When you’re looking for a premium campervan that combines everyday usability with comfortable overnight accommodation, the Hillside Birchover deserves serious consideration. Built on the reliable Volkswagen T6 platform, this particular model features the desirable 2.0L 140bhp diesel engine paired with an automatic gearbox, a combination that’s particularly sought-after in the used market.
You’ll appreciate how Hillside Leisure, one of the UK’s most established campervan manufacturers, has created a conversion that balances practical features with quality components. With 60,000 miles on the clock, this vehicle represents the company’s commitment to engineering excellence while offering the convenience features that make touring more enjoyable.
Birchover Compact Campervan Dimensions
The Hillside Birchover is built on the Volkswagen Transporter platform, giving you a vehicle that’s manageable for everyday driving while still providing adequate living space. At approximately 5.29 metres long and 1.90 metres wide, you’ll find it fits into standard parking spaces and can navigate urban environments with relative ease.
You’ll benefit from the elevating roof that significantly increases headroom when parked. This pop-top design keeps the overall height reasonable for driving under height restrictions but transforms into a spacious living area when you’re stationary. The roof boards lift on gas struts, creating additional space during daytime use.
The exterior features a Fiamma F45S canopy awning, allowing you to create a sheltered outdoor space alongside your campervan, perfect for those sunny days when you want to extend your living area outside.
Volkswagen 2.0L TDI Automatic Performance
You’ll find the 2.0L 140bhp Trendline engine provides adequate power for most driving situations, including motorway cruising and hill climbing. The automatic gearbox (a particularly rare and desirable feature in campervans) makes driving significantly more relaxed, especially in stop-start traffic or on long journeys.
This vehicle comes equipped with several driving aids that enhance the experience behind the wheel. You’ll benefit from cruise control for comfortable motorway driving, while the satellite navigation system helps you find your way to those off-the-beaten-track camping spots. The addition of both front and rear parking sensors makes manoeuvring this vehicle considerably easier, especially in tight campsite pitches.
The cab offers good visibility and comes with practical features, including air conditioning, electric windows, and electric mirrors, all contributing to a comfortable driving experience regardless of weather conditions.
Elevating Roof Living Space
When you step inside the Birchover, you’ll immediately notice the efficient use of space. The layout follows Hillside’s proven design with a side kitchen and rear seating area that converts to a bed. The elevating roof creates standing height inside, making the interior feel spacious despite the compact external dimensions.
The rock and roll bed mechanism forms comfortable seating during the day with two forward-facing seats that include safety belts for passengers. This versatility means you can use the vehicle for family transport when not camping, with proper safety restraints for rear passengers.
Storage has been thoughtfully integrated throughout the interior, with numerous cupboards providing places for all your essential items. You’ll find deeper storage compartments particularly useful for bulkier items, while smaller spaces help keep everything organised during your travels.
Rock and Roll Bed Plus Roof Sleeping
You’ll have two sleeping options in the Birchover. The main bed is created by converting the rear rock and roll seating into a comfortable double bed. The mechanism is straightforward to operate, transforming from seating to sleeping accommodation in minutes.
For additional sleeping capacity, the elevating roof section can accommodate roof boards to create a second sleeping area. This upper bed is ideal for children or as an occasional sleeping space for adults, effectively turning this compact campervan into accommodation for up to four people.
The bed settee at the rear provides a comfortable sleeping surface with adequate width for two adults. When combined with the proper window coverings, you’ll find the sleeping environment can be made suitably dark and private for restful nights.
Side Kitchen with Hot Water System
The kitchen area is well-equipped for preparing meals on your adventures. On the right-hand side, you’ll find a sink with both hot and cold running water, making washing up and food preparation more convenient than in more basic campervans.
The left side of the kitchen houses a hob burner for cooking meals, while underneath the sink you’ll discover a grill for additional cooking options. The layout is practical, giving you adequate workspace for food preparation while maintaining the compact footprint necessary in a vehicle of this size.
A fridge is located beneath the sink area, providing chilled storage for your fresh food and drinks. While compact, it offers sufficient capacity for weekend trips or longer journeys with careful planning. The kitchen area also includes additional storage spaces for your cooking equipment and supplies.
Birchover Power and Control Systems
You’ll find the control panel conveniently positioned next to the seating area, putting all the essential systems within easy reach. This central location allows you to monitor and control the various electrical and water systems without having to move around the vehicle.
The campervan features mains hookup capability for campsite connections, allowing you to power appliances and charge devices when connected to shore power. The gas compartment is accessible from the rear, making cylinder changes straightforward when needed.
Thoughtful Storage Throughout This Hillside
Storage has been thoughtfully integrated throughout the Birchover. You’ll find numerous cupboards and compartments that help keep your living space tidy and organised. The rear entry provides access to a dedicated storage compartment, ideal for outdoor equipment or items you don’t need immediate access to.
Inside, the deep storage cupboards offer practical space for clothing and larger items. Additional overhead storage provides options for lighter items that you might need regular access to during your stay.
Perfect for Versatile Daily Use and Camping
The Hillside Birchover excels as a versatile vehicle that can serve multiple purposes. You’ll find it works well as:
- A weekend getaway vehicle with all the essential amenities
- A practical daily driver with the comfort features of a modern car
- A touring vehicle for longer trips, with adequate storage and living space
- Family transport with proper seat belts for rear passengers
The automatic transmission makes this vehicle especially suitable for those who prefer a more relaxed driving experience or regularly navigate urban environments. The combination of everyday practicality with camping capability makes this an excellent choice for those who want one vehicle to fulfill multiple roles.
Birchover Campervan Alternatives
When considering this Hillside Birchover, you should be aware of several important factors:
- The 2.0L TDI engines require specific maintenance, particularly regarding the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) which benefits from regular highway driving
- The automatic transmission is a desirable feature that typically commands a premium in the used market
- Hillside Leisure has a strong reputation for build quality and component selection
- The elevating roof system should be inspected for proper operation and water-tightness
At 60,000 miles, this vehicle is approaching the age where some preventative maintenance may be beneficial!
Why This Automatic Birchover Commands Premium
The Hillside Birchover on the VW T6 platform represents a premium option in the campervan market, combining the reliability of the Volkswagen base vehicle with Hillside’s quality conversion work. This particular example, with its automatic transmission and comprehensive specification including satellite navigation and parking sensors, offers an appealing package for those seeking a versatile leisure vehicle.
You’ll find this campervan particularly suitable if you value driving comfort alongside practical camping facilities. At 60,000 miles, this campervan strikes a good balance between having proven reliability while still offering plenty of service life ahead. The automatic transmission (described as “very rare” in the market) adds significant appeal for many buyers seeking convenience.
Before making a purchase decision, arrange a thorough inspection to verify the condition of both the base vehicle and conversion elements, paying particular attention to the operation of the elevating roof and the service history of the 2.0L TDI engine.
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