IH N-Class 630 SL - VAN with sliding wall

The British brand IH Motorhomes can surprise. But this time the surprise is much greater than in the case of the presentation of bright green cars with a bright yellow interior. The IN N-Class 630 SL is probably the first van with a retractable sidewall.

At the front and rear, this motorhome hardly differs from a regular Fiat Ducato. However, when looking at the vehicle from the side, we have to start figuring out what it is all about. On the one hand, we find doors typical of caravans rather than vans. On the other hand, in the part behind the driver and passenger compartment, we will not see ordinary doors or sliding doors. Yet a careful observer will notice two vertical lines suggesting sheet metal cuts.

Magic wall

This is where the pull-out side wall is located. To see what this trick is all about, just get into the car and insert the key into the lock located between the kitchen and the couch.

After turning the key, the wall with the couch will start… to run backwards. People standing outside the car will also notice a wall protruding to the outside . So you have to be careful not to park your car too close to a tree, wall or other vehicle.

Extending the wall with a sofa by several dozen centimeters has a very positive effect on the spaciousness of the interior. You can put a table next to the couch and enjoy the space almost like in much larger, semi-integrated motorhomes. In addition, a few skilled movements will transform the couch into a double bed measuring 201 x 146 cm , placed across the vehicle.

Someone might say that the sliding wall is rather insignificant and rather marketing than practical. And yet, this innovation allows you to design the space completely differently.

The unusual arrangement of the bed allowed for the new layout of the other zones of the vehicle. The convenient L-shaped kitchen has the form of a peninsula. The person who bustles in the kitchen does not have to be facing the window, but may be in contact with the person sitting on the couch.

There is a bathroom in the rear part of the vehicle - exceptionally spacious , considering that we are dealing with a small van. Not only is there a chemical toilet, a washbasin, but even a shower.

The N-Class 630 SL model can be equipped with everything that we expect from a motorhome: e.g. a fridge, gas stove, oven, as well as a sink with running water. The clean water tank has a capacity of 67 liters , and the waste water tank can hold 60 liters.

The biggest revelation, however, is the retractable wall. It was she who made the N-Class 630 SL win the title of "High-Top Van Conversion of the Year" in the Motorhome of the Year Awards 2014.

Will other campervan manufacturers also follow in the footsteps of IH Motorhomes? We hope that the British company's experiment will also prove to be an inspiration for its competitors from the continent.

More information on the manufacturer's website www.ihmotorhomes.com