Elddis Firestorm 145 2008 Review: Compact Four-Berth with Surprising Space

If you’re hunting for a motorhome that won’t dominate your driveway but still sleeps four people, the 2008 Elddis Firestorm 145 deserves a proper look. This compact van conversion manages to squeeze in four berths and four belted seats within its sub-6.5-metre length, making it an intriguing option for families who want to explore without needing an HGV licence.

The Firestorm 145 sits in that sweet spot where you can still park in most supermarket spaces (just about), yet you’re not sacrificing everyone’s comfort for the sake of manoeuvrability. At just under 3,300kg, you’d be well within most driving licence limits, and the Peugeot Boxer base provides a familiar driving experience that won’t leave you white-knuckling through country lanes.

Size and Practicality of the Firestorm 145

At just under 6.5 metres long, the Elddis Firestorm 145 strikes a clever balance between compact dimensions and liveable space. You’d find this length manageable on most UK roads; think navigating through Cotswold villages or finding a decent pitch at a busy Lake District site without the stress of a larger motorhome.

The sub-3,300kg weight means you’d be comfortably within standard driving licence limits, leaving plenty of margin for your gear, water, and that inevitable collection of “essential” items that somehow multiply during any trip. This weight also suggests the Firestorm 145 wouldn’t be a fuel-guzzling monster, though you’d still want to budget accordingly for longer tours.

Driving the Elddis Firestorm 145

Behind the wheel, you’d be working with Peugeot’s 2.2 HDI engine producing 100bhp through a five-speed manual gearbox. This isn’t going to set any speed records, but it should provide adequate power for most UK touring. The engine’s modest output suggests you’d want to plan your overtaking carefully, particularly when loaded up for a fortnight’s holiday.

The Peugeot Boxer base vehicle brings some welcome creature comforts to the cab, including steering wheel controls, electric mirrors, and electric windows. You’d also have a driver airbag for safety, plus a radio and CD player for entertainment, though you might find yourself wanting to upgrade the audio system for longer journeys.

Living Space in the Firestorm 145

The interior layout makes clever use of the available space, with a U-shaped rear lounge that doubles as your main social area. You’d find this arrangement works well for evening relaxation, whether you’re planning the next day’s route or simply unwinding after a day’s exploring.

Storage appears well thought out, with cupboards above the seating area and additional storage both above and below the rear lounge. This suggests Elddis understood that four people generate quite a bit of kit, and you’d likely appreciate the multiple storage options when you’re trying to keep everything organised.

Firestorm 145 Sleeping Arrangements

The four-berth layout centres around two distinct sleeping areas. Above the cab, you’d find a double bed that pushes up and down, presumably to create more headroom in the living area during the day. This overcab bed arrangement is typical of compact motorhomes, though you’d want to consider whether climbing up there every night suits your needs.

The rear lounge converts to form the second double bed, giving you flexibility in how you use the space. If you’re travelling as a couple, you could potentially leave the rear bed made up and use the overcab bed for storage, or vice versa depending on your preferences.

Kitchen Space in the Elddis

The kitchen appears comprehensive for the motorhome’s size, featuring a fridge, oven, grill, three-burner hob, and sink. You’d find this setup adequate for most holiday cooking, from quick breakfasts before heading out to more elaborate evening meals back at camp.

The mention of “plenty of storage” in the kitchen suggests Elddis paid attention to the practical needs of motorhome cooking. You’d likely find space for your essential cooking equipment, though you’d still need to be selective about what you bring; this isn’t a home kitchen, after all.

Bathroom in the Firestorm 145

The bathroom combines a Thetford cassette toilet with a shower, plus a fold-down sink unit with mirror above. This arrangement maximises the use of limited space, though you’d need to accept that everything serves multiple purposes in a compact motorhome bathroom.

The fold-down sink is a clever touch that suggests you’d have more floor space when not actively using the basin. However, you’d want to consider whether this type of compact bathroom arrangement suits your travel style, particularly for longer trips.

Firestorm 145 External Features

Outside, you’d find some useful additions including a bike rack and tow bar, extending your adventure possibilities. The bike rack means you could explore local areas more thoroughly, while the tow bar opens up options for bringing additional equipment or even a small car for local transport.

The side awning provides valuable extra living space, particularly important in a compact motorhome where every square metre counts. You’d likely find this essential for extending your living area during longer stays or in good weather.

Power and Water Systems

While specific details about the electrical and water systems aren’t provided, you’d expect standard motorhome systems appropriate for a 2008 model. This would typically include a leisure battery setup, water tanks, and gas supply for cooking and heating, though you’d want to verify the exact specifications and condition of these systems on any particular vehicle.

Other Motorhomes Worth Considering

If the Firestorm 145 has caught your interest, you might also want to look at the Elddis Autoquest 145 Rear U-Shaped Lounge Review, which offers a similar size package from the same manufacturer but with potentially different layout options.

The Compass Avantgarde 115 Compact 2-Berth Alternative provides an alternative from a different manufacturer, potentially offering different styling and features in a comparable size range.

For those considering a slightly smaller option, the Elddis Autoquest 115 Easy Manoeuvring Compact Review might appeal if you can manage with less space but want even easier manoeuvrability.

Final Thoughts

The 2008 Elddis Firestorm 145 appears to offer a sensible compromise between size and accommodation, making it potentially suitable for families or couples who want four-berth capability without the bulk of larger motorhomes. The combination of manageable dimensions, adequate power, and thoughtful interior layout suggests it could serve well for UK touring.

However, you’d want to carefully consider whether the compact bathroom and kitchen arrangements suit your travel style, particularly for extended trips. The 2008 age means you’d also want to thoroughly check the condition of all systems and consider potential maintenance requirements. For buyers seeking a compact four-berth that won’t dominate every journey, the Firestorm 145 merits serious consideration.

 

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A Note from the Author — Shane Malpass

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