Review: 2025 Elddis Autoquest 194

If you’re in the market for a motorhome that’s well-priced, built with solid British quality, and packed with space and clever storage, the 2025 Elddis Autoquest 194 ticks all of these boxes, and more. With a warm, inviting feel and thoughtful touches throughout, it’s a motorhome that’s easy to appreciate and even easier to settle into. Claire Smith takes a closer look.

TrailLite Group has been in the game long enough to know a very good thing when they see it, and the Elddis range is a perfect example. Celebrating 60 years of British craftsmanship this year, Elddis has built a loyal following around its solid build quality, practical design, and that touch of style that makes life on the road feel extra special.

The Autoquest 194 is a shining example of what Elddis does best: a practical, good-looking motorhome that doesn’t break the bank. It’s one of those models that manages to take the RV life up a notch for a couple who’ve done their time in an entry-level RV and are ready for a fresh start with something a bit more refined.

Cosy, comfy, and all the conveniences

Wind, rain, and biting cold aren’t exactly the best ingredients for a motorhome review, but sometimes that sort of weather is the perfect way to see how a vehicle holds up on the worst of days. On the dismal winter day I popped out to TrailLite Group, it was wet and wild. With the rain getting heavier, stepping inside the Autoquest 194 felt like escaping into a warm, cosy cocoon. Sitting in the comfy dining area, listening to the rain outside, I could easily imagine being parked up somewhere remote for the afternoon with a hot drink and a good book.

The double-glazed windows and excellent insulation mean you’ll stay warm and dry even when winter is in full force. There’s a real sense of calm and comfort inside.

Layout-wise, it’s practical and well-thought-out. Up front, face-to-face seating can convert into an extra bed if needed (ideal for occasional guests or grandkids). The central bathroom and kitchen are compact but cleverly laid out, and the rear bedroom offers twin singles that can be left as they are or converted into a generous king.

It all feels spacious and flexible, striking a nice balance between form and function.

Smooth operator

The Autoquest 194 is built on the Fiat Ducato chassis and measures a tidy 7.338 metres long, just the right size for easy driving without compromising on space.

Under the bonnet, the 2.2L engine delivers 140hp through a smooth 9-speed automatic gearbox, making it a comfortable and capable drive whether you’re weaving through city streets or cruising down the open road.

Step inside the cab and you’ll find a welcoming driving space that’s a cut above the ordinary. The seats are supportive with armrests for those longer stretches, while adjustable steering makes it easy to find your sweet spot behind the wheel. There’s a good mix of storage pockets and cup holders too, perfect for your phone, a coffee on the go, or that stash of treats for the road.

For safety and peace of mind, there’s ESP, traction control, ABS brakes, tyre pressure monitoring, and airbags for both driver and passenger. And it’s all topped off with the bonus of being able to drive it on a standard car licence, no special endorsements required.

Tech-wise, there’s Bluetooth connectivity, aircon, central locking, and electric windows. All in all, it’s a cab that’s built for comfort and convenience wherever your travels take you.

Open, airy, and inviting

First impressions when you step inside the Autoquest 194 is how open and spacious it feels. The dining area flows nicely into the kitchen, allowing plenty of room to move about without feeling cramped.

The face-to-face dinette seating is a great setup with a stowaway table that tucks neatly away in the storage pantry when you’re not using it. When you’re parked up, the cab seats swivel around, adding to a relaxed social space that can comfortably seat six.

Given how enticing the interior is, you’re well looked after for entertainment too, with a smart TV included, ideal for catching up on favourite shows.

There’s good storage in the living area too: plenty of space under the seats, two overhead cabinets on either side, and a wider overhead cabinet above the cab area, along with handy shelves on either side of the cab for all those little bits and pieces.

The Skyview roof vent above the cab and living area helps keep things feeling light and airy, while windows on either side of the seating area bring in loads of natural light. And throughout the motorhome, double-glazed windows with blinds and flyscreens make it easy to stay warm and bug-free, no matter where you’re parked up.

A taste of home

The kitchen has been designed with practical cooking in mind. A nice wide bench offers plenty of room to spread out, plus a handy fold-down extension adds even more prep space when needed. A window behind the bench brings in natural light and fresh air, making the space feel bright and welcoming.

A generously large sink makes washing up easier, and the cooking setup is spot on: three gas burners and one electric hob, plus an oven below for homemade meals. There’s good storage here too, with overhead cupboards for bits and pieces and drawers below the sink to keep everything within easy reach. The microwave overhead means you can warm up your coffee or cook up a batch of popcorn. And the 98L fridge-freezer is neatly tucked under the bench.

Wash away the day

The bathroom is an all-in-one design, compact but smartly laid out to free up space in the rest of the motorhome. It’s fitted with a Thetford cassette toilet with electric flush, and a shower curtain can be pulled across to separate the shower from the toilet and vanity. The water-saving Eco Camel Orbit Halo showerhead is a thoughtful touch too, helping stretch out your water supply when you’re parked up off-grid.

A handy cupboard holds all necessary bathroom bits and pieces, plus there’s a mirror for a quick spruce-up, and hooks for towels or clothes. A skylight and vent overhead keeps the space fresh and dry. It’s the kind of setup that covers the essentials without feeling like you’re giving up on comfort. Simple, practical, and ready for whatever the road brings.

Sweet dreams

The rear bedroom of the Autoquest 194 is a real highlight, with twin single beds that can be left separate or converted into a spacious king. It’s the kind of flexible setup that works well for couples, allowing plenty of options depending on how you like to sleep.

A couple of steps leading up to the bedroom have built-in storage, handy for shoes or any little extras you want to keep close by. There’s more storage and shelving under the bed, plus a wardrobe with rails for hanging jackets or shirts.

A window on either side of the bed, plus a skylight overhead, helps keep the space light and bright. And for those laid-back evenings, there’s a bracket for a TV so you can indulge in a bedtime movie.

For guests, the dining area up front can be converted into a double bed. It’s a smart use of space that means you’ve got a couple of extra sleeping spots when needed, whether for visiting family, friends, or grandkids keen to join in on your adventures.

Good looking & built to last

From the outside, the Autoquest 194 has a clean, low-profile look that feels more modern and less boxy than some older models.

The full GRP body and 99% wood-free construction give it that reassuring feeling of being built to last, and the 10-year body integrity warranty for water ingress backs that up nicely. The entrance door has a window and flyscreen, so you can let in the fresh air and keep the mozzies out, a small thing that makes a big difference when you’re parked up in a sunny spot.

Electric heated side mirrors with built-in indicators are a handy touch, especially on those chilly mornings when you’re packing up to head out.

The tunnel garage that runs from side to side is a big bonus for those who have extra gear to haul. There’s plenty of room for outdoor chairs, barbecue gear, fishing rods, or bulky items that you don’t want taking up space inside.

Going offgrid

Those who like to take the road less travelled are also well covered with a 120 amp/hr battery to keep things ticking along, plus a 180W solar panel up top to help keep the lights on and your devices charged when you’re away from powered sites.

The 100L fresh water tank and 70L grey water tank mean you’re good for a few days of self-contained comfort.

Heating’s sorted too, thanks to the CompleteHeat Whale 4.7kW dual-fuel system. It’s compact, efficient, and makes sure you’ll stay warm no matter what the weather’s up to. Two 4kg gas bottles keep you going for longer trips, and there’s a big, easy-to-use 12v control panel that puts everything you need right at your fingertips.

It’s the kind of setup that gives the freedom to roam off-grid for a bit without worrying about where the next power hook-up is.

The wrap-up

All in all, the Autoquest 194 feels like a great choice for couples who are ready to step up from their first motorhome to something with a touch more style and comfort. It’s got that classic British build quality, a layout that feels practical and homely, and just enough flair to make every trip feel a bit special.

From the bright, welcoming lounge to the smart kitchen and the flexible sleeping spaces, everything’s been designed with real-world use in mind. Add in the extra sleeping option for guests, the thoughtful off-grid setup, and the solid construction, and it’s easy to see why this model has been such a hit in the Elddis range.

For more information, visit traillite.co.nz

2025 Elddis Autoquest 194 floor plan