Sunliner’s compact Ekho proves clever design can overcome the compromises of life under seven metres
European motorhome manufacturers have a reputation for building small (by Australian standards) and innovative motorhomes. Earlier this year, some of that innovation made its way to Australia in the form of Sunliner’s new Ekho motorhome range. Currently, the entire range has an external length of just 6.17m (20ft 3in). Apart from anything else, it's great for drivers who don't like driving long motorhomes.
The Ekho is available on either an LDV Deliver 9 or a Ford Transit cab chassis, which is unsurprising given the body similarities. My review motorhome, the Ekho E364.26, came from Australian Motor Homes and Caravans at Bennetts Green in Newcastle, and had an LDV Deliver 9 chassis, something that’s becoming increasingly common.
The Ekho has several distinctive features. One is the luton peak above the cab (for storage only), which blends seamlessly into the rest of the motorhome body. Another is the remarkably short overhang behind the rear wheels. It reminded me of old Maui rental motorhomes, which had a similar feature. A benefit of the short rear is that there's less chance of scraping when crossing deep gutters.
The LDV Deliver 9 comes with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that delivers a maximum power of 128kW and a decent 420Nm of torque. That’s delivered to the rear wheels by an eight-speed automatic gearbox. On the road, the LDV is a little noisy in the cab but no worse than other motorhomes I’ve driven. I found the driver's position excellent, with all controls and instruments close at hand. Like most vehicles these days, there's a centre-mounted touch panel, which was reasonably intuitive. The little camera that's set on the driver's face caught me yawning a couple of times and suggested it was time for a coffee break! Yay for technology!
AROUND THE OUTSIDE
Apart from the short rear end of the Ekho, the other noticeable body feature is the two entry doors. There's one in the conventional position, behind the passenger cab door, and another in the rear wall. Similar to a toy hauler, it can be used to carry items like a couple of bikes or a paddleboard, with easy loading, albeit through a door not a pull-down ramp. Anyone using the rear door for access will need a small stepladder.
The Ekho comes with all the expected features, including a security door, a full-length awning, external speakers, picnic table and an electric step. An optional extra is the slide-out kitchen, which fits neatly into the rear nearside bin. It does take up a bit of external storage room but is useful given the relatively small interior space. The Ekho has two external compartments on the offside. The battery and charger take up part of one. While this motorhome is shorter than many van conversions, it has better external storage.
ON BOARD
The light switches are positioned by the entry door, behind the passenger seat, and are close to hand when stepping in and out of the motorhome. The switches are built into a double cupboard with a small benchtop. Above, there’s an overhead slide-out cupboard with two shelves and, above the cab, a roller shutter door into the luton peak for storing larger items. Neither of the LDV cab seats swivel.
All the Ekho layouts are similar in the front and middle areas, with the bathroom behind the driver's seat and the kitchen bench taking up the nearside wall adjacent to the habitation door. In the rear, the drop-down bed, which measures 1.9m x 1.4m (6ft 3in x 4ft 7in), is also common to all layouts, but underneath the bed there are variations in seating and storage.
In the E364.26 layout, there's a sideways-facing lounge on the offside and a low bench opposite. Fitted into the bench are a front-loading washing machine, accessible from the inside, and the external BBQ. If the washing machine isn’t needed, a second seat might be a more practical choice. Mid-floor, under the drop-down bed, is a height-adjustable Zwaardvis-mounted table. It can be swivelled around very easily or lifted off to make way for large storage items like a bike. However, there aren’t any tie-down points.
EURO ENSUITE
Undoubtedly, the Ekho’s stand-out feature is the bathroom. Bathrooms in a motorhome this size are usually a toilet/shower wet combination, meaning everything must be wiped down after using the shower. Sunliner has been clever by introducing an idea that’s been available in European motorhomes for at least half a dozen years. Sunliner calls it a “dry-zone ensuite”; I’d use the slightly less sophisticated term, “hinged-wall” ensuite. How it works is there’s a hinged wall between the toilet and the shower, with the wash basin and wall mirror mounted on the toilet-side swinging wall. That means the toilet area, including the wash basin, stays dry whilst using the shower. When not in use, the shower can be closed off, providing a larger bathroom area. It’s a neat idea but still requires the shower floor to be mopped after use; so not quite a ‘dry setup' but bonus points for the concept.
SIMPLE CATERING
In keeping with the rest of the Ekho interior, the kitchen is compact. It features a two-burner gas hob and a stainless steel sink with a smoked-glass lid. There’s an excellent selection of drawers in various sizes. On the opposite side, next to the 152-litre fridge cabinet, there’s additional storage with a shelved cupboard and drawers. The microwave is above the fridge.
PEOPLE POWER
The Ekho comes with a standard 200Ah lithium LiFePO4 battery and 200W of solar capacity. Renogy electrics charge and manage the battery system, with a touch-panel control located above the entry door, together with the Fusion radio and speakers. A pair of 4kg gas cylinders provide fair capacity for off-grid stays, but the 100-litre water tank means frugal showers are required if planning more than a few days away.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Sunliner’s Ekho is a small package that has multiple features. It’s especially good for those who desire a relatively small motorhome but don’t want a van conversion. There’s even the benefit of two entry doors, just like a van. The hinged-wall bathroom and rear entry door are definitely features of note; the latter providing capacity to carry larger items like a paddleboard.
There’s an additional bonus in the motor department, too. Most motorhomes in Australia don’t have a choice of base vehicle. However, for those buyers who aren’t yet ready for the Chinese-built LDV, the Ford Transit is a great, much underrated alternative. With the Ekho, good things do indeed come in small packages.
Supplied by
Australian Motor Homes & Caravans
31 Pacific Highway
Bennetts Green, NSW
02 4948 0433
australianmotorhomes.com.au
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
Manufacturer Sunliner
Model Ekho E364.26
Base Vehicle LDV Deliver 9
Tare weight 3,460kg
GVM 4,495kg
Payload 1,035kg
Licence Car
Passengers 2
MECHANICAL
Engine 2.0-litre turbo diesel
Power 128kW @ 3500rpm
Torque 420Nm @ 1500-2400rpm
Gearbox 8-speed automatic
Brakes ABS Ventilated Disc
DIMENSIONS
External length 6.17m
External width (incl awning) 2.46m
External height 3.1m
Internal height 2.1m
Bed size 1.9m x 1.4m
EQUIPMENT
Cooktop Thetford 2-burner gas
Fridge Thetford 2152C 152-litre 12V compressor
Microwave Oven NCE
Lighting 12V LED
Batteries 1 x 200Ah lithium
Solar panels 200W
Air-conditioner Houghton Belaire 2400E
Toilet Thetford cassette
Shower Swing wall/separate cubicle
Hot water heater Fogatti instantaneous
Heater No
Water tank 100L
Grey tank 55L
Gas cylinders 2 x 4kg
Price (as viewed) $162,990
