There's a new name on the motorhome scene, or rather, an old one. Ace, the beloved British brand that disappeared from dealer forecourts two decades ago, has made a triumphant return, and from what we've seen so far, it's hitting the ground running.
A FRESH START FOR A FAMILIAR NAME
Ace made its grand comeback at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at Birmingham's NEC, turning heads and sparking plenty of nostalgia along the way. But don't let the familiar name fool you, this isn't a dusty revival. This is an all-new marque built for a new generation of leisure vehicle enthusiasts, with a sharp focus on first-time buyers, couples, and families looking to get into motorhoming without the usual confusion or cost.
Within weeks of launch, more than 20 retailers had already signed up to stock the range across the UK, including dealers in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The momentum is real.
TWO RANGES, ONE CLEAR GOAL
Photo: Ace Motorhomes
The Ace line-up is refreshingly straightforward:
- Campervans: The 1200 range, built on the Fiat Ducato chassis. Prices start at £59,805
- Motorhomes: The 1500 range, riding on a Ford Transit chassis. Prices start at £64,995
Competitive figures in a market that can often feel eye-wateringly expensive.
THE CAMPERVANS: THREE MODELS, ONE POP-TOP OPTION
Photo: Ace Motorhomes
The campervan range offers three distinct layouts, all sharing a half-dinette front lounge with a full-height walk-through to the cab and ISOFIX fittings on the forward-facing bench.
Photo: Ace Motorhomes
The 1200 RL is the sole six-metre option and doubles up with a second lounge at the rear. Perfect for those who value flexibility in how they use their living space.
The 1200 GL is arguably the most intriguing of the trio. Built on the extra-long 6.36m Ducato, it features an impressively sized transverse double bed (up to 1.88m x 1.65m) at the rear, with handy bike storage tucked beneath. A genuinely thoughtful touch for active travellers.
Completing the campervan trio, the 1200 SL takes the same long-wheelbase platform and opts for single beds at the stern instead.
Photo: Ace Motorhomes
All three come well-equipped as standard: a microwave, two-burner hob, compressor fridge, and a washroom with a tambour door, folding washbasin, and a curtain-free shower. No corners cut here.
Photo: Ace Motorhomes
Want to go from two berths to four? Simply add the optional SCA pop-top for £5,500 and the models gains a 'T' suffix. Other options are minimal; an automatic gearbox (£2,995) and a Driver's Pack (£2,195) that bundles Lanzarote Grey paint, 16" alloys, reversing sensors, sat-nav, solar panel, electric step, cab blinds, and a flyscreen.
THE MOTORHOMES: MORE SPACE, MORE CHOICE
Photo: Ace Motorhomes
The motorhome range spans four models across two lengths, though the two shorter 7m options, the 1500 ET (drop-down bed, end washroom and garage) and the 1500 GL (transverse rear double over a garage), won't arrive until June.
Photo: Ace Motorhomes
Available from launch are the longer 7.8m models: the 1500 SL with single beds and the 1500 DB with an island bed layout. Both are pure two-berth vehicles as standard, but buyers can opt for foldaway Aguti rear travel seats (£1,995) to accommodate up to four. That said, the two-berth configuration is expected to be the most popular, and it's easy to see why. It brings extra under-seat storage with external access, a more open-plan lounge, and a pair of swivelling coffee tables (plus a freestanding one stashed in the garage).
On the mechanical side, every 1500 comes with Ford's 130HP engine and manual gearbox, with the option to upgrade to a 165HP automatic for just £1,895, exceptional value for a powertrain upgrade.
Photo: Ace Motorhomes
Every motorhome also leaves the factory with the Comfort Pack (£1,095) as standard, which includes a 12" media screen, reversing camera, 120W solar panel, cab blinds, habitation carpets, and a handful of practical touches like a duckboard and hanging rail in the shower.
STYLE THAT DOESN'T FEEL LIKE A COMPROMISE
Photo: Ace Motorhomes
One of the risks with keenly priced vehicles is that "affordable" can slide into "basic." Not here. Ace has worked hard to ensure the interiors feel contemporary and welcoming, with granite-inspired soft furnishings and considered colour schemes that give the range a genuinely fresh feel.
THE VERDICT
With proven layouts, accessible pricing, and a distribution network that's already expanding rapidly, Ace looks set to become a very familiar name in British motorhoming once again. Whether you're a first-timer weighing up your options or a seasoned caravanner ready to make the switch, this is a brand well worth keeping a close eye on. Ace is back, and it means business.
