Small but perfectly formed? Rapido's smallest motorhome tested - it still has a fixed bed and garage

Peter Vaughan is back at Wokingham Motorhomes to test the most compact motorhome in the whole range from luxury French brand, Rapido. The new C03 is just 6.19m long but has a rear double bed over a garage, plus better wardrobe and fridge capacity than its rivals. Watch to find out if it's a winning formula?
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◼️ REVIEWED BY: Peter Vaughan, Group Motorhome Road Test Editor for MMM magazine and What Motorhome magazine Editor. Peter has been writing about motorhomes since the age of 14, has a love of touring France and is mad about old Italian sports cars.
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[@scoutfinch47]

I've been waiting for another Peter review, always the best reviews of motorhomes bar none. He gives us what we need and is totally unbiased which is always appreciated. Always comprehensive reviews from measurements of the garage to the beds. Love all your work Peter and thank you so much for your expertise.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Very kind. Thanks so much for your comments

[@lesleywall4186]

On the contrary I like the idea of the door closing the bedroom off. The early-bird can get up, let light into the living area, make breakfast without too much smell getting into the bedroom, whilst the lucky partner continues to sleep in a darkened area. IMO for a single long-term traveller this van is ideal. Did I miss comments about USBs?

[@markreeves515]

The problem with no oven’s in the compact Rapido C03 there isn’t enough space in the kitchen no space to leave an electric kettle plugged in .At least the C56 had space to leave a kettle plugged in next to the sink

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes, but I'd prefer a separate sliding door to close off the bedroom, so the shower/loo stays private

[@philipellis7039]

I usually get up about an hour before my wife does, so I could shut that door, have a wee, take the dog out and come back for a coffee all whilst she keeps snoozing. So it would work for us.

[@_Zir]

Love Peter, what a fantastic guy

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Awww, thank you!

[@t5jayson]

Thank you, Peter, for this in-depth review. I've been waiting for this one as it ticks nearly all our boxes. Next will be to see it 😊

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Let us know how you get on. If it "ticks nearly all the boxes" I think you'll love it.

[@tricialyn4645]

This was very enjoyable! I liked all your descriptions and the tour. Keep up the good work. I'm delighted that I subscribed 😊

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Thanks for subbing!

[@johnpaine72]

Evening Peter, what a nice 'Little' motorhome. Think this is my first look at a Rapido model and can safely say I like what I see. Tons of storage without cramming things in, nice hanging space for coats and jumpers which if wet can dry off in the hanging rail in the bathroom, which I really like the space saving idea of the swivel compartment. Could cut the costs down to what you actually need instead of all the whistle and bells, over all a very very nice motorhome been given the expert once over once again. Thank you peter.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Thank you for your comments

[@lyndabarnes2370]

Love this van and the layout, would suit me and the dog. Don't think it's in Australia though. 😊

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Only in Europe, I think. Sorry

[@andy5786]

Rapido C303 motorhome is well nice thanks for review great guys 👍👏

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Our pleasure!

[@travelcampervansandmore]

My spirit level is a ping pong ball!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Great idea. I often use a coin

[@petermurphy994]

I think we have another refreshing take on a familiar platform once again it will appeal to couples and should generate a lot of interest very good review as always peter.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Thanks. Glad you liked it

[@zimpon]

Beautiful little van 😊

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Certainly is!

[@rosswhittleton6277]

That's a great van.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

We think so!

[@666JGNotts]

An excellent van 😊

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes, we think so!

[@user-fv1pn9vc9o]

Great review.I can think of one good reason why you would close a bedroom door,or is that too obvious.What fun!! Rusty Ade

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

LOL. But wouldn't you need to draw all the blinds? Not much room the other side of the door...

[@Mr2pint]

Approved...

[@An.Individual]

What leisure battery charging system is fitted? B2B, SCR ?

[@markjhoyle]

Does the loo flush come direct from water tank?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes. Very few 'vans now have a separate flush reservoir, which I don't like as it's another thing to remember to top up

[@frenchboy2005-mp1ui]

Overall this is an impressive motorhome, with many likeable features, and a couple of idiotic ones. I like the bathroom but would prefer if it had a window for cross ventilation. And that split level floor in the dinette is indeed strange. The kitchen is small but does look like it might offer just enough storage. Would you, in practice, wish for a smaller fridge? Good point about the lack of headboard in rhe bedroom... And although the back of the van looks inoffensive, I don't like the rear lights. That garage though is a bonus. Top review as always Peter. Thanks.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Thanks. I think kitchen storage is OK and, personally, I quite like a big fridge - buyers seem to want them now, too

[@carolburton5983]

A lovely van. Can I ask what does MMM stand for ? 😀

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly - goes back to the days when motorcaravan referred to smaller 'vans, motorhomes were large ones. Now everyone just calls it MMM

[@ianglover3642]

I'd tell the dealer that I want the Auto, for the price of the Manual! Or I'll look elsewhere!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Maybe don't go in as aggressively as that and you might get what you want. There are discounts out there now but this model won't be in the UK in huge numbers

[@markbur1503]

Did you go in the garage area or did I miss that?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Watch at 7 minutes

[@user-ch3bi6fc8x]

interested in the eazy park where can i get one please

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

www.caravansforsale.co.uk/level-ramps-and-chocks/eazy-pitchadjustable-motorhome-in-kent/1380601#google_vignette

[@ManchesterMick123]

How much ? ,££££

[@paulwoods7857]

Lovely little motorhome, but £86k is an awful lot, even with that spec! Does it have solar on the roof? Good review though.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Solar is optional in the Energy Pack or Power Pack, or your dealer could add one. Price seems pretty competitive to me for the quality/spec here in 2024.

[@rapido2963]

My 2 berth 2003 Rapido 709F is for sale. 42154 miles - £19500.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Good luck. Are you looking to buy another 'van?

[@rapido2963]

@@MotorhomeCampervan No - age has caught up with me. Hotels beckon! I’ve had some wonderful long trips to Europe and around the UK though, so can’t complain. 👍

[@markreeves515]

Great review as always it’s looks great but quality let our C56 down sold it after 10 months lots of warranty issues bed leg broke ,Sat Nav failed ,window fell out ,seat leather frayed it was so disappointing as really liked it and make matters worse Rapido took months to approve every defect so lost confidence in it their after sales experience was very poor . Changed to Auto Trail Excel 675B after sales so much better also prefer Ford to drive to the Fiat better seating position and more powerful and automatic much cheaper.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

That's a real shame but I suspect that your 'van was built in the post-Covid boom when all manufacturers were struggling with component supply issues, while also trying to build too many vehicles. Quality suffered at most brands. Like you, I prefer the Ford cab to the Fiat!

[@user-si7ok3yq6z]

Dealers and manufacturers deserve to go bust. Ridicules pricing

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Everything has got more expensive, all the components and especially chassis. That's just life. I wouldn't want to see anyone go bust with folk losing their jobs...

[@Maltbrew]

What is it with you British folk and your love for the oven/grill combo? It takes up so much space in that tiny kitchen! Why not use an air fryer instead?

[@josephmiddleton4331]

One word. Bacon.

[@Maltbrew]

@@josephmiddleton4331 How much bacon if a large pan can't be used instead?

[@jeremysymonds2954]

In our German built campervan we use Herr Fryer for the bacon.

[@Cyberdyne-kg8ku]

Air fryers have a habit of working for about 18 months before they pack up. Ask me how I know.

[@keithwebster9131]

Mmm gas air fryer, interesting thought.