Ford Nugget Plus review: what real-world driving and living reveal

Okrasna naslovnica testa Ford Nugget Plus
Ford Nugget Plus is particularly recommended for couples and young families looking for a compact campervan with the comfort of a passenger car. The spacious L-shaped kitchen, built-in Thetford toilet and comfortable driving experience support this choice. Space becomes limited for longer trips with four people, and the purchase price is not low, which makes renting a more sensible first step than buying immediately.
In brief:
  • The Ford Nugget Plus is 5.34 metres long, 37 centimetres longer than the standard Nugget, which allows it to accommodate a fixed Thetford toilet.
  • In real-world driving, fuel consumption typically ranges from 7 to 10 litres per 100 kilometres, depending on the load and terrain, so fuel costs should be included when planning your trip.
  • The interior includes a two-burner cooker, a 40-litre refrigerator, a sink with a 42-litre water tank and a fixed toilet located separately at the rear.
  • For most users, it works well as a temporary solution for a couple or small family, as space and storage quickly become limited with four people.
  • When renting in Slovenia, basic insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance and equipment are included, making a test trip a useful opportunity to decide whether buying your own campervan makes sense.

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Table of Contents

Ford Nugget Plus review: technical data and dimensions

Before deciding whether to rent or buy, it is worth looking at the basic dimensions. The Ford Nugget Plus is based on the Transit Custom and is 5.34 metres long, approximately 37 centimetres longer than the standard Nugget. This additional length is not merely cosmetic. It allows the installation of a fixed Thetford toilet at the rear of the vehicle, which is not available in the standard version. Key specifications that can influence your decision:
  • Length: 5.34 m (L2 version with long wheelbase)
  • Engine: 2.0 EcoBlue diesel in several power outputs
  • Sleeping capacity: two main sleeping areas (upper and lower beds), with the option of additional sleeping space in the front
  • Water tanks: fresh and wastewater tanks, each with a capacity of 42 litres
  • Heating: Truma Combi system providing both warm air and hot water
For a comparison with other models in the same category, see our Ford Nugget vs VW California comparison, where the differences in dimensions and interior layout are explained in greater detail.

How does the Ford Nugget Plus drive and what is its fuel consumption?

Drivers who have tested the vehicle over longer distances report that the Nugget Plus feels surprisingly similar to a raised passenger car. Good sound insulation and the Transit Custom chassis and suspension are the main reasons for this driving experience. Body roll through corners is relatively well controlled, which is often a weakness of campervans of this size.
Real-world fuel consumption ranges between 7 and 10 litres per 100 kilometres, depending on the load, speed and terrain.
With a full load, including equipment, water and passengers, fuel consumption can quickly move towards the upper end of this range. On hilly parts of Slovenia, for example when heading towards the Julian Alps, we recommend driving smoothly and using a lower gear when climbing. This helps prevent the engine from working under excessive load and can also help maintain reasonable fuel consumption over the long term.

Ford Nugget Plus interior: kitchen, toilet and beds

Ford Transit Nugget Plus campervan rental in Ljubljana The interior layout is one of the main reasons the Nugget Plus stands out among compact campervans. The L-shaped kitchen on the left separates the cooking area from the living space. According to road tests, this can be particularly practical for families because meal preparation does not interfere as much with passengers relaxing in the seating area. The interior includes:
  • A two-burner cooker with an adjacent work surface
  • A built-in 40-litre refrigerator
  • A sink with running water connected to a 42-litre water tank
  • A fixed Thetford toilet concealed behind a door at the rear
  • An upper bed that lowers over the front section and a lower bed created from the seating bench
The built-in toilet is practical for quick nighttime use, but privacy is limited because the space around it is tight. For longer stays, we recommend campsites with proper sanitary facilities and using the onboard toilet mainly as a backup. Expert tip: before setting off, practise converting the seating bench into the lower bed at home or in a car park. The process is not particularly intuitive and can take considerably longer the first time than you might expect. Storage space is not abundant, but the compartments under the seats and above the beds are sufficient for a long weekend or a week-long trip. For a more detailed comparison of bed sizes and what to check before booking, see our campervan bed guide.

