Imagine driving something with the compact dimensions of a van, but with the standing height and comfort of a full-blown motorhome. Sounds like a contradiction? Not with the Hotomobil New Ronin XL.
Nele took a closer look at this unusual concept at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf 2026 and found a vehicle that shows just how cleverly big camping dreams can be squeezed into a small footprint.
A monocoque build makes all the difference
What makes the New Ronin XL special is its seamless monoblock, or monocoque, build sitting on the compact vans from the Stellantis group. The model is available on three base vehicles: Fiat Scudo, Opel Vivaro, and Citroën Jumpy. Hotomobil builds the vehicle as an officially authorized second-stage manufacturer with European type approval, meaning the full original manufacturer warranty stays intact.
While the first generation (2015–2021) was still built on the smaller Fiat Pratico, the legend is now making a comeback: the New Ronin XL is 50 cm longer and uses the 5.60-meter Stellantis platform. With 150 hp (2.2 MultiJet), the new generation also delivers noticeably more power.
What looks like a compact camper van from the outside turns out to be a real space wonder inside. The ergonomic overcab design gives you a standing height of two meters and an interior width of two meters as well. That's the crucial difference to classic vans, where you often have to move around hunched over.
Layout and sleeping spaces
The manufacturer officially lists the vehicle's capacity as 2 + 1 people. But according to Nele's report from the trade show floor, the layout of the vehicle on display actually offers sleeping space for up to four people:
Overcab bed: Generously sized with a window and standing height for two adults.
Living area: The cozy round seating area seats three to five people and can be converted into additional sleeping space if needed.
The bright interior in cream and brown tones makes the space feel bigger, while the Heki skylight lets in plenty of daylight.
Clever detail: cooking and heating in one
One feature especially impressed Nele: the stove doubles as a room heater. The cooktop has a sleek induction look. Fold down the cover, and the heat spreads efficiently through the room — a minimalist, multifunctional solution that saves precious space.
The bathroom also turns out bigger than expected. It offers enough room for a shower, comes with a Thetford cassette toilet, and is rounded out with an outdoor shower system for warm summer days.
Storage and technical features
Compared to the previous generation, the New Ronin XL now has a full-size 90-liter fridge. Slightly rounded overhead cabinets provide plenty of storage without any sharp corners to bump into.
The tech on the show vehicle is well equipped for self-sufficient travel:
Off-grid power: 200 Ah LiFePO₄ battery with control panel, a 205-watt solar system including an MPPT controller, and a genuine sine wave inverter.
Water supply: 100-liter fresh water tank, 50-liter wastewater tank, and a Truma Therme for hot water.
Extras: Dometic awning for the outdoor area.
Driver assistance and payload
The show vehicle carries a list price of 75,830 euros, though it was available at the show for 67,900 euros. According to the figures given on-site, the unladen weight ranges between 2,600 and 2,700 kg, allowing for a solid payload of 500 kg (the bare chassis is rated by the manufacturer for a gross weight of up to 3.1 t).
On the road, the base vehicle impresses with modern assistance tech:
Manual air conditioning and heated side mirrors
Traffic sign recognition and rear-view camera
Driving safety systems like ABS, ESP, EBD, and ASR
Cruise control, light/rain sensor, and fog lights
Note for comfort lovers: an automatic transmission option will be available from the end of the 2027 season, according to the manufacturer.
Verdict: Compact with motorhome-level comfort
The Hotomobil New Ronin XL shows impressively how compact vehicle dimensions and real living comfort can go hand in hand. At 5.60 meters long, it stays practical for everyday use, but its monocoque construction gives it noticeably more spaciousness than classic panel van conversions.
Want to know more about the Hotomobil Ronin XL? Nele recorded the podcast episode right at the trade show booth. Tune in now!
Podcast · Episode 421
If you have specific questions about the Ronin XL, just send an email to podcast@camperstyle.de or shoot us a WhatsApp voice message – Nele will happily pass your questions straight on to Hotomobil.
More information at www.hotomobil.com/de/new-ronin-wohnwagen or at the Caravan Salon 2026 in Hall 12, Booth C53.
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