Auto-Sleepers is the UK’s longest established volume motorhome producer, and is now part of the Trigano SPA group. Originally just converters of panel vans, they proceeded to massively increase their market share by building a range of GRP monocoque coachbuilts which sold in huge numbers. But they became very costly to manufacture.
Auto-Sleepers’ response was to develop a more affordable (and lighter) range of coachbuilts using bonded-sandwich panels. These were named after Italian resorts: Pescara, Polensa and Ravenna. They were successful but lacked a compact model – hence the launch of the Nuevo on the short-wheelbase Boxer chassis-cab, and ones that could be contenders for fans of motorhomes under 6m.
Auto-Sleepers’ brand loyalty has always been high and back in 2002 the Nuevo was originally aimed at those wishing to change from one of the company’s Boxer-based panel ’vans to a coachbuilt – but to one of comparable size. I tested the original launch model and called it “a coachbuilt with a panel van-sized footprint”.
The launch model had what became the most popular layout, later named Nuevo EK (see our review of the 2025 Auto-Sleeper Nuevo EK Plus to see what more recent models come with). The entrance door is on the nearside towards the rear. Most of the kitchen is along the rear wall with just the fridge and additional worktop on the nearside just ahead of the door.
this model year
The kitchen is well-equipped and is a pleasant place for preparing meals, which is always a good feature to have when looking for the best used motorhome. Artificial task lighting is good, as is the amount of natural light, the latter thanks to the windows in the rear wall and entrance door. A wardrobe is ahead of the nearside rear-corner washroom. The forward lounge consists of a brace of two-seat inward-facing settees and swivelling cab seats.
Originally, the default option for sleeping was in a (generously proportioned) transverse double bed converted from the lounge settees.
Motive power was the (then) new 2.0-litre HDI turbodiesel engine of 85bhp. From year two a cost option of an upgrade to the 2.2-litre HDI (110bhp) engine was available. All were front-wheel drive via a manual five-speed gearbox with a fascia-mounted gearlever.
Auto-Sleepers responded quickly to prospective purchasers’ requests for travel seats in the rear, by offering the Nuevo ES (Extra Seats) midway through 2003. Face-forward travel seats with head restraints and three-point seatbelts were located either side of the central aisle, immediately behind the cab.
These could be combined with the cab seat squabs to form two easy-access longitudinal single beds. And there’s more – ES had a higher Luton which facilitated the inclusion of a high-level transverse double bed within the overcab area.
Bad news… 2004 sadly saw the disappearance of the 2.2-litre engine option. Good news… it was replaced by the pokey 2.8-litre 128bhp HDI unit. 2007 saw the launch of the X/250 Boxer, offering warp-factor improvement over the dependable but aging X/44.
Entry-level motor was the 2.0-litre HDI TD unit, only now upgraded to 100bhp with a new five-speed gearbox. Cost options included the 2.2-litre 120bhp + six-speed gearbox, and the (Iveco-derived) 3.0-litre 160bhp/six-speed gearbox.
A disagreement at management level in the SEVEL plant where the Peugeot Boxer/Fiat Ducato/Citroën Relay were all made, led to the ComfortMatic automatic gearbox only ever being available on Fiat variants – shame!
Although the Nuevo was for many years the baby of the coachbuilt range, it enjoyed the same well screwed-together furniture and quality soft furnishing fabrics as its bigger
Auto-Sleepers relatives.
Don’t miss what I had to say about buying a used Auto-Sleepers Symbol and Symbol Plus either, motorhomes which have high residuals and are easy to manoeuvre.
What to look out for with a used Auto-Sleepers Nuevo
Base vehicle
As always, look for a full service history and a long MoT. All except the 3.0-litre engine have a timing belt. This plus ancillaries need to be replaced at the specified time interval – regardless of mileage covered. Even the youngest should have had the coolant and brake fluid renewed recently. In addition, check the age of the motorhome tyres.
X/44 models (2002-2006) may be a bit noisy in reverse gear. Not usually a harbinger of failure, but jumping out of gear is. Payload is generous and the Nuevo is tautly sprung – walk away from any that look low on the suspension or that wallow on the test drive. The 85bhp engine is adequate rather than engaging.
Conversion
Ask for a written report from a recent body integrity test. Check for evidence of water ingress (damp). Auto-Sleeper Nuevo’s body integrity has always been pretty good but still check using your nose and eyes, and if you have one, a damp meter with a % read-out.
Also, check the operation of everything on the habitation side and insist on a recent gas and electric safety test. Budget for upgrading smoke/CO alarms and fire-fighting equipment.
Finally, stand at each corner and look along the side for badly repaired accident damage. A few donks and dings from flying gravel and so on are acceptable. Walk away from any that look rippled or bloated (a sign of delamination).
Auto-Sleepers Nuevo essentials
- Auto-Sleepers Nuevo on Peugeot Boxer chassis-cab
- Built in Willersey, near Broadway, UK
- Featured generations 2002-2015
- Low-profile and Luton overcab three-door coachbuilts
- Overall length: 5.42m/17’ 10” (2002-2009); 5.63m/18’ 6” (2010 onwards)
What we like about an Auto-Sleeper Nuevo (2002-2015)
- Compact size to park
- Easy to place on the road
- Auto-Sleeper residuals
- Plenty of pre-owned available
- Generous payloads
What we dislike about an Auto-Sleeper Nuevo (2002-2015)
- No automatic transmission option available when new
Our pick
Most plentiful are the EKs. Personally, I have a soft spot for the (much rarer) EL because it has two seating areas which are perfect for those with non-synchronised bedtimes. The run-out X/44 models (2006) are particularly good value as many had extras added free of charge when new to encourage folk to buy rather than waiting for the new model (X/250).
What to pay for an Auto-Sleeper Nuevo
Most are north of £20,000 but are occasionally available from around £15,000. We found two advertised online that looked a real steal.
Culmhead Caravans have a 2003 Nuevo ES (four travel seats and four sleeping berths) with less than 3000 miles covered per year, for a dagger-sharp £14,995, and this includes a full habitation service.
Only one variant is currently available today, the Fiat Al-Ko Nuevo Plus, which is slightly longer. For comparison, it has an RRP of over £90,000.
We also found one of the author’s favourites, an X/250 EL for £32,995. It is 2010 reg, and has only covered 28,100 miles. Beechwood Leisure is the retailer.
Alternatives to consider
Ace Capri, Autocruise Valentine, Swift Sundance 530.
You can also see what I make of a used Westfalia Columbus, if you could be interested in a campervan instead.
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