Dynamic duo

Rob McCabe is highly impressed by a stylish two-berth from the Erwin Hymer Group

When Xplore-branded caravans burst onto the scene in 2008, their combination of low price, light weight and decent offering of creature comforts proved a successful formula for many. For 2025, the Xplore range has been given quite the makeover. With all-new, get-up-and-go-themed exterior styling to match their campervan siblings, radically more modern interiors and a huge lift in standard equipment, the three new Xplore models are bound to attract attention. Here, our attention is on the two-berth, end-kitchen XC Duo. So, let’s go, er, Xplore-ing.

Build quality – 94%

To be fair, the outgoing Xplore models looked a little unexciting. Not any more. The silver-finished, high-gloss, impact-resistant GRP sidewalls look and feel great, and the generous 10-year anti-water-ingress warranty if you keep the caravan serviced by the book is reassuring. Indoors, I couldn’t fault the presentation of our test vehicle: immaculate panel gaps, all neat and tidy behind the scenes, and good-quality fixtures and fittings throughout. A job well done.

Towing – 96%

With an MTPLM of just 1,150kg, there’s no need for a super-powerful/heavy towcar. Nor do you need to think about specifying the Al-Ko ATC trailer control system as an optional extra when you’re placing your order – it’s included as standard.

The window on the rear of the caravan means that, in some vehicles, you’ll benefit from through vision when towing. Talking of the rear, that’s where you’ll find the two-cycle carrier that’s on the lengthy list of standard goodies.

Daytime – 91%

Comfy sofas

There is a light, airy ambience in the lounge thanks to the big, one-piece front window and a Heki sunroof. Those lengthy sofas are marvellous – you get four good corners to properly flop back into, and they positively invite you to put your feet up and stretch out with a good book. The ever-useful extendable front chest will usually suffice at mealtimes, but a flush-fitting free-standing table can be brought into play if you need reinforcements.

The overall presentation of the Xplore is lovely, and the concealed handles on all the overhead lockers contribute to a superlatively smooth look. Built-in Wi-Fi and mobile internet are now part of the standard Xplore package, as is a stereo radio with MP3 connectivity. There are no USB sockets, but adaptors are very affordable these days. There are mains sockets in all the right places, including one that you can access from the nearside exterior locker.

There’s no carpeting, but the tile-effect flooring is handsome in its own right, while the provided scatter cushions are stylish. Heating and hot water is taken care of effectively by the well-proven Whale dual-fuel system.

Night-time – 91%

If the lack of a permanent bed will be regarded by some as the elephant in the room, at least said elephant is guaranteed a comfortable night’s sleep. The double bed that results after a few minutes’ upholstery twirling in the lounge is truly jumbo-sized. Thanks to sweetly-gliding slats and snugly-fitting mattress sections, it’s supremely quick and easy to make up; comfortable too.

The sofas are easily long enough to make great instant singles that extend to about 6ft 5in long.

Kitchen – 90%

L-shaped kitchen at rear

Not only does the L-shaped end kitchen look great, it’s superbly equipped: a dual-fuel hob, a nicely-fitted, low-level microwave, a 98-litre fridge and an Omnivent extractor fan are all standard. Yes, the hob has only three rings – but in 30 or so years of using caravan kitchens, I have never had to use four at once. If you’re cooking outdoors, there’s no need to bring a separate gas supply for the barbie – there’s now a bespoke socket on the nearside sidewall.

Workspace is decent if not over-generous, while storage is exceptional: I challenge you to run out of places to put stuff. And if you have a fear of wide-open spaces, don’t open the vast corner locker above the sink, whatever you do.

Washroom – 93%

Stylish washroom sink

The washroom is a truly excellent facility, not least because you get a separate full-sized shower cubicle within the modest floorspace; as elsewhere in the caravan, there’s a pleasant sense of spaciousness in here that actually comes as a bit of a surprise when you open the door for the first time. The black fittings are robust and lend an air of modernity, while the usefully-long mirror and very good storage options – two lockers and some open shelving – are welcome practical touches.

Lighting – 87%

The presence of just two reading lights in the lounge is perhaps the biggest letdown on board the Duo – especially as the standard equipment elsewhere can genuinely be described as lavish.

The lounge is served by a pair of powerful, flush-fitting ceiling lamps and an LED strip on the underside of the front overhead lockers, while other ceiling fitments above the wardrobe and outside the washroom ensure a good throughput of illumination. The dresser on the nearside isn’t lit, making that area feel just a tad gloomy – a self-adhesive, battery-powered LED strip on the underside of the locker would provide an effective fix for under a tenner.

Every inch of the kitchen surface is nicely lit; likewise the washroom, thanks to two super-bright flush-fitters – one in the shower and the other perfectly positioned above the mirror.

Verdict – 92%

Given the great living space, the light weight, the fine quality of materials, an excellent spec sheet and a price tag of under £25k, the Duo certainly packs a punch.