If you've been browsing the motorhome market lately, you've likely come across the Roller Team Zefiro 696 and wondered if it actually lives up to the hype. It's a bit of a staple in the leisure vehicle world, particularly for those who want a blend of luxury and practicality without moving into the "massive bus" territory. There's something about the way Roller Team designs their layouts that just seems to click with modern campers, and the 696 is probably the best example of that.
Why Everyone Loves the Island Bed
The real star of the show in the Roller Team Zefiro 696 is the rear bedroom. For a long time, motorhomes were all about "making the bed" every night from seat cushions. It's a pain, honestly. The 696 changes that by offering a permanent island bed at the back. It's a proper double bed that you can walk around on both sides. This means no more clambering over your partner in the middle of the night if you need to get up.
But it's not just about the convenience. The bed is height-adjustable, which is a clever little trick. If you need more space in the garage underneath for your bikes or camping gear, you can raise the bed. If you want more headroom while you're sleeping, you can lower it. It's that kind of flexibility that makes this model stand out from its competitors. The bedside tables and wardrobes on either side give it a real "hotel on wheels" vibe that's hard to beat.
The Lounge and the Magic Drop-Down Bed
Moving toward the front, the lounge area is surprisingly spacious. It uses an L-shaped dinette which, combined with the swiveling captain's chairs from the cab, creates a social circle. You can easily fit five or six people around the table for a meal or a game of cards. It feels open and airy, mostly thanks to the large windows and the skylight that lets in a ton of natural light.
The "magic" happens right above the lounge. Tucked away in the ceiling is another double bed that drops down electrically. It's one of those features that's great for families or if you occasionally bring friends along. When it's up, you wouldn't even know it's there. When it's down, it's a sturdy, comfortable place to sleep. It doesn't block the main door either, which is a common design flaw in other motorhomes. Having that second bed tuck away so neatly means you aren't sacrificing living space during the day.
Cooking and Dining on the Go
Let's talk about the kitchen. Now, it's a motorhome, so you aren't going to be roasting a full Thanksgiving turkey, but the Roller Team Zefiro 696 packs a lot into a small footprint. You get