One of the most anticipated launches at the February NEC Show came from returning brand Ace, which took the opportunity to display models from its new 1500 coachbuilt and 1200 campervan line-ups. It’s the 1200 range which we’re looking at here.
The three-model line-up of entry-level campervans come on a Fiat Ducato base vehicle, which is among the best vans for a camper conversion.
The campervans, like their coachbuilt counterparts, are being built at Swift’s Cottingham factory, but Ace is being treated as a separate brand and has its own dealer network.
The range consists of the rear lounge 1200 RL, the rear transverse bed 1200 GL, and the fixed single beds 1200 SL, and as standard, each campervan is a two-berth. They could, however, also be an option for those who are after the best campervan for a family of four, as an extra two berths are available in an elevating roof system. If you do opt for this, the campervan will have a ‘T’ added to the name, with one such model from the range, the 1200 SLT, on display at the NEC.
Both the 1200 RL and the 1200 GL are priced from £59,805 as two-berths, while the 1200 SL starts from £60,805. Lengths range from 6m to 6.36m across the 1200 line-up, but each one is 2.26m wide and can be driven on a standard driver’s licence too, thanks to an MTPLM of 3500kg.
Inside, you get Whale underfloor 6KW heating system, and the bed in both the GL and SL comes with a Duvalay Duvalite Alto mattress, while the kitchen includes a Dometic two-burner stainless steel hob, a flatbed microwave oven, an extension, and an 80-litre compressor fridge from Dometic.
Each one could be a contender for those on the hunt for the best 2 berth campervan with a shower and toilet. This is because the washroom features a shower tray and comes with two drainage holes, which is impressive for an entry-level offering.
The space also includes a fold-away basin and a Thetford electric flush toilet.
One of the campervan storage options in both the 1200 SL and 1200 GL is a large area beneath the rear beds, too.
As well as that electronically operated pop top roof, there are other options available too, including a 140bhp 2.2 litre automatic transmission (£2,995), while another factory fit is the Driver’s Pack, which includes a Lanzarote Grey exterior, 16″ black alloy wheels, a sat nav, a 110W solar panel, and more (£2,195). Dealer options include a Thule roll-out awning and a second battery.
As standard, the campervans come with four travel seats too.
The Ace 1200 range overview
1200 RL
- Price: from £59,805 (from £65,305 as a four-berth)
- Berths: 2-4
- Travel seats: 4
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MiRO: 2866kg (2996kg if a four berth)
- Payload: 634kg (504kg if a four berth)
- Length: 6m
- Width: 2.26m
The 1200 RL is the shortest campervan in range, and the only one to not have a permanent bed.
Instead, it comes with a rear lounge where parallel seating can be found, which, in the evening, can be turned into a double bed measuring 6’1″ x 4’7″.
1200 GL
- Price: from £59,805 (from £65,305 as a four-berth)
- Berths: 2-4
- Travel seats: 4
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MiRO: 2971kg (3101kg as a four-berth)
- Payload: 529kg (399kg as a four-berth)
- Length: 6.36m
- Width: 2.26m
The 1200 GL comes with a transverse bed at the rear of the campervan, measuring 6’2″ x 4’9″ and sitting above a large storage area.
1200 SL
- Price: from £60,805 (from £66,305 as a four-berth)
- Berths: 2-4
- Travel seats: 4
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MiRO: 2991kg (3121kg as a four-berth)
- Payload: 509kg (379kg as a four-berth)
- Length: 6.36m
- Width: 2.26m
The other 6.36m-long campervan in the line-up is the 1200 SL, which features fixed single beds at the rear.
It also comes with a large storage space at the back of the ‘van.
Before taking to the road in your new ‘van, make sure you know the appropriate campervan speed limits too, so you can stay safe and legal on the road.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Motorhome magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things motorhome related.
Leave a Reply