Designed on the basis of the Peugeot Expert, the Stylevan Boreal 5 shows versatility and compactness that make it a practical van for everyday use, but also a vehicle suitable for travel with its robust layout.
The campervan is experiencing increasing demand in the motorhome world, and the star models are to be discovered at the Le Bourget Leisure Vehicle Show, from September 25 to October 3, 2021. Among the historical players in the campervan, we find Stylevan. This French company based in Auxerre (Yonne) did not wait for the “vanlife” vogue to discover the joys of van travel since it has been in existence for forty years.
The days of the first Volkswagen T3 upgrades are now a long time ago, and Stylevan now offers a wide range of vans based on Peugeot Expert, Renault Trafic and Volkswagen T6.1. Passed into the bosom of Rapido group in 2017, thehe Burgundy company retains what makes its DNA – discreet and robust vans – with its Origin range. This comprises three models based on the aforementioned carriers: Equinox, with permanent transverse bed, Austral, with kitchen unit at the rear, and Boreal, with the classic van layout, namely kitchenette on the left side and sofa-bed in the lower part.
Our test van is the Stylevan Boreal 5. This model, fitted with a new, flatter roof bed and optimized kitchen storage, is based on a Peugeot Expert Standard with a length of 4.96 m. It is also available in a long version (5.30 m) to easily integrate a toilet, or even a shower. Moreover, the Stylevan fittings being appreciated by those who like to travel far, Peugeot Expert, Renault Trafic and Volkswagen Transporter carriers are often chosen in their long version.
On board the Stylevan Boreal 5
The Boreal 5 offers five seats (ditto for homologation) thanks to its three-seater bench. But you might as well prevent immediately: these should rather be reserved for children because the headroom appears limited for adults over 1.70 m when the roof is in the low position for driving. Obviously, by raising the roof, everything returns to order and we find a lounge atmosphere with the swiveling front seats and the removable table that is clipped to the furniture. Note that the latter takes place on the back of the bench during travel, so you have to get out of the vehicle and empty the boot in order to retrieve it. This is not the easiest solution! For example, the Renault Trafic Horizon Van offers a more accessible storage location behind the driver’s seat.
Stylevan designs its own interior furniture. The Boreal benefits from new storage and an anti-scratch material. The carefully crafted set is topped with the classic combination of two gas burners and the sink. The decoration leaves the choice between two colors only: gray or taupe. For more shimmering colors or magazine-type decorations, you will have to look elsewhere or aim for the Stylevan Emotion range (vans manufactured at Fleurette, in Vendée). On the Boreal, priority is given to sobriety and serious preparation for all-season travel. Thus, the van benefits from thermal and sound insulation much more sophisticated than that of industrial models. Made from natural hemp wool, it fits in the walls and openings. The floor incorporates a 20 mm insulation.
The highlight of the Stylevan Boreal 5 is its sliding bench seat over the entire length which modulates the space between the boot and the space reserved for the rear passengers. This device is appreciable because it allows, for example, to benefit from a maximum loading length of 1.80 m, very useful for easily sliding two bikes without disassembly. A request that will be more and more common in the future with the explosion in the use of bicycles, which not everyone wants to install on an outdoor rack.
The Boreal 5 van is also strong with its 60 l fridge (the largest in a compact van), but the clean water reserve is only 40 l, and 32 l for waste water. If there is no hot water on this version due to the space taken up by the rails of the sliding bench, this equipment is available on the Boreal 4 with fixed bench. At last, the Webasto heater is delivered as standard. Ditto for the 100 A auxiliary battery, which allows one and a half to two days of autonomy, or even more, with the 220 W solar panel (option at 1 369 €), whose very flat design allows the Boreal to stay below the 2 m high bar.
On the sleeping side, we find the bed in the lower part which is simply deployed thanks to the easy handling of the bench. The three-foam mattress measures 190 x 125 cm. There is nothing too wide, and the few inches of ease on the sides are appreciable. The top mattress in 190 x 110 cm is placed on a Froli box spring. The area is also equipped with LED lighting, like the rest of the cabin, and a fall protection net for children. Note that the entire canvas can be unzipped to provide a panoramic view of the outside (option at € 269). But it has no polar insulation, only available on Trafic and VW T6.1.
Driving
The driving position of the Peugeot Expert surprises by the narrowness of its space compared to a Renault Trafic or a Volkswagen T6. But you get used to it, and the visibility is good to identify the contours of the vehicle. Less wide than other carriers, the Expert is really the most suitable for those who want to sneak discreetly into city centers. The reversing camera and the very short rear overhang on this Standard version make maneuvering easier.
Our test model is fitted with the 145 hp 2.0 BlueHDI diesel, which ensures a good level of performance. Whatever the profile of the road, the Boreal van never struggles. Its mechanics shine with its flexibility, and its chassis responds without too much delay. The ride comfort is good in the front, a little less accommodating in the back seat. As for the average consumption, it is around 8.5 l / 100 km, an advantage over taller vans based on Fiat Ducato or Renault Master. Note that, for easier driving, the automatic gearbox can be checked against an additional charge of € 1,740.
Stylevan Boreal 5 Award
The Boreal range at Stylevan is accessible between 53,100 and 55,800 €. A price that varies according to the choice of the carrier, the length of the vehicle and the number of seats on board. Our Boreal 5 model based on Peugeot Expert with 145 hp diesel is invoiced at 54,500 €. Standard equipment includes the touchscreen with GPS and radio, cruise control, air conditioning and swivel seats with armrests. The metallic paint claims € 1,770 and the Look pack (painted shields) € 420. The photographed version is adorned with a Sport package (exterior decoration and black rims), which is no longer available with the new price.
Among the equipment often acclaimed by van users, we find the exterior awning (€ 889), the isothermal curtain of the front cell and the tailgate window (€ 189), mosquito nets in the pop-up roof (€ 259) and the tilting 2-bike rack (€ 459), which is placed on the hitch (€ 540). As always, the average price of the van is climbing rapidly. But this is not what scares buyers, who are here in a pleasure purchase, often the result of long patience. And patience precisely, it will be necessary once the order form is signed because the delivery time reaches fourteen months. In short, even with an order placed today, it’s already missed for summer 2022! But, in this area, all the developers of new vans are housed in the same boat.
Discover the results of the test, the technical sheet and the options on the next page.
