Timberland Destiny - Road Test

The radical newcomer from this Lincolnshire-based manufacturer respresents a whole new approach, reversing the floor plan to create a splendid rear lounge/bedroom. Several advantages attach to the idea, foremost being the tranquility of a lounge where nothing intrudes into the U-shaped seating and the outlook gives a 180 degree window on the world.
Sharing centre stage, the galley and washroom are quite seperate and freely accessible when the spacious airy sitting room is transformed into a bed. Up fron the passenger seat is a step or two away from the lounge, in a handy position though for the chef to keep an eye on the cooking or the captain to take a nap.

The Mechanicals

Something of a revelation, and definetly not standard, was the 3.0-litre Multijet diesel motor installed in the X"/50 Fiat base vehicle for the Destiny. So, beneath the throttle pedal I had 157bhp and a massive 400Nm of torque to play with.
A decidedly delicate touch was all that was necessary to accelerate in an unusually brisk manner. Leave aside the unfair comparison of acceleration with the Fiat having an extra 37bhp to play with a comparison between Fiat and Reneault is interesting.
Both have six-speed gearboxes and transverse turbo diesel motors. The Fiat cab has more storage recesses, Renault has easier to read temperature and fuel gauges, a passanger airbag as standard and a slightly shorter body length and wheel base.
For overall ride quality there is little to choose although the Renault is a touch quieter. Fiat goes with the Macpherson type strut front suspension. The Renault has a twin suspension arm with the shock absorber acting on the lower arm.
No doubt about it; the technology under the bonnet is impressive - smoother and more efficient.

A Change of Style

What are the true advantages of this rear lounge idea? First off the long couches allow two people to stretch out, sit with feet up or even slouch in comfort. Two of you can take a nap after lunch and for the six to be seated without rubbing elbows it certainly qualifies as sociable.
There is no through traffic and if you've a yen for TV you could have the satellite dish and the flat screen TV option we had. After a few minutes of setting it up viewing was brilliant with golf from St Andrews.
Our short spell with Destiny coincided with the newly arrived hot July weather when, with the Heki roof vent vertical and all windows open, a zephyr of a breeze was enough to keep the atmosphere cool. Obviously thorough insulation of the total body plays a part.
New design deserved new furnishings, which was well done with plenty of shapre to the cushions and fabric colours were a quiet contrast to the furniture with a very interesting French Oak grain effect. A great looking different Oak design for the planked effect vinyl floor was another wise choice.
For mealtimes the portable table was standard to Timberland although a slightly larger one is due to be offered as an alternative.

The Kitchen Laid Bare

A more compact kitchen retains the normal high-specification full cooker, microwave and 96-litre fridge/freezer. Workspace is smaller than the Endeavour array but with the extension flap raised and one or both of the sink or hob glass tops in use our methodical chef managed fine.
The caprice cooker is a fine piece of equipment, capable of processing the most ambitious recipes with super efficient gas powered oven, grill and the four burners. Mind you, knowing that we had 20-litres of LPG in the fixed tank under the floor was mighty reassuring. Just one of Timberland's thoughtful items fitted as standard along with two 100Ah leisure batteries, smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector.
Thetford make the fridge with its innovative, electronically monitored temperature control and large salad container to keep the contents cool but not cold. Typically generous lighting for the gallery includes the combined spotlight/extractor unit and two of the fluorescent ceiling fittings above the gangway. For cutlery and crockery there are dedicated racks plus roof locker space for packaged food.

Sleeping in the Grand Manner

Night-time is when Destiny really scores and the entire lounge space converts without fuss to a pullman sleeper. It's easy to pull the slatted supports into place to close the gap between both couches and without ceremony drop both backrests onto the slats that help to keep the bed aired. Only make sure that the curves of the backrest cushions marry to the identical curves of the seat squab cushions and all will be well.
There is now a grand double bed measuring 1.85m long and 1.82m wide when you sleep across the vehicle. Should it be as hot as it was for us, you can slide the window blinds into place, leave the roof vent fully open but with its fly screen in place. There are spotlights if you read in bed, or Classic FM through the speakers fitted under the roof lockers. With the remote to hand you wont even have to get out of bed to switch the radio off. There is sufficient space in the lockers under the bed to stow the sleeping tackle and retrieve it.

Washroom and Storage

Immediately accesible behind the can, the basic format is similar to the Endeavour washroom but with improved space and privacy. In its raw state the expanse of white fittings and white walls are inclined to be bland but this is a prototype and will no doubt acquire a few more fittings and equipment in development. Coat hooks for wet outdoor clothes, perhaps, and maybe a small window to improve ventilation.
Floor space to shower in is fine and the wash basin is generous. The mixer tap and faucet serve both basin and shower. The latest model Thetford toilet has a vastly improved lever operation and the wheels attached to the cassette are a long overdue refinement.
Sharing the space above the fridge are the generously wide wardrobe and ingenious locker from which the TV slides into use. Roof lockers on two sides and the space beneath both couches have the capacity to accomodate a mass of personal gear, supplanted by a useful wide cupboard over the cab.
In the cab, Fiat's imaginative approach is responsible for an Aladdin's cave of concealed and open stowage compartments - in the doors under the dashboard and over it. Bolted to the base of the drivers seat, the fire extinguisher is obvious and readily accessible.

Verdict

Testimony to the future success of Destiny is the interest and number of forward orders, even before the first production model left the construction line. Our test experience was thoroughly enjoyable in the best of summer weather when the benefit of the delightful rear lounge really proved the concept. As with all models from Timberland the standard inventory is unusually thorough at a competitive price of £38,495.