Emu RV E2S 2021 Review

Compared to the huge number of caravan brands (more than 120, and counting), the Australian motorhome market is relatively small.

New to the motorhome market is a brand called Emu RV, which is a collaboration between this fledgling NSW-based motorhome brand and Nova Motorhomes (the same Melbourne manufacturer that builds Nova caravans).

The new Fiat Ducato-based motorhomes are converted in Melbourne by Nova and retailed through Emu RV at its western Sydney Castlereagh showroom.

The two-seat, two-berth Emu RV E2S reviewed here is $129,990 drive-away as an introductory offer.

The stand-out equipment in this motorhome at this price-point are its large fridge (a 175-litre, 240v/12v compressor fridge/freezer), the internal shower/toilet and standard gas heating in the main cabin, along with a bathroom, 120watt solar, Remis blinds and Ibis 4 air-conditioner.

Driving time

The Emu RV E2S is based on the latest MY2020 ‘Series 7’ Fiat Ducato, with its new 2.3-litre, 130kW/450Nm turbo-diesel Multijet engine and new, headline feature ZF nine-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission.

The Ducato’s standard features as reviewed include AEB, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam and Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Assist, Roll over mitigation, Hill holder, Traction control, automatic headlights, rain sensing windscreen wipers, cruise control, satnav, digital radio, reverse camera and parking sensors.

While the engine hasn’t changed a lot, the new nine-speed auto changes everything about how the new Ducato drives. It's such a dramatic step up from the flawed automated manual used before.

Where it appeared the engine lacked torque previously in some roll-on situations (because the old transmission would cut back engine power to initiate a gear shift) the new auto feels like it makes the most of the 450Nm available.

Not only seamlessly swapping gears, but seeming to have a ratio for every occasion. Almost any new transmission would be an improvement, but Fiat really has got it right with this nine-speed ZF. It makes the Ducato enjoyable to drive.

The only new feature in the Ducato that's not so great is the lane departure warning, which let’s you know you’ve transgressed by emitting a loud beeping noise from a speaker on the left A-pillar. You'd probably get used to it, and in fact be grateful for it if you did become a bit tired and started to wander.

The outside story

The Emu RV E2S’s exterior is not by any means extravagant; understated simplicity is the theme here.

That includes a small Nova Motorhomes decal on the front above the windscreen; a neat hologram-style Emu RV graphics along the side and both Nova and Emu RV graphics on the vertical split rear doors.

On the offside there’s a 240volt inlet, toilet cassette hatch and a water inlet (with locking cap ) for the two 62 litre tanks.

On the nearside, the E2S features an electrically operated 3.7m Thule awning (with full-length LED light) and two LED coach lights. There’s also a power-operated Thule slide-out step.

Camping time

Setting up for camp is a simple process with a campervan like this.

The power awning and step make it even easier to get things going (rather than having to fish out the awning rod and get cranking), and then really there’s just setting up the dinette or bed when it’s time.

The fit-out has a simple, neutral decor and while the review unit was an early production example, quality of fittings and finish appeared quite good.

Nova has a good reputation when it comes to building caravans, so there's no reason that shouldn't carry over to the motorhomes and Emu RV’s Martin Doherty certainly is on the look out to make improvements to the design where necessary. Minor changes such as rounded cabinetry finish and relocating some switches are already on the agenda.

Up front the bulkhead between the cabin and fit-out is a bit low if you’re tall and there isn’t quite as much room as you might like if you’re using the swivel captain’s chairs to sit back and relax at camp.

However, there's little to complain about storage; for this type of camper design there's plenty. Starting with the large cupboard above the fridge (itself the largest available in the class), you then have lockers above the rear dinette/sleeping quarters, plus a stack of room under the dinette benches.

There are also various nooks and shelves here and there to place items at camp.

What’s cooking?

The Emu RV campervan's storage theme continues into the mid-point nearside kitchen space, where you’ve got a large-ish pot drawer and  another five, smaller soft-close drawers to fit a few kitchen essentials.

There’s also a microwave fitted at a nice, low position (which is better than up high, if you're retrieving hot liquids such as a soup) and bench food prep space is reasonable.

You’ve got a hinged glass cover on both the Thetford three-burner stove and deep sink (which has a neat black mixer tap) and if you’ve got the cooker and sink in use there’s the option of extending the fold-out bench section.

Shower time

Opposite the kitchen on the offside, is the combined shower/toilet, with sink and fan-assisted hatch.

Sure, there are bigger shower recesses, but you’re looking at much bigger and less easy to park motorhomes to get one. The bathroom should be more than adequate for most, and a boon for this size and class.

The Emu E2S is fitted standard with the Truma Combi 4 gas heating/hot water unit to deliver not only hot showers but heating to take the edge off those crisp mornings and evenings at camp. Often missing at this price point is a reverse-cycle air-conditioner – which the E2S thankfully has as standard.

Versatile dining area

The dinette area can be set up with a table that's stored away behind the driver’s seat when not in use and, by using a board stored under one of the seats, can be made quickly and easily into a east-west double bed.

With the rear vertical-split doors open, you can enjoy near-panoramic views of your location, although you might want to tick the $490 rear heavy duty screen from the options list to keep out the insect

The electrical inclusions are comprehensive, with 120watt solar, a 135watt solar charging system, 30amp battery charger and 14 USB charging points throughout the unit.

The house battery is a 105amp AGM unit, but if you’re planning to do remote or extended bush camping there's a 2 x 120A/h lithium batteries option.

Summing up

The Emu RV E2S is a terrific first-time entrant into the motorhome market, with a comprehensive features list for the price that makes it an attractive value-for money proposition.

How much does the Emu RV E2S cost?

Price:  $129,990 drive away
Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
Licence: Car
Occupants: Two  seatbelts, two  berth
Engine:2.3 -litre  Four  -cylinder turbo-diesel
Power/torque: 130kW/450Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Wheels: 16in steel
Brakes: Discs (fr and rr), ABS and ESP
Travel length: 6000mm (19ft 6in)
External body width: 2050mm
Travel height: 2800mm
Rear bed size: 135mm x 190mm
Cooktop: Three burner gas stove
Fridge: 175L compressor
Microwave: NCE 20L 700W
Lighting: 12V LED
Battery: 105A/h AGM
Solar: 120watt
Air-conditioner: Dometic Ibis 4
Fresh water: 124L (grey water: 50L)
Gas: 2 x 4kg
Supplied by: Emu RV, Cranebrook NSW