Jayco Conquest

• Very manoeuvrable for an RV of this size
• Updated interior
• Improved lighting for living area
• Higher rear moulding
• Priced the same as outgoing model

The Jayco Conquest reviewed benefits from the first of a series of facelifts that range from minor interior tweaks to new base vehicle and additional layout options. This particular variant retains the Fiat Ducato base vehicle that’s underpinned Jayco’s in the past, but you can now also specify the Conquest with a Mercedes Sprinter chassis. The interior has been refreshed with a new oven, microwave and entertainment system, new upholstery options and a lot more interior lighting. The 2010 updates have not made a difference to the price, which remain the same as the outgoing Conquest. New interior look Inside the neutral colour scheme is clean and understated, with brushed metal surfaces on the microwave, fridge, and cupboard and drawer handles for a modern contrast to the sandy coloured bench top and timber-look cupboards and wardrobe. The kitchen runs along the middle of the motorhome, with bench top, sink and oven along the right wall and microwave, pantry and wardrobe along the left. A cover for the sink increases bench space, and the numerous cupboards and drawers mean there is a place for every utensil and dish. The back of the motorhome is dominated by the u-shaped settee and dining table and the three large rear windows allow natural light to flood the dining/lounge area. There are also extra down lighting and corner lamps, new for 2010. A 19-inch LCD TV is mounted to the side with the AM/FM stereo/CD player underneath, plus an iPod connection and DVD player. Jayco purchasers can tailor their motorhomes to suit them, choosing from laminex and floor options as well as different fabrics for the bolster and base cushions. The double bed is hidden away in the overhead Luton with a sturdy aluminium ladder behind the cab for entry. Conquest layouts with beds to the rear and sides of the motorhome will be available in the future. Overhead storage lockers along both sides of the living area provide plenty of storage space without cluttering the lounge and dining areas. The separate bathroom is a light and airy space and features a shower and toilet. Exterior construction Jayco’s smooth lines and curved overhead Luton carry through for 2010, but the rear mouldings have been redesigned with much higher braking and reversing lights and indicators for greater visibility. Jayco’s blue, maroon and silver graphics have also been updated. An electric step ensures getting in and out of the body of the Conquest is easy, and the Fiamma awning, exterior power points and lockers also remain. The wall’s sandwich construction, consisting of a fibreglass outer, 3mm ply and foam inner and an internal wall ply, gives nothing away in terms of typical durability. Drive impression Despite the seven-metre length, the Fiat proves easy to manoeuvre; the only real concern in tight spots is the rear overhang, but with the rear view camera and display you can quickly familiarise yourself with the dimensions. There’s plenty of grunt available from the 3.0-litre, 115kW turbo diesel driving the Ducato, and while it doesn’t exhibit quite the noise suppression of Jayco’s Mercedes Sprinter-based motorhomes, it does offer more urgency. Mated to an automated manual gearbox – rather than a conventional automatic transmission – response to throttle inputs are sharper and it’ll return improved fuel economy long term. The front drive configuration also lends it self surprisingly well to motorhomes; it’s a user-friendly drive that feels not unlike your average front-wheel drive passenger car. Read in-depth RV reviews in the latest issue of Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations magazine, on sale now. Specifications Base Vehicle Fiat Ducato Engine 3.0 turbo diesel Torque 400Nm Power 115kW Transmission Six-speed automated manual Length 7170mm Width (including awning) 2330mm Body height 2960mm Tare weight 3380kg GVM 4005kg Towing capacity (ball weight/braked) 100kg/1500kg Fresh water 125L Grey water 75L Fridge 104 litre