When you’re shopping for a family motorhome that can sleep six without requiring a C1 licence, your options become surprisingly limited. The Roller Team Auto Roller 746 tackles this challenge head-on, squeezing six berths and six seat belts into a sub-3.5-tonne package that you can drive on a standard car licence. It’s an impressive feat of engineering, though as with any motorhome trying to do everything, there are inevitable compromises.
Built on the reliable Fiat Ducato chassis with a 130bhp engine, the Auto Roller 746 stretches to around 7.4 metres, making it one of the longer motorhomes you can drive without additional licensing. If you’re a family of four, five, or even six looking for your first proper touring vehicle, this Italian-built motorhome deserves serious consideration. The question is whether those six berths translate into genuinely comfortable accommodation for everyone.
Auto Roller 746 Dimensions and Daily Driving
At 7.4 metres long, 2.35 metres wide, and 3.2 metres tall, the Auto Roller 746 is undeniably a substantial vehicle. You’ll need to think carefully about where you park – many supermarket car parks will be off-limits, and you’ll find yourself seeking out the longer spaces at motorway services. The height means most multi-storey car parks are a no-go, though at 3.2 metres, you should clear most height barriers with room to spare.
The Fiat Ducato chassis underneath provides a solid foundation, and with the 130bhp engine, you shouldn’t find yourself struggling on motorway inclines. The six-speed gearbox helps keep the engine in its sweet spot, though you’ll need to plan overtaking manoeuvres more carefully than you would in a car. Wind resistance becomes noticeable at motorway speeds, something to factor into your fuel budget.
Behind the Wheel of the Roller Team
The cab area comes well-equipped with modern conveniences that make long journeys more bearable. You’ll find cruise control particularly useful on those long stretches to Cornwall or Scotland, while the air conditioning keeps things comfortable during summer touring. The electric heated mirrors and electric windows add a touch of convenience, and the Bluetooth connectivity means you can keep your phone safely stowed while staying connected.
The reversing camera becomes essential with a vehicle this size; you’ll appreciate it when backing into tight pitches or navigating around other motorhomes on site. The sat nav integration helps, though you’ll want to ensure it’s set for motorhome routing to avoid low bridges and narrow lanes that could spell disaster for a 7.4-metre vehicle.
Auto Roller 746 Living Space Layout
Step inside the Auto Roller 746 and you’ll find a layout that maximises every available centimetre. The front area converts from a comfortable lounge into a double bed, giving you flexibility depending on how many people you’re accommodating. During the day, this becomes your main socialising space, with the drop-down TV providing entertainment on rainy days.
The rear U-shaped lounge is where the Auto Roller 746 really shows its family credentials. This area seats everyone comfortably for meals and evening relaxation, then converts into another double bed when needed. The transformation isn’t the quickest you’ll encounter, but it’s straightforward enough once you’ve done it a few times. Storage is cleverly integrated throughout, with drawers and cupboards making good use of the available space.
Sleeping Arrangements in the Auto Roller 746
The six-berth claim breaks down into three distinct sleeping areas. The overcab bed measures 1.6 x 2.0 metres, perfectly adequate for children or shorter adults, though taller family members might find their feet hanging over the edge. Access involves a bit of climbing, so this naturally becomes the domain of younger, more agile occupants.
The front lounge converts to a bed measuring approximately 1.26 x 1.82 metres (again, better suited to children or as an occasional adult bed). The rear lounge transformation creates the most generous sleeping space at 1.67 x 2.16 metres, which comfortably accommodates two adults. If you’re regularly using all six berths, you’ll need to be realistic about who sleeps where and whether everyone will be genuinely comfortable.
Kitchen Facilities in the Auto Roller 746
The kitchen runs along one side and packs in all the essentials without feeling cramped. You’ll find a four-burner hob, oven, and grill; more than adequate for family meal preparation. The sink is a decent size, and there’s sufficient worktop space for basic food prep, though you’ll need to be organised when cooking for six people.
