Options on this motorhome include:
Bike Rack
Solar Panel
Awning
Security Locks
Cruise Control
Cab A/C
TV Aerial
Satellite Dome

The way the sides curve gently into the roof or the rear, the skirts of aluminium rather than GRP, the wavy shape of the rear lights, and the chromed logo on the back all hint at the prestige of Hymer’s more expensive ’vans.

Then there are the practicalities – the folding flyscreen attached to the sturdy door which shuts with a re-assuring thunk, the long and large bore hose for dumping waste water and the excellent access to the gas locker.

Then there’s the full-width underfloor storage for slim items like folding chairs and tables, windbreaks etc. And even the wheeltrims that do a passable imitation of alloys.

Driver and passenger airbags, cruise control, anti-lock brakes, an excellent radio/CD with supplementary speakers at high-level in the living quarters and fingertip controls for the driver, air-conditioning and plenty of cubbyholes (including much better drinks storage than in the new Fiat) are all here.

The C542’s layout is also an old favourite brought up-to-date with subtle tailoring to current trends.

The layout is an old favourite
The front lounge (with pullman dinette and side settee) mated to a rear kitchen and corner bathroom

From the simple elegance of the Ligurian Alder cabinets to the part-plain, part-stripy fabric, the C542 looks ready for holidays.

Of course, the beauty of this layout is the spaciousness of the lounge. With big, top-hinged windows on either side and a Hymer-branded wind-up sunroof built into the sloping roof, there’s no shortage of daylight and the simple modern décor only enhances the feeling of space.

The big, family-friendly lounge is mated to berths for five and belted seats for six.

All four of the dinette seats has its own seatbelt and head restraint,

As for sleeping, you can choose the instant single (aka the settee), the giant overcab or the double erected from the dinette.

The 542’s bathroom is well planned. Two very large mirrors create an impression of palatial interior dimensions and the de rigeur separate shower is here without any swinging wall malarkey.

In fact, this shower is as big as you’ll find in much bigger Hymers and it comes with diagonally opposed drain holes.

With towel rails on the sturdy bathroom door, good lighting and just enough storage, this washroom is another feature that appears to come from a more upmarket motorhome.

There’s a 97-litre Thetford fridge, a huge stainless steel sink fed by a tall chromed mixer tap, a matching round three-burner hob and an absolutely enormous cutlery and utensils drawer.

And for the UK a Smev oven/grill (with ignition, rotisserie and light) has been added at low level. More unusual is the slide-out rail for tea towels.

The heating is the ‘full Monte’ Truma Combi 6000 EH with mains and gas boiler and heating. The cab has cassette blinds. The fresh water tank – inboard for winter camping, of course – boasts a generous 120-litre capacity.

The upholstery has Teflon stain protection. All the fittings feel built to last. The difference is in the details – details which turn a conventional layout into an exceptional motorhome.

Certainly there are lower priced alternatives to the C-Class 542 CL and some may prefer the sportier drive of the new Fiat, but few rivals can come close to the combination of comfort, practicality and quality on offer here. Worth every penny.