The Elddis Accordo is the final brand in our series of motorcaravans with a long production run that sold well when new. Consequently, there are plenty of pre-owned examples for sale.

On several occasions over the past four decades of testing leisure vehicles, I’ve described fairly large luxury panel van conversions as ‘panel van conversions (PVCs) that think they are coachbuilts’. However, this is the first time that I’ve described a motor caravan as a ‘coachbuilt that thinks it’s a PVC’.

It’s true, though – from the off and continuing to this day, the Accordo offers coachbuilt comfort and standards of insulation in a footprint no bigger than a standard PVC.

All Accordo layouts are well thought out, although this 105 from 2019 is a masterpiece. A real 'quart in a pint pot'!
All Accordo layouts are well thought out, although this 105 from 2019 is a masterpiece. A real ‘quart in a pint pot’!

You’ll often see the overall length of this vehicle quoted as 6m, but it’s actually a cat’s whisker under that, at 5.999m (19′ 8.25″), and crucially just 2.14m wide (7′ 0″). yet it boasts a lofty 1.93m (6′ 4″) of headroom.

The launch offer consisted of two models. One was the Accordo 105, with a brace of two-seater inward-facing settees ahead of a centrally placed kitchen and washroom.

Across the rear of the ‘van, there’s a full-width changing/washroom with shower cubicle. The default sleeping arrangement is a transverse double converted from the settees. That said, if the squabs on the swivelled cab seats are used, two-easy-access longitudinal single beds are possible.

The other launch model, the 125, has a ‘permanent’ mid-height transverse double, with rear panel exterior access to storage below. ‘Permanent’ was in quotes because the bed hinges up to accommodate storage of taller items.

Rear three-quarters view of a 2019 Accordo 125. Note the large exterior-access door in the rear panel, which opens into the spacious underbed storage area
Rear three-quarters view of a 2019 Accordo 125. Note the large exterior-access door in the rear panel, which opens into the spacious underbed storage area

Once again, the galley and comfort station are central. An additional double face-forward seat immediately behind the driver provides two more dedicated passenger pews and an extra sleeping berth if required.

Despite the diamond-sharp price, the Accordo was launched with a surprisingly high level of specification, including a 130bhp Euro 5 motor, spare wheel and cradle, and all-LED lighting, plus underfloor dual-fuel water and space heaters.

The following year, two new variants were launched, the 135 and the 140. That autumn, the facelift X/290 cab was also unveiled, easily identified by its narrower ‘eyes’ (headlamps).

The 135 was broadly similar to the 125, although it replaced the permanent rear bed with two inward-facing settees. In 2016 came a change of cabinetwork, to include an upgrade to contrasting finger-panels, and an increase in space-heater output to 4kW. The Accordo 140 remained unchanged, but was renumbered 120.

Accordo 120 (previously 140) features a light and airy triple-aspect rear lounge. The model pictured here is from 2021
Accordo 120 (previously 140) features a light and airy triple-aspect rear lounge. The model pictured here is from 2021

A change of engine and gearbox was the big news the following year. Out went the (Ford) 2.2-litre engine, in case Peugeot’s in-house 2.0-litre 130bhp Euro 6 EcoBlue unit mated to a six-speed gearbox. The author has the same combo in his own coachbuilt and can confirm that this is a very refined unit with lots of oomph and a commendably light thirst.

The 2018 season was the year the exterior cladding changed from silver GRP to Azure Blue aluminium. A much better entrance door (now glazed) and a refreshing of finishes and fabrics were all well-received.

More recently, the introduction of the VIN CHIP theft deterrent was welcomed, while production of the 125 was rested.

Finally, the 2020/21 season saw a change of coachwork colour to Champagne Gold, and an engine upgrade to 2.2-litre to meet the Euro 6D-Final emissions standard.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

All Accordo layouts are well thought out, although this 105 from 2019 is a masterpiece. A real 'quart in a pint pot'!
All Accordo layouts are well thought out, although this 105 from 2019 is a masterpiece. A real ‘quart in a pint pot’!

Base vehicle

Check the emissions standard is suitable if you live in an Ultra Low Emission Zone, and as always, a full service history is welcome and a long MoT test certificate is a ‘must-have’. Tyres (don’t forget the spare) should be within five to six years of their date of manufacture. Early models will be coming up for an engine drive-belt change (regardless of a low mileage… it’s how old it is that is the deciding factor).

Conversion

As with any coachbuilt, evidence of a recent full habitation service, including a thorough (recorded) check for water ingress is essential.

However, the good news is that all Accordo variants were and are built using the SoLiD (Strong, Light and Dry) construction method.

This involves using a bonding agent (developed by Henkel) instead of conventional fixings to join the body together and to fit windows, roof lights and so on. This significantly reduces (but doesn’t completely eradicate) the possibility of leaks, plus it saves weight, hence the generous payloads at 3300kg.

Elddis maintains a ‘Belts for Berths’ philosophy, meaning every sleeping berth has a dedicated travel seat… which is not the case with many of its competitor brands.

OUR PICK

Additional face-forward rear travel seats are useful if this is going to be your only vehicle
Additional face-forward rear travel seats are useful if this is going to be your only vehicle

If you want the option of single beds, the 140/120. As an only vehicle, the 135, as it has three dedicated passenger seats. For full-width rear washroom/changing room, the 105. Garage enthusiasts, 125.

WHAT TO PAY

Accordo 105 at 2018 launch event. All Accords are built on the Peugeot Boxer chassis-cab and have a commendably short rear overhang
Accordo 105 at 2018 launch event. All Accords are built on the Peugeot Boxer chassis-cab and have a commendably short rear overhang

Usually available from dealers from around £35,000. Eden Motorhomes is currently asking £35,995 for a 2014 Accordo 105 which has covered under 20,000 miles. The author’s choice is at Pearman Briggs and is one of their own special edition Magnum Accordo 105 models.

This is a fully loaded 2015 example for £36,999. Equivalent brand new is £52,282, so a useful saving.

Champagne tastes but only lemonade money? Look for an early (2007) Elddis Autoquest 115, available privately from £21,000, fully warranted low-mileage examples at dealers from £23,000.

OR YOU COULD TRY…

Low-profile overcabs on Peugeot Boxer: Elddis Autoquest 115, Elddis Aspire 205, Compass Navigator 105 and 120, Auto-Sleepers Nuevo. On Fiat Ducato: Escape Compact by Swift Group.

See what I made of the Elddis Encore range of ‘vans too.

ESSENTIALS

  • Elddis Accordo on Peugeot Boxer chassis-cab
  • Built 2014-present in Consett, Co Durham, UK
  • Low-profile overcab coachbuilt
  • Overall length: 5.999m (19′ 8.25″)

LIKES

  • Coachbuilt comfort in a PVC footprint
  • Minimal rear overhang
  • Good payloads
  • Cracking value for money
  • Plenty of dealer specials
  • Euro 6 Boxer engine

DISLIKES

  • No automatic transmission available
  • ‘Wheel arch’ shower tray was fitted inappropriately to some 140s/120s

If you liked this… READ THESE:

Auto-Sleeper Nuevo II EL (2009) review

Swift Escape 604 (2018) review

10 top tips for buying a used motorhome

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