Chris Fincham•10 May 2016

REVIEW

Compass Compact/Roadstar GT Sport

New two tonne, entry-level caravan offers more affordable entry to prestige Roadstar range

Since being rescued from financial collapse by chassis maker Hitec Engineering in 2009, Roadstar Caravans has grown to become one of the premium manufacturers in the cluster of caravan builders located in Melbourne’s north.

The only problem in offering an upmarket product is that it puts it out of reach of the average buyer. And when quality built often means heavier, Roadstar caravans are often unsuitable for owners of smaller tow vehicles including the popular Toyota Prado.

As a result, Roadstar recently re-introduced the Compass name on a new range of cheaper and lighter caravans, aimed at those who want the Roadstar reputation but at a more affordable price and sub-2500kg (loaded) weight.

The Compass range currently consists of two models: the 16ft 6in (body length) single axle Compact and 18ft 6in tandem axle Navigator. While the Navigator is available with a number of layouts including a family bunk version, the Compass is offered with just one. (NOTE: Compass Compact name was changed in June 2016 to Roadstar GT Sport).

Designed for couples, it has an almost identical layout to the off-road Roadstar Little Rippa we looked at about 18 months ago, including front queen bed, central kitchen and L-shaped dinette and full width rear ensuite.

ROADSTAR ‘LIGHT’

The good news for potential buyers of a Compass caravan is that it shares many of the top-notch engineering, design and construction features of the Roadstar range, but for less money.

So for example, there’s the same precision-built Supagal chassis, and liberal use of the expensive, long-lasting Novatio MS polymer adhesive sealant used exclusively on Roadstar caravans.

But to reduce weight as well as cost, the Compass versions have less external checker plate, less timber in the Meranti frame and use a lighter ply for internal cabinetry. They also use traditional ribbed aluminium cladding for the body, instead of more expensive and heavier Dibond panels featured on many Roadstar models.

The standard equipment list has also been trimmed to keep the starting price under $55,000, with features like the wall-mounted washing machine, external speakers, water filter tap and Cruisemaster independent coil suspension fitted to the review van, all optional, as is the 120Ah deep cycle battery.

SMARTLY DRESSED

While not as classy as its Roadstar equivalent, some bold graphics, 16in painted alloy wheels and slivers of polished checkerplate along the sides turn the Compact into a decent looker.

Externally, there’s pretty much everything you’d expect in a mid-priced on-road van including AL-KO 50mm ball hitch, removable jockey wheel, two 9kg gas bottles and a tap (with stone protection) on the A-frame, along with a gas bayonet.

The Compact comes standard with Dexter torsion bar suspension and 12in brakes, and the underbody plumbing and wiring is about as neat as can be expected from an on-road Aussie van, with gal protection for the two 95 litre water tanks located fore and aft of the axle and drop-down stabilizers for each corner.

Unlike the Little Rippa, there’s no front window or mesh stone guard, which means the shiny checker plate running halfway up the front body is solitary protection against flying debris. The spare wheel sits on the rear bumper, and there’s also a lockable, drop-down picnic table, 240V/12V/TV aerial sockets, and front stainless steel grab handles.

A pull-out Dometic awning, external lighting including LED grab handle, manual pull-down step and Camec triple lock security door complete the exterior package.

SMALL BUT SPACIOUS

It might be compact with its 5030mm internal length but it certainly doesn’t feel claustrophobic inside thanks to decent headroom and a design that maximizes living space including the L-shaped dinette and extendable bed.

It also doesn't feel gloomy, thanks to predominantly light-coloured decor and a total of nine windows (including five double glazed Dometic units with built in blinds and flyscreens). A skylight above the bed also adds to the airy feel.

The review van benefitted from leatherette upholstery along the dinette seats and bedhead but to reduce costs further the Compass misses out on the curvy cut-out, handle-less furniture in upmarket Roadstar vans. It still looks modern and contemporary though with its chrome handles and smart combination of matte and gloss surfaces.

The L-shaped dinette with its swivel-top table should seat four comfortably, and there are the usual storage compartments under the seats. One of these contains the plastic battery box, solar charge controller (with an external display), fuse box, and battery charger. Rooftop solar panels and a 120Ah battery are optional, but at least it’s pre-wired for solar power.

