German company Vansports offers an upgrade package to transform old diesel Mercedes Vito vans into off-road campers. The kit includes a lift kit increasing ground clearance by 35-40 mm, General Grabber off-road tires, and an aluminum roof rack. The camper conversion costs approximately €7,000, with additional components priced separately.

Weinsberg has introduced the new Carabus Grey range of camper vans based on the Fiat Ducato. Models from 5.4 to 6.36 meters in length feature a full kitchen and a bathroom with shower. The starting price in Spain is around €63,000, which is approximately €25,000 cheaper than compact rivals like the Volkswagen California and Mercedes Marco Polo.

Following the end of its partnership with Mercedes-Benz, Westfalia offers the Jules Verne camper based on the Vito van. The model features a full wet bathroom with toilet and shower, absent in the Marco Polo, and employs a split-room layout. Its base price is €74,180, undercutting the Marco Polo.

The market for compact camper vans based on minivans continues to grow in 2026. Key models include the Volkswagen California, Mercedes Marco Polo, Ford Transit Custom Nugget, and Volkswagen Caddy California. These vehicles, built by manufacturers or specialists like Westfalia, offer a balance between daily use and travel, being officially certified as campers.

RVYOURWAY CAMPERVAN is holding a flash sale of ready-made campervans based on the Mercedes Vito. The models are converted vans with a living module. The sale targets buyers looking for a turnkey travel solution.

The owner of a 2021 Mercedes Vito W447 van with 214,000 km is seeking recommendations for converting it into a camper. Key issues involve removing the factory two-piece floor plate for insulation and soundproofing, and the legal installation of additional seats to maintain the vehicle's utility as a transporter.

Mercedes-Benz has updated the Marco Polo camper van based on the V-Class. The refresh focuses on the living area, introducing the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Control system, magnetic window covers, and a redesigned pop-up roof with a bed measuring 2.05x1.13 meters. The van remains diesel-only, with a 2.0-liter engine in 163, 190, or 237 hp outputs.

A self-test was conducted on the Mercedes Marco Polo camper van with a pop-up roof. The vehicle offers comfortable driving and is suitable for two people, but space and comfort are limited for three. The base price is 83,800 euros.

German company Vansports has presented a 4x4 version of a camper van based on the Mercedes-Benz Vito. The van features a raised suspension, increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a modular camping interior. The price of the converted vehicle in Germany is approximately 80,000 euros.

Renault has unveiled an updated version of its compact camper van, the Trafic Escapade, at the Van Life Expo in Bordeaux. The model, originally introduced in 2017, features a modular layout with seven seats, two sleeping berths, and a compact kitchen unit with a gas hob and a 5-litre water tank. While Renault positions it as a competitor to the Volkswagen California and Mercedes Marco Polo, its compliance with Dutch tax regulations for camper vans is reportedly uncertain.

The article presents an overview of the small camper segment for 2026, highlighting their growing popularity due to lower costs and urban practicality compared to larger models. It lists key models including the Volkswagen California (5.17m long, with 4MOTION option), Mercedes Marco Polo, Ford Transit Custom Nugget (with 170 HP diesel engine), and Volkswagen Caddy California (available with a camper package for ~€4,800). These vehicles, typically around five meters in length, are noted for their dual usability as daily drivers and weekend travel accommodations.