From the outside you wouldn't pick the tiny tot Nova 392 as being a burger with the lot, but it is. It's loaded with all the goodies you'd expect to find in a bigger, more expensive caravan: shower and toilet; full kitchen; heating and air-con, etc. It's just awesome, and for the money $51,990 (plus delivery and rego) it represents absolute bang for bucks.

That said, you kind of expect this sort of RV-goodness from Hymer. It's the leading motorhome maker, and second largest caravan builder in Europe and when it comes to design and packaging, well, it wrote the book. The Nova is a perfect example of what Hymer's boffins can do with such a small space - indeed the Nova picked up an interior design award when it was first released in Europe back in 2004. This test 'van has a body measuring just 4.34m long and 2.2m wide (body only), it ain't huge.

And on the road almost nothing gets close to the Nova for towability - it's one of the best-behaved caravans I’ve ever towed. Sure it's tall but most Hymer's are wind-tunnel tested and offer a nice slippery profile that ensures they don't impact on fuel consumption. And because of the brilliance of its Al-Ko chassis and weight distribution cross-winds have little effect on it.

Technically talking

Like most European caravans, the Nova is a separate chassis construction. This means the caravan is built as a separate entity to the chassis (body-on-chassis) whic means it's very strong and well insulated. Indeed, the Nova's insulation, thanks to the closed-pore PU foam used, is equivalent to a 68cm thick brick wall. Most Aussie vans are built around the chassis, or monocoque. While this method is equally strong it doesn't offer the same level of underfloor insulation, but in a hot country like Australia that's not such a big issue.

The Nova is built around a skeleton of timber framework with an outer layer of aluminium on ply, an inner-ply lining and there's foam insulation sandwiched in between. And because Nova is of a separate chassis construction both the floor and the roof are insulated and that makes this type of 'van perfect for touring the colder parts of the country. And have no fear about towing the Nova on icy, or wet and slippery roads because most Euro 'vans are designed and tested to tow as well in snow and ice as, well, when they're not in snow and ice.

Speaking of towing, the Nova's ability is down to its AL-KO chassis and suspension package. These have been tailor-made to suit the height and weight of the Nova - just like a car. And this approach has paid off because the thing just tows so well. The Nova's override brakes which apply braking pressure proportionate to the car's braking are great. A breakaway brake system is standard and should the Nova jump off the towbar (unlikely) the handbrake is immediately triggered slowing the caravan. Not bad. The hitch itself is pretty clever and features a clamping mechanism that closes around the towbar’s towball. This helps keep the Nova stable and makes it almost impossible for it to jump off the hitch.

The inside story

This is where the Nova really shines. The split door is a cool idea and is dead easy to use, but it's the screen door that's just brilliant. The design of this concertina style will have industrial design buffs drooling.

Step inside, and you will need some sort of a step as there's quite a big step up into the unit. Directly on the right of the door is the kitchen which features a sink with hot and cold running water and a full-sized cooker with grill and oven.

There's loads of storage space and the soft-brown colour of the timber veneer used throughout is great - very inviting. The lack of bench space for food preparation, depending on whether you do most of your cooking from a can or prefer to use fresh ingredients, could be considered a pain.

Just next to the kitchen is a self-contained shower and toilet, and wow, what a set up - my bathroom at home isn't even as flash as this. Indeed, it's the sort of unit we'd normally associate with quality motorhome bathrooms like those crafted by Winnebago and A'Van. There's more than enough room to swing a cat and there's loads of storage space for toiletries, etc.

Like most compact caravans, especially European units, the dinette, which will easily seat four, becomes the bed at night. And it can be set up as either a double bed or two singles. The dinette itself is basically two twin-seat lounges facing each other, a sturdy folding table sits in between - when it's not needed it simply folds away and is stored in the wardrobe opposite the fridge. I know some people find having to convert the dinette into a bed each night can be a pain but once you get used to it it becomes a quick and easy job.

All of the windows are double glazed with flyscreens and blinds that can be drawn up to block out the blazing sun or prevent prying eyes from peering in at night. There's also an overhead sunroof which has blinds that can be drawn across it. And for those hot or cold days there's an airconditioning unit (cost optional) and ducted heating which is an LPG-based unit.

In the end

This is a quality unit that you could easily use for extended touring - it's like travelling with your own luxury hotel room. Don't let the Nova's dimensions put you off, because while it looks small from the outside it doesn't feel at all cramped inside.

So if you're after a van that takes up bugger all room at home, won't skyrocket your fuel consumption, and yet doesn't skimp on anything then the Nova is well worth a look.

Article published in Caravan + RV magazine, Winter 2007. Words Isaac Bober, photos Cristian Brunelli.