Storage includes various cupboards and drawers, with the fridge-freezer providing essential cooling capacity. Two electric points in the kitchen area mean you can run a kettle and toaster simultaneously, a small but important consideration when you’re making breakfast for the whole family. The layout flows well, allowing one person to cook while others move around the motorhome without constant collisions.
Auto Roller 746 Bathroom and Shower
The bathroom manages to squeeze in all the essentials despite the space constraints. You’ll find a toilet, sink, mirror, and shower, plus a window for ventilation and natural light. Storage is limited but adequate for toiletries and towels. The shower, while functional, won’t win any awards for spaciousness (taller family members will need to duck slightly).
With six people potentially using these facilities, you’ll need to establish a routine, particularly in the morning. The bathroom serves its purpose well, but don’t expect luxury spa experiences. The mirror and sink are positioned sensibly, and the window helps prevent the steamy atmosphere that can develop in compact shower rooms.
Auto Roller 746 Storage Solutions
Storage becomes critical when you’re accommodating six people’s belongings, and the Auto Roller 746 makes a decent attempt at providing space. The large wardrobe handles hanging clothes, while various drawers and cupboards throughout the motorhome swallow the inevitable accumulation of family touring gear.
The garage storage underneath the rear seats measures 1.04 x 2.13 x 0.62 metres, useful for outdoor equipment, awning, and bulkier items you don’t need inside. The bike rack extends your adventure possibilities, while the gas locker safely houses your gas bottles away from the living area. You’ll need to pack thoughtfully, but there’s sufficient space for a family’s touring needs.
Power, Water and Heating Systems
The Auto Roller 746 comes equipped with systems designed to keep you comfortable off-grid. The 100-litre freshwater tank provides reasonable capacity, though with six people aboard, you’ll need to monitor usage carefully. The Webasto heating system keeps the interior warm during cooler weather, while the control panel lets you monitor your various systems.
The Priamra awning extends your living space outdoors, essential when you’re trying to give six people room to breathe. Solar panels help maintain battery charge during extended stays, and the 230V socket means you can run mains appliances when hooked up to site power. The external BBQ point encourages outdoor cooking, which becomes almost essential when feeding six people.
Auto Roller 746 on the Road
The Fiat Ducato chassis provides predictable handling, though you’ll notice the length when cornering or navigating roundabouts. The 130bhp engine provides adequate power for most situations, though you’ll need patience when fully loaded with six people and their luggage. Fuel consumption will vary significantly depending on driving style and conditions, but expect figures in the low-to-mid twenties for mpg.
Safety features include ABS braking, twin airbags, and traction control, reassuring when you’re carrying precious cargo. The ISOFIX child seat anchors accommodate younger family members safely, while the six seat belts mean everyone travels legally secured. Wind noise becomes noticeable at higher speeds, but overall refinement is acceptable for a vehicle of this size and purpose.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Auto Roller 746’s six-berth layout appeals but you’re wondering about alternatives, the Roller Team Auto Roller 695 Family Review: Compact Italian Family Design offers a slightly more compact approach to family touring while maintaining the essential sleeping capacity.
For those who might prefer a different layout approach, the Roller Team Pegaso 740 Review: Luxury A-Class with Space-Maximising Italian Engineering provides an alternative take on maximising space within similar overall dimensions.
The Roller Team Auto Roller 707 Review: Versatile 6-Berth with Fixed Bunks and Spacious Lounge represents another option in the range, potentially offering different compromises between space, berths, and practicality.
Final Thoughts
The Roller Team Auto Roller 746 succeeds in its primary mission: providing six berths and six seat belts in a package you can drive on a standard licence. Whether it succeeds for your family depends largely on realistic expectations about space and comfort levels. If you’re a family of four who occasionally need extra sleeping capacity, it works brilliantly. If you’re genuinely planning to tour regularly with six people, you’ll need to carefully consider whether everyone will be comfortable.
The build quality appears solid, the layout makes intelligent use of available space, and the equipment level covers all the essentials. At sub-3.5 tonnes, it opens up motorhome touring to families who might otherwise need additional licensing. Just remember that physics can’t be cheated; six berths in this footprint means compromises, but for many families, those compromises will be entirely acceptable for the freedom and flexibility this motorhome provides.
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