Review: Xplore CV X8

Built for those who like their trips to go beyond the beaten track, the Xplore CV X8 blends adventure-ready features with smart, flexible design. Claire Smith takes a closer look at what makes this campervan stand out.

TrailLite Group has built its reputation on more than just crafting quality motorhomes and caravans. Their customers often talk about the exceptional service, the willingness to listen, and the way the team adapts to meet real-world needs. It’s this approach that sees new models added to the lineup when there’s a genuine demand – and the arrival of the Xplore CV X8 campervan is a perfect example.

Built in the UK by Elddis, part of the Erwin Hymer Group, the Xplore CV X8 is now available here exclusively through TrailLite Group. Aimed squarely at Kiwis who like their trips to be active, varied, and just a little bit spontaneous, it’s a smart, good-looking machine that blends rugged practicality with a comfortable, well-thought-out living space.

This campervan isn’t about simply getting from A to B – it’s about being ready for whatever you decide to do along the way. With its versatile interior, generous storage, and features that make life easy wherever you pull up, the CV X8 is the sort of van that’s always up for what you’ve got in mind – whether that’s a big trip you’ve been planning for months or just throwing the gear in and seeing where you end up.

Multi-level layout

Step inside the Xplore CV X8 and the first thing you notice is how much thought has gone into making a compact space feel generous in all the right places. At just under six metres, it’s a neat, manoeuvrable campervan that still manages to offer the kind of living space you’d usually expect from something bigger.

At the back, two face-to-face sofas create a relaxed seating area that quickly transforms into a roomy double bed when it’s time to call it a night. Midway through, you’ll find the all-in-one bathroom on one side, with the kitchen neatly opposite. Up front, there’s a comfortable dinette that makes the most of the swivel captain’s chairs in the cab.

And then there’s the clever bit – the pop-up roof ‘upstairs’. It hides a full-size double bed, giving you proper sleeping space for up to four people. Whether it’s just the two of you or you’re travelling with kids, it’s a layout that flexes to suit.

The look and feel inside is smart and contemporary, with cabinetry in a handsome mix of light and mid-tones that keeps the space feeling open while still adding warmth.

Tall, dark, and handsome

From the outside, the CV X8 has a confident, ready-for-anything look. The metallic black paintwork is paired with subtle topographic graphics, bespoke matt black alloys, and dark tinted windows, so it stands out without shouting about it.

It’s built on the low-line Fiat Ducato Series 2 chassis, which keeps the profile sleek and helps with stability on the road. The pop-up roof blends neatly into the bodywork when it’s down, and when it’s up, it adds a whole new dimension to the interior without looking like an afterthought.

Around the back, the barn doors open wide to turn the rear lounge into a semi-outdoor space, and there’s an electric entry step at the sliding side door to make getting in and out a bit easier. It’s a tough, good-looking package that feels like it’s built for real use, not just for show.

Rugged and ready

The CV X8 has been set up with active travellers in mind, right down to the small details. The 90L freshwater tank and 45L waste tank give you a decent stretch between stops, while the 180W roof-mounted solar panel keeps the 120Ah leisure battery topped up when you’re away from powered sites. Heating and hot water are handled by Whale dual-fuel systems, with ducted heating that reaches right through to the bathroom, so the whole van stays warm.

Storage is generous for a van this size. There’s room under the rear seats for bulkier items, overhead lockers for clothing and kit, and plenty of nooks for smaller essentials. The barn doors at the back make it easy to load longer gear, and with the rear seats folded up you’ve got even more floor space to work with.

The bespoke 16-inch alloys aren’t just for looks. They’re designed with inset valves to protect against knocks from rocks or kerbs, and the chunky tyres give the van a planted, confident stance.

With a payload of approx. 440kg, there’s capacity for all the gear you want to bring. Optional extras like a towbar, bike rack, or satellite dish let you customise it to suit your style of travel.
Comfort and practicality are built in, too. Double-glazed windows with night ventilation, plus pleated blinds and flyscreens, keep things comfortable in all seasons. Two 4kg gas bottles sit neatly in their locker ready, and the central 12V control panel keeps the water, lighting, and power systems at your fingertips.

Driving gear

Behind the wheel, the CV X8 feels easy-going and well put together. The Fiat chassis is matched with a 2.2L 140hp diesel and 8-speed auto, so it’s smooth, has a decent bit of pull for the hills, and doesn’t feel like hard work in traffic.

The captain’s chairs are fully adjustable and comfortable for long stretches, and once you’re parked, they spin around to join the living space. The 9-inch touchscreen and reversing camera make manoeuvring straightforward, and there’s cruise control for the open road. You also get the little comforts – air con, USB points, heated mirrors, and auto lights and wipers – that make a difference on long days.

It’s the sort of driving setup that doesn’t take long to feel natural, so you can just get on with enjoying the trip.

Dine in

Up front, the dinette makes good use of the swivel cab seats, turning the driving area into part of the living space. Paired with the forward bench, it’s a nice spot for meals, morning coffee, or spreading out the map to plan your next stop. The table extends when you need it and disappears neatly into its dedicated storage space when you don’t, so it never feels like it’s hogging the room.

Big windows keep it bright, and the seating is comfortable enough to enjoy a luxuriously long brekkie or get some laptop work done. And being right behind the cab, it’s also handy for those quick roadside lunches – park, spin the seats around, and you’re set without touching the rest of the van.

Convenient cooking

The kitchen sits right in the middle of the van, opposite the bathroom, and makes good use of the space. The Thetford Triplex handles cooking duties with an oven, grill, and three-burner hob, and the glass lid gives you extra bench space when you’re not cooking. The fridge-freezer is a decent 84L and set at waist height, so you’re not crouching down to hunt for the milk.

Storage is better than you might expect in a van this size – overhead lockers for the dry stuff, drawers for the cookware, and a handy pull-out bench extension when you need a bit more prep room. The stainless-steel sink and matte black fittings give it a modern look, and the LED lighting keeps things bright without feeling harsh.

With the sliding entry door right beside you, it’s easy to pass a plate outside or keep chatting with whoever’s parked up in a camp chair. It’s not the biggest kitchen out there, but it’s well laid out and does everything you need it to without getting in the way.

Lounging and sleeping

At the back, the twin face-to-face sofas make a great spot to relax. Pull up somewhere with a view, swing open the barn doors, and you’ve got yourself a living room that feels completely open to the world outside. It’s an easy place to spend time – a spot for morning coffee, a chat, or just stretching out after a day on the go.

When it’s time to sleep, the sofas slide together to make a good-sized double. The cushions have that sweet spot between firm and soft, and the storage underneath means you’re not sacrificing packing space for comfort. The conversion’s quick too – no wrestling with complicated mechanisms or shuffling everything out of the way.

Then there’s the pop-up roof, which is a bit of a game-changer. A ladder hooks neatly into place, and up you go to a surprisingly roomy double bed. It’s a cool hideaway for kids, but it works just as well for adults – there’s a proper mattress set on sturdy slats, an overhead skylight, and zip-open canvas panels with flyscreens for fresh air and a bit of stargazing.

Between the rear lounge and the pop-up, the CV X8 comfortably sleeps four without feeling like you’ve shoehorned everyone in. For a campervan this size, that’s pretty impressive.

The little room

The bathroom sits midships on the offside, easy to get to from either end of the van. It’s not trying to be a luxury spa, but it does exactly what you want it to – and does it well.

The boutique-style basin adds a bit of polish, and the tap lifts out and slots into a wall bracket to become the shower head. A simple setup that makes the most of the compact space.

The Thetford cassette toilet is fully plumbed into the onboard water supply and meets self-containment requirements, so you’re all set for freedom camping. And the solid door and decent lock mean you can have proper privacy. The layout makes sense – nothing awkward to bump into, and everything within easy reach. For a campervan, that’s a win.

Noteworthy mentions

A few extra touches in the CV X8 help round out the package. There’s a smart TV with a bracket and all the right connections ready to go. The dining table has its own storage space so it’s not rattling around when you’re on the move. Safety is well covered with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, plus ISOFIX points if you’re travelling with little ones.

The lighting is worth a mention too – energy-efficient LEDs throughout, including concealed strips above the lockers that add atmosphere at night without chewing through the battery.
It’s small details like these that make the CV X8 feel well thought through – not just a good-looking campervan, but one that works smoothly day to day.

Final word

The Xplore CV X8 gives you the freedom to head off in search of hiking trails, cycling tracks, hidden beaches, or anywhere else that takes your fancy – whether that’s a spur-of-the-moment weekend away or a long-planned trip to tick off your bucket-list walks. And every time, you come back to the comfort, reliability, and quality that comes with a campervan of this calibre.
And if caravanning is more your style, watch this space – TrailLite Group will soon be adding the Xplore caravan range to their lineup, offering the same smart design and build quality.

Xplore CV X8 specifications