This week, Ford Europe revealed its newest camper van. It’s called the Transit Nugget Plus Tilt Roof. And I am absolutely smitten with it. I mean look at the thing. It’s as cute as a button — and about the size of one, too.
I’ll get the bad news out of the way. As cute as it may be, this factory-built high-end camper van is only available in Europe. So, if you suddenly had stars in your eyes, as I did, you’ll want to curb your enthusiasm a bit. Nevertheless, this little Nugget is pretty awesome.
Photo: Ford Motor Company Europe
The Tilt Roof is based upon the Transit Nugget, the smaller version of the Transit van line. The plus in the moniker indicates it’s the long-wheel-base variant. That means it’s the long version of the small van. Right.
Still with me? Great.
The Nugget plus already includes a high-roof version. However, this model wasn’t able to support a roof rack. What’s more, it prevented some drivers from entering low-clearance parking structures. And the added height was a drag on fuel economy, which turned off some wouldbe customers.
With these limitations in mind, Ford designers literally split the difference. The result is a pop-top luxurious camper van you can order directly from your local Ford dealership. I mean, you could if you lived in Europe.
The pop-up roof expands the headroom to 7.8 feet. The L-shaped camper interior was developed by Ford with Westfalia. So you know it was done right. And from the looks of it, it was.
Although small, the Nugget Plus Tilt Roof still has room for a double bed, toilet, sink, and a plethora of storage. Water needs are fed by two onboard 11-gallon water tanks.
Photo: Ford Motor Company Europe
If the Nugget Plus Tilt Roof is only available in Europe, why cover it? First of all, it’s never bad to expand your horizons and get a glimpse of what other markets are doing with camper van development.
What’s more, it might inspire you to build out your own twee tilt-top van. If the Europeans can thrive in a Nugget of space, can’t we?
Header image credit: Ford Motor Company Europe
Written by Nick Jaynes. You can follow Nick @nickjaynes
