You’ll need to think carefully about where you’re planning to tour; those narrow Cornish lanes or Lake District passes might prove challenging. The height of 2.82 metres (nearly 2.9 metres with the TV aerial up) means you’ll be ducking under quite a few car park barriers too.
The good news is that Elddis has kept it on a 3.5-tonne chassis, so you won’t need to upgrade your licence. With a payload of around 508kg, you’ll have reasonable capacity for luggage, water, and supplies, though you’ll need to watch the scales if you’re loading up for longer trips with six people aboard.
Driving the Elddis Evolution 196
The Peugeot Boxer 2.2 HDI engine produces 130bhp (some sources suggest 140bhp), which should provide adequate performance for a motorhome of this size. The six-speed gearbox helps keep the engine in its sweet spot, and you can expect fuel economy in the region of 28-32mpg depending on your driving style and terrain.
Modern touches like cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, and cab air conditioning make longer journeys more comfortable. The electric mirrors and windows are handy when you’re manoeuvring in tight spots, and the reversing camera will be essential given the length. The low chassis design means you won’t need a fold-out step to get in, a small but welcome detail.
Living Space in the Evolution 196
The interior layout is where the Evolution 196 really shows its family credentials. The front lounge area can seat 7-8 people, which is impressive for a motorhome of this size. When you need sleeping space, this converts to a 1.2m x 2m bed; adequate for two adults, though not exactly spacious.
The rear lounge provides another social area and converts to a more generous 1.5m x 2m bed. The large sunroof helps prevent that closed-in feeling you sometimes get in longer motorhomes, and there’s plenty of storage throughout including under-seat compartments and a proper wardrobe.
Evolution 196 Sleeping Arrangements
Six berths in a 7.33-metre motorhome requires some clever thinking, and Elddis has delivered with that electric drop-down bed. This is a proper space-saver – during the day you have full headroom in the central area, but at night you can lower the bed electrically to create another sleeping space.
Combined with the front lounge bed (1.2m x 2m) and rear lounge bed (1.5m x 2m), you’ve got accommodation for six people. The reality is that this works best for families with children rather than six adults; the space constraints would become quite apparent on longer trips with a full adult complement.
Kitchen Space in the Evolution 196
The kitchen is well-equipped for a motorhome of this type, with a four-burner hob, oven, grill, and a decent-sized fridge. The Russell Hobbs microwave adds convenience, and there are both 240-volt and USB sockets for your gadgets. The kitchen extension provides extra workspace when you need it; useful when you’re preparing meals for six people.
Storage looks adequate with various cupboards and drawers, though you’ll need to be organised when catering for larger groups. The 189-litre fridge-freezer should cope with supplies for a family, and the 100-litre fresh water tank gives you reasonable independence.
The Evolution 196 Bathroom
The bathroom includes a sink, shower, toilet, and mirror, the essentials covered in a compact space. With six people potentially using the facilities, you’ll appreciate having everything you need, though don’t expect luxury spa levels of space. The separate shower area is a bonus over some motorhomes where everything gets wet when you shower.
Power and Water Systems
The Evolution 196 comes with a control panel for managing electrics, water, and heating systems. The solar panel helps keep the batteries topped up during the day, and there’s a proper battery box for the leisure batteries. Gas storage is provided for two bottles in a dedicated locker, with a barbecue point for outdoor cooking.
The 100-litre fresh water tank should last a reasonable time with careful use, though with six people aboard you might find yourself looking for water points more frequently than with smaller groups.
Evolution 196 Build Quality and Construction
Elddis uses their SOLID construction method with a 10-year water ingress warranty, which should give you confidence in the build quality. The GRP underskin and diamond bright protection suggest they’re serious about durability. The tracker and alarm system provide security when you’re parked up.
The black cab with special decals and black and silver alloy wheels give the Evolution 196 a distinctive appearance, while practical additions like the Dometic full-length awning and four-bike rack show it’s designed for active families.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Evolution 196 has caught your attention, you might also want to look at the Elddis Autoquest 196 Review: Affordable 6-Berth Family Motorhome with Electric Drop-Down Bed, which offers similar space in a potentially more affordable package.
The Elddis Autoquest Evolution 185 Review: Compact 4-Berth with Fixed Singles and Spacious Lounge provides a slightly more compact alternative if the 196 feels too large for your needs.
For a different approach to family touring, the Elddis Majestic 175 Review: Premium 2-Berth with Luxury End Bathroom in 7-Metre Package offers premium features in a more manageable length.
Final Thoughts
The Elddis Evolution 196 tackles the challenge of creating a six-berth motorhome that’s still manageable on UK roads. The electric drop-down bed is a clever solution to the space puzzle, and the overall specification suggests it’s been designed by people who understand family touring.
However, you need to be realistic about what seven metres of motorhome means for your touring style. This isn’t a vehicle for spontaneous exploration of narrow country lanes or impromptu overnight stops in small car parks. It’s for families who plan their routes, book their sites, and want proper comfort when they arrive.
If you’ve got a large family or regularly tour with friends, and you’re happy to accept the size constraints in exchange for the space and facilities, the Evolution 196 could work well. Just make sure you’ve thought through the practical implications of touring with something this substantial before you sign on the dotted line.
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