Up front, the north-south queen bed has a comfy coil spring mattress with extendable base to cater for longer bodies. It easily lifts up to reveal more storage options, although the three-quarter length, gal lined and LED lit, boot locker accessible from outside, cuts considerably into this space.

As well as two overhead lockers there’s a half wardrobe, drawers and storage nook on each side of the bed, although once again the front locker intrudes into some of this storage space. There are plenty of 240V sockets throughout the van including dual inlets located low down on the wall on both sides of the bed.

However, given the potential to trip over cords I’d prefer to see these sockets located closer to the bedside ‘cubby holes’. It would also be good to see another 12V socket here to go with the one near the base of the dinette.

While not fitted to the review van, the Compass also comes with a Winegard antenna and 22in TV/DVD. The screen mounts on a swivel arm on the wall facing the bed, so it can also be viewed from the dinette. Also located here is a handy spirit level to help with setting up.

NOT SO SQUEEZY

To make room for the ensuite, kitchen benchspace is limited, as is overall storage space, with the usual cutlery drawers and overhead cabinets for smaller items but little room for bigger stuff like pots and frypans.

It’s all neatly packaged though, including stainless steel sink with chrome flick switcher tap and optional filtered water, Swift four-burner cooktop and grille under which sits the microwave, LED-lit rangehood, and manually-switched Thetford 184 litre three-way fridge/freezer.

Full credit to the Compass design team for managing to squeeze in a workable, if somewhat squeezy, full width rear ensuite, which includes a Thetford swivel toilet, ceramic sink and vanity, toilet roll holder and towel rails, massive mirror and separate shower cubicle with frosted, hinged door and 12V fan hatch.

The bathroom has a lockable, sliding privacy door and plenty of storage areas, including overhead lockers and open shelving. Our review van was fitted with a mini wall-mounted washing machine but that’s another feature you’ll need to fork out extra for.

Given its budget status the little Compass was also equipped with a basic Pioneer audio unit with two internal speakers, and an entry-level roof-mounted Aircommand Cormorant air-conditioner.

VERDICT

Overall we were impressed by the Compass. It inherits many of the admirable qualities of the Roadstar range and at under two tonnes tows easily behind smaller SUVs like our diesel-powered Hyundai Santa Fe.

However, it was slightly disappointing to discover a few ‘rough edges’ within the van we reviewed, which was in stark contrast to the faultless finish of the little off-road Roadstar van we looked at about 18 months ago.

While cosmetic and mostly hidden inside cabinetry, evidence of exposed staples, wood shavings, messy sealant and even loose wood blocks, detracted from the otherwise classy feel. However, it was the only real blemish on what looks like another solid offering from the Roadstar factory.

WE LIKED:

>> Roadstar-like quality

>> Full width ensuite

>> Easy to tow

NOT SO MUCH:

>> Untidy finish in some areas

>> Battery should be standard
>> Still a bit pricey

COMPASS COMPACT/ROADSTAR GT SPORT

External body length: 5220mm

External body width: 2500mm

Travel height (incl air-con): 3030mm

Interior height: 1940mm

Overall length: 7070mm

Tare weight: 1810kg

ATM: 2310kg

Ball weight (Tare): 180kg

Body: Meranti timber frame/aluminium cladding

Chassis: Supgal/150mm x 50mm

Suspension: Dexter rubber torsion (Cruisemaster coil spring independent optional)

Brakes: 12-inch electric

Stability Control: optional

Wheels: 16 x7in alloy with 245/75 LT tyres

Fresh water: 2 x 95l

Battery: 120Ah deep cycle (optional)

Solar: Pre-wired

Air-conditioner: Ibis Cormorant reverse-cycle

Gas: 2 x 9kg

Hot water: Swift 28 litre gas/electric

Cooking: Swift four burner, plus grill

Fridge: Thetford 184l 3-way

Microwave: Sharp Carousel

Toilet: Thetford cassette

Shower: Separate fibreglass cubicle

Washing machine: Wall-mounted Mini optional

Lighting: LED

TV: 22-inch

Price: $54,950 (as reviewed $57,980)

Supplied by: Roadstar Caravans, Somerton, Vic

Compass Compact/Roadstar GT Sport

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