Jayco rolls out limited-edition AWD campervan

Another special 50th anniversary Jayco model is hitting dealerships, and this time it's a campervan.

Earlier this year Jayco released a limited run of retro-style, Dove 50th Anniversary wind-up camper trailers, in celebration of the Melbourne RV giant's half century of manufacturing in Australia, and now it's joined by a special two-tone Volkswagen all-wheel drive couple's campervan inspired by the Kombi campervans of the 1970s.

Jayco is planning to offer a limited number of the 22ft Crafter AWD van-based JRV-X campervan, which comes with unique external and internal styling plus some new features, like a flip-up rear bed with underbed storage and a bigger 152L compressor fridge.

The new campervan is powered by VW's bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine delivering 130kW and 410Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4Motion AWD.

"We were lucky enough to gain exclusivity to the blue/white 4 Motion Crafter 'van," explained Jayco's National Sales Manager-Motorised Division, Nathan Matthews.

"This new model is a celebration model for Jayco's 50th Anniversary and is limited to 70 units only. The décor offering is a new offering for Jayco with a more contemporary style."

Priced at RRP$154,990 plus on-road costs, the JRV-X Crafter 50th Anniversary campervan comes ready for couple's touring with front swivel seats and front dinette area, combination shower toilet, 105 litre fresh and 65 litre grey water tanks, 300ah lithium battery with 200w solar panel, a rooftop air conditioner, 24in TV/DVD and sound bar, twin burner cooktop, microwave and a continuous hot water system, among its list of standard features.

Jayco's JRV-X campervan (formerly Optimum) is also available on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter rear-drive platform, while there's also an all-wheel drive 'Benz van-based camper model called the JRV Adventurer (formerly All Terrain).

Jayco says the contemporary Oxford Blue and Natural Oak interior adds a wave of nostalgia with a fresh, modern edge.

“It’s a fusion of European internal styling and functionality with an iconic two-tone VW platform, a nod to the Kombi vans that defined an era,” Matthews said.

He said the introduction of the eye-catching new JRV-X campervan was also partly driven by changing demographics in the campervan market.

"We are experiencing an evolution in demographics, particularly across the campervan range. Whilst grey nomads remain a dominant proposition for us, the younger generation coming through is becoming increasingly prominent. Changes in style, décor, and functionality to suit the younger generation remains a focus for us."