The black metallic paint, the matt black alloy wheels and the silver-colored front bar are the first details that catch your eye. Wait a minute, are the windows blacked out? How cool. And just tell me, it also got a special sticker! For its Black Edition special model series, the mobile home manufacturer Ahorn dug deep into the accessories box. The cool boxes are available in both the 550 and 620 versions.
advertisement
Camper car subscription
Caddy California or California Ocean on subscription
Now with a subscription to VW Financial Services: VW California Ocean for a monthly price from 1899 euros. Also available: Caddy California and Grand California 600.
However, the vans are still available in the basic version without the thick additional equipment of the special models. Good to know in case you’re not fast enough. The Black Edition based on the Renault Master will only roll off the assembly line a total of 70 times. With the more compact model, which is only 5.55 meters long, we were out and about in his homeland in the Palatinate.
Maple Van Black Edition: little longer than a large campervan
That’s it: a panel van that’s barely longer than a large campervan and so short that you can still drive into the supermarket car park with a clear conscience without taking up two seats. It may even be suitable as an everyday vehicle. The logical consequence is that this driving comfort comes at the expense of living comfort. Thanks to the white and light gray furniture fronts (clever solution!), the interior initially appears larger than it is.
The Van 550 is still nothing for tall people. This prevents both the maximum standing height of 1.86 meters and the 1.90 meter short transverse bed. If this is not an obstacle, the small Ahorn is a well thought-out panel van with a classic floor plan and beautiful details. For example, when not in use, the washbasin in the bathroom disappears as a folding element on the wall and makes room for the toilet. On the other hand, the passage between the bathroom and the kitchen is quite narrow.
Part of the Black Edition is of course the black finish. This also includes the bull catcher.
It has: The equipment package of the special model is really something to be proud of! In addition to the visual highlights on the Renault mentioned at the beginning, the little one is also delivered with the following options: Extended Grip Traction Control, air conditioning, fog lights, fly screen door, Isofix, 150 hp diesel with Start & Stop, black upholstery, outdoor shower, LED outdoor lights, awning , reversing camera and heated waste water tank.
Little storage space, but manoeuvrable and with a lively engine
The diesel heater from Truma is standard with Ahorn anyway. This saves even more space, because one gas bottle is enough for the stove. When it comes to storage space, minimalists have a home advantage in the Ahorn Van. However, the developers have also thought along here: The wardrobe above the foot of the bed has a removable shelf for longer items of clothing such as blazers. A plus point for suitability for everyday use.
motorization
perfomance
displacement
torque
top speed
transmission/drive
Tank capacity/fuel type
Length Width Height
wheelbase/tyres
empty weight ready to drive/load (test vehicle)
Trailer load (braked/unbraked)
Material wall/roof/floor
Lying area rear L x W
refrigerator
stove
board battery
Fresh/waste water tank
Gas supply/heating
basic price
test car price
110 kW (150 hp) at 3500 rpm
Six-speed manual/front wheel
105 l/diesel + 28 l AdBlue
1 x 11 kg/Truma Combi 4 D
How it drives: The Van 550 is very manoeuvrable, finding a parking space is no problem. We are always particularly impressed by the lively twin turbo under the French bonnet. In the 150 hp variant, which is part of the Black Edition, even more than the base 135 hp. The six-speed gearbox can be switched through cleanly and the narrow silhouette of the Master keeps wind resistance within limits. However, the expansion tends to be slightly noisy while driving, as do the roof hatches, known weak points of the model.