How much does the Ford Nugget Plus cost and what does rental cost in Slovenia?

The purchase price of a new Ford Nugget Plus is positioned towards the upper end of the compact campervan segment in European markets, depending on the selected equipment and engine. For many people, this is a reason to test the vehicle through a rental before committing to such a significant purchase. The main costs to consider include:
  • Fuel: at 7 to 10 l/100 km, fuel can be one of the larger ongoing costs, depending on current diesel prices
  • Maintenance: Ford-scheduled servicing, including oil and filter changes
  • Insurance: basic coverage is generally included with rental, while ownership brings additional insurance costs
  • Campsites and overnight stops: prices vary depending on the region and season
When renting from providers such as Campervan, the rental price generally includes basic insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance and the vehicle’s basic equipment. Additional charges most commonly relate to extended insurance coverage, cleaning upon return or exceeding the included mileage.

Checklist for your first night in the Ford Nugget Plus

Your first night in a new campervan is always a test of patience. A little preparation before departure can save you considerable frustration.
  1. Practise setting up the bed at home before driving to your first destination.
  2. Buy a longer 220 V hookup cable – the standard cable supplied with the vehicle is often only 1 to 1.5 metres long, which is not enough to reach the electrical hookup on many campsites.
  3. Check the water supply – the 42-litre tank is enough for one or two days of moderate use, so refill it whenever you stop at a suitable water point.
  4. Prepare basic tools and additional levelling pads to stabilise the vehicle on uneven ground.
  5. Before driving, check the tyre pressure, oil level and gas cylinder used for cooking and heating.
Expert tip: save a copy of the instructions for converting the seats into a bed on your phone. During your first rental, you will probably check them several times until the process becomes second nature. If you are planning a winter rental, also check the additional requirements for winter campervan rental, as lower temperatures affect how the water system should be handled.

Who gets the most out of the Ford Nugget Plus?

Who is the Ford Nugget Plus best suited for? — overview diagram In my view, the Nugget Plus is best suited to couples or a family with one small child who want comfort without the size and weight of a large motorhome. For a family of four on a longer trip, the living and storage space can quickly feel tight, particularly because the cooking and washing areas are concentrated in one compact section. If you are not yet sure whether the layout and size work for you, a short rental is a more practical way to find out than buying immediately. At Campervan, we have found that after a first short rental, customers can much more easily determine whether this type of campervan suits them for longer trips.
— Rok

Where to rent a Ford Nugget Plus in Slovenia

Campervan offers an alternative to buying for those who are not yet sure whether the Ford Nugget Plus is the right long-term choice for them. Instead of committing a large amount of money to your own vehicle, you can test the campervan on a shorter trip and decide whether purchasing one makes sense afterwards. Campervan A rental of the Ford Nugget Plus from Campervan includes basic insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance and the vehicle’s basic equipment, as described above: kitchen, refrigerator, fixed toilet and heating. We recommend a short test rental, such as a long weekend in the Julian Alps or towards the Karst region, so you can practise setting up the bed and using the toilet before deciding to purchase your own vehicle. Check available dates and book your Nugget Plus with Campervan.

Sources

Technical specifications and the assessment of driving characteristics are based on Practical Motorhome, real-world fuel consumption is based on the Hungarian Alapjárat test, and category ratings are based on the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Ford Nugget Plus?

The Ford Nugget Plus is 5.34 metres long, approximately 37 centimetres longer than the standard Nugget, allowing space for the built-in toilet.

What is the real-world fuel consumption?

In practical driving, fuel consumption ranges from 7 to 10 litres per 100 kilometres, depending on the load and terrain.

Is the Ford Nugget Plus suitable for a family of four?

It is comfortable for a couple or a family with a small child, while a family of four on a longer trip may find the living and storage space limited.

What is included in a rental from Campervan?

A Campervan rental generally includes basic insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance and essential vehicle equipment such as the kitchen and toilet.

What is the Caravan Club rating for the Ford Nugget Plus?

The Caravan Club gave the vehicle high ratings for build quality and driving, both around 88 percent, while the overall rating was 79 percent.
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