Review: Golf Linwood G4

The first Golf Linwood G4 to arrive in New Zealand brings a fresh take on motorhome touring, with a rear-wheel-drive Iveco platform, a light-filled interior and a layout designed for comfort, both on road and off. Lisa Potter finds out more.

If interest at the recent NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan and Leisure Show in Hamilton is anything to go by, the response to the New Zealand debut of the G4 was overwhelmingly positive, with Kiwi motorhome buyers thrilled at the new option, and the rear-wheel-drive proving a particular drawcard.

The premium Golf Linwood G4 is the top tier offering from Avan Motorhomes, a brand with a long and successful partnership with Waikato-based business Rugged Kiwi.

Taking a Chance on Something New

For Hayden Duffy and Eden Chappell, the founders of Rugged Kiwi, bringing the Golf Linwood G4 to New Zealand was a decision that combined instinct with a willingness to take a risk.

When they first saw the Linwood range at an Australian show earlier this year, they were immediately drawn to its layout, light interior and Iveco platform. They also recognised an opportunity to introduce something different to the local market, where, in their view, there are relatively few motorhomes offering a similar combination.

“We just fell in love with it when we saw it,” says Eden.

There was still the question of whether to take the plunge. The G4 sits at the premium end of the market, representing a significant investment (sitting in the $300,000+ bracket) for both the business and a potential buyer. But customer enquiries about motorhomes, along with the opportunity to expand Rugged Kiwi’s existing relationship with the Golf and Avan brands, helped make the decision.

Golf and Avan belong to the same brand family, with Golf positioned as the more premium offering. For Rugged Kiwi, the G4 is a new chapter – and a considerable step forward from the business’ beginnings in 2022 when they launched at the same Hamilton NZMCA Show with just two caravans on display.

Fast forward to 2026 and Rugged Kiwi had a prominent site showcasing 13 caravans, vans and the impressive Golf Linwood G4.

Fresh from its Australian launch earlier this year, the G4’s combination of features helps set it apart from any other similar offerings.

Built on an Iveco Daily chassis with rear-wheel drive, it pairs a substantial three-litre turbo-diesel engine with a contemporary, light-filled interior and a layout that puts a welcome emphasis on living space.

Step inside and the first impression is one of openness and space. Lighter timber finishes, modern upholstery and a thoughtfully arranged living area give the interior a bright, inviting feel, while a full rear bathroom and slide-out queen bed provide the sort of space and comfort that can make a real difference on longer trips.

It’s a motorhome aimed at travellers who want more than a vehicle for the occasional weekend away, and prefer one that can accommodate extended touring, changing weather and the everyday practicalities of life on the road.

From onboard laundry facilities and substantial solar capacity to comfortable cab seating and additional heating, the G4 brings together a range of features suited to travellers who intend to make good use of their home on wheels.

But what makes its arrival particularly interesting is not simply the motorhome itself. It also represents a significant step for the New Zealand business bringing it here.

A Different Drive

One of the G4’s key points of difference lies beneath the bodywork. The Iveco Daily base vehicle features a three-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 132kW and 430Nm of torque, matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Unlike many motorhomes built on front-wheel-drive platforms, the G4 is rear-wheel drive and has twin rear wheels.

For buyers who pay close attention to the underlying vehicle as well as the accommodation, that offers an alternative worth exploring. The cab is designed with touring comfort in mind, too, with air-cushioned seats intended to help absorb road imperfections, alongside cruise control and driver-assistance and safety features.

At approximately 7.7-metres long and 3.2-metres high, the G4 is a sizeable vehicle, offering generous accommodation but requiring some consideration when it comes to route planning, height restrictions and parking.

Room to Relax

Inside, the layout is where the G4 makes its strongest impression. The rear bathroom creates a spacious, dedicated area, freeing up the central living space and helping the motorhome feel less confined than some layouts of a similar size.

The queen bed sits on a slide-out, with substantial storage beneath and the option of a bolster to provide additional length. The slide-out does need to be extended to access the bathroom, so travellers who like to make quick roadside stops will want to factor that into their plans. For those who tend to stop at suitable parking areas or campgrounds, it may be a straightforward trade-off for the extra room when settled in.

The kitchen includes a three-burner gas cooktop and a generously sized fridge, although bench space is relatively limited. The dining table can provide additional preparation space, and for travellers who prefer to cook outdoors when conditions allow, this may be a perfectly workable compromise.

Elsewhere, the specification includes reverse-cycle air conditioning, gas/electric hot water, a washing machine, a 200Ah lithium battery, 600W of rooftop solar and a Projecta power management system with a seven-inch display. Fresh- and grey-water capacity is listed at 100 litres each, while Rugged Kiwi has also added a diesel heater to its show vehicle – a practical consideration for touring New Zealand through the cooler months.

Together, these features make the G4 an appealing proposition for travellers looking for the comforts of home alongside the freedom to keep moving.

As with all Avan offerings, a number of optional upgrades are available and can be added to build orders. The Golf Linwood G4 which made its debut at the NZMCA Hamilton Show is available for purchase.

Golf Linwood G4 specifications