You might not have heard of Wildax before, but this Welsh manufacturer has been quietly building a reputation for thoughtful motorhome design that puts real-world usability first. If you’re looking for a motorhome that doesn’t follow the usual template, the Wildax range offers some genuinely interesting alternatives to the mainstream German and French offerings that dominate most dealer forecourts.
What sets Wildax apart is their focus on creating motorhomes that work for British touring conditions. Rather than simply importing continental designs, they’ve developed layouts that make sense for our narrower roads, smaller campsites, and unpredictable weather. You’ll find this practical approach runs through everything from their choice of base vehicles to their interior layouts.
The company offers two distinct models that couldn’t be more different in their approach – the luxurious Mercedes-based Alara and the family-focused Solaris XL on a Fiat Ducato chassis. It’s this variety that makes Wildax worth considering, especially if you’re after something that stands out from the crowd.
Wildax Model Range and Pricing
When you’re looking at Wildax motorhomes, you’re essentially choosing between two very different philosophies. The Alara represents their premium offering, built on a Mercedes chassis with prices starting around £70,000-£75,000. This puts it firmly in luxury territory, competing with high-end German manufacturers.
The Solaris XL takes a completely different approach, starting at approximately £54,675 on a Fiat Ducato base. This makes it considerably more accessible whilst still offering some clever design touches that you won’t find elsewhere. The price difference reflects not just the base vehicle choice, but also the level of specification and target market.
You’d be looking at the Alara if you want something special for extended touring or full-time living, whilst the Solaris XL makes more sense for families who need practical space without the premium price tag.
Living Space in the Wildax Models
The interior layouts showcase exactly why Wildax has developed such a loyal following. In the Alara, you’ll find an L-shaped seating area that creates a proper social space; something that’s often compromised in smaller motorhomes. The two individual swivel seats at the front mean you can easily accommodate four people for meals or evening relaxation.
What’s particularly clever is how they’ve managed to create distinct living zones without making the interior feel cramped. The kitchen area flows naturally from the seating space, whilst the bedroom feels properly separate rather than just being the lounge with the table folded away.
The Solaris XL takes a different approach entirely, prioritising family functionality over luxury touches. The bunk bed arrangement means children have their own space, whilst parents get a proper double bed. It’s a layout that actually works for family holidays rather than just looking good in brochures.
Wildax Alara – Island Bed Luxury
If you’re considering the Alara, the standout feature has to be that island bed measuring 1.92m x 1.30m. This isn’t just marketing speak – it’s genuinely large enough for two adults to sleep comfortably without the usual motorhome compromises. You can access the bed from both sides, making those middle-of-the-night bathroom trips much less disruptive.
The Mercedes 2.1L diesel engine with 163bhp and 7G-Tronic automatic transmission means you’re getting proper car-like driving dynamics. When you’re touring through Scottish Highlands or navigating busy French autoroutes, this extra refinement becomes genuinely valuable rather than just a luxury.
Storage in the Alara includes a substantial 142L fridge, large enough for a week’s shopping without the constant Tetris game that smaller fridges demand. The 120L freshwater tank means you can wild camp for several days without needing to find facilities.
Solaris XL – Family-Focused Practicality
The Solaris XL’s bunk beds extend up to 2.03m in length, which means they’ll accommodate teenagers rather than just small children. This is crucial if you’re planning to use the motorhome for several years as your family grows. Too many manufacturers seem to forget that children don’t stay small forever.
With a 375kg payload and 3,500kg MTPLM, you’ve got reasonable carrying capacity for family gear, though you’ll still need to be selective about what you pack. The 120L fridge-freezer provides the frozen storage that’s essential for longer family trips.
The 2.2L 140bhp engine with optional 9-speed automatic gives adequate performance for the size and weight. You’re not going to win any traffic light grands prix, but it’ll cruise comfortably at motorway speeds and handle steep climbs without drama.
Kitchen Space and Cooking
Both Wildax models feature what they describe as “good kitchen facilities with hobs,” though the Alara takes this considerably further with its dual-fuel setup combining gas and induction cooking. This flexibility means you can use gas when wild camping and switch to electric when on hookup, potentially saving money on site fees.
The Thetford oven in the Alara opens up proper cooking possibilities rather than just reheating and basic meal preparation. If you’re planning extended tours or using the motorhome as a second home, this makes a genuine difference to your quality of life.
Kitchen storage appears well thought out in both models, with enough space for the essentials without the cramped feeling you get in some compact designs. The worktop space looks adequate for meal preparation, though you’ll still need to be more organised than you would be at home.
Wildax Bathroom and Toilet Arrangements
Both models feature combined bathroom spaces with cassette toilets, the standard motorhome solution that works well enough once you get used to the routine. The shower arrangements appear practical rather than luxurious, but that’s true of most motorhomes in this size category.
What matters more is the build quality and ventilation, and Wildax seems to have paid attention to preventing the damp issues that plague some manufacturers. The bathroom door and seals look substantial enough to contain shower steam properly.
You’ll find the usual space constraints apply; this isn’t somewhere you’ll want to spend longer than necessary, but it provides the privacy and functionality you need for extended touring.
Power, Water and Technical Systems
The technical specification shows some thoughtful choices that suggest real-world experience rather than just ticking boxes. The 160W solar panels come as standard equipment, providing enough power for basic needs when wild camping. Combined with 100Ah lithium batteries, you should manage several days off-grid without running the engine.
The 40L underslung LPG tank is a sensible size, large enough for extended use but not so big that it becomes a weight penalty. Truma heating systems provide reliable warmth, with winterisation features that suggest these motorhomes are designed for year-round use rather than just summer touring.
Water capacity varies between models, but both offer enough for several days of normal use. The freshwater tanks are sensibly positioned to avoid freezing issues, whilst the waste water systems appear straightforward to empty and maintain.
Driving the Wildax Range
The choice between Mercedes and Fiat chassis represents more than just badge snobbery. The Mercedes base in the Alara provides genuinely superior ride quality and refinement, particularly noticeable on longer journeys. The 7G-Tronic automatic is smooth and responsive, making town driving much less stressful.
The Fiat Ducato base in the Solaris XL is the workhorse of the motorhome industry for good reason – it’s reliable, parts are readily available, and most mechanics can work on it. The optional 9-speed automatic transforms the driving experience compared to the manual, though it does add to the price.
Both chassis options should handle British roads competently, though you’ll notice the Mercedes feels more car-like whilst the Fiat reminds you that you’re driving a commercial vehicle. Neither is particularly challenging to drive, but the Mercedes requires less adjustment if you’re used to premium cars.
Wild Camping and Off-Grid Capability
The combination of solar panels, lithium batteries, and generous water tanks suggests these motorhomes are designed with wild camping in mind. The 160W solar setup should maintain battery charge for LED lighting, water pumps, and phone charging during typical British weather conditions.
Gas cooking and heating mean you’re not dependent on electric hookup for basic comfort, whilst the substantial freshwater capacity allows for several days of normal washing and cooking. The cassette toilet system works independently of any external connections.
If you’re planning to explore Scotland’s North Coast 500 or tour remote parts of Wales, these systems should provide the independence you need. Just remember that wild camping requires consideration for the environment and local communities.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Wildax range has caught your interest but you want to explore alternatives, the Pilote Cityvan CV57 French Compact A-Class Review offers French build quality with a more compact footprint that might suit those prioritising manoeuvrability over space.
The Auto Sleeper Symbol Van Conversion Classic Review represents British manufacturing with a focus on practical layouts and reliable construction, though without some of the innovative touches that make Wildax interesting.
For those considering the family-focused Solaris XL, the Trigano Tribute 550 Van Conversion Alternative Review provides another approach to family motorhoming with different layout priorities and potentially better dealer support network.
Final Thoughts
Wildax motorhomes represent an interesting alternative to the mainstream European manufacturers, with layouts and features that suggest genuine understanding of how British buyers actually use their motorhomes. The choice between the luxury Alara and practical Solaris XL means there’s likely something for different budgets and requirements.
The Welsh manufacturing base might appeal to those who prefer supporting British industry, though you’ll need to consider dealer network coverage for servicing and warranty work. Build quality appears solid from the specifications, with sensible component choices that prioritise reliability over flashy features.
If you’re looking for something different from the usual German efficiency or French flair, Wildax offers a distinctly British approach to motorhome design. Just make sure you can access proper dealer support in your area before making the commitment, as even the best motorhome needs occasional professional attention.
Do you have a motorhome to sell? Call us on 01283 240237 or simply enter your reg number here to sell your motorhome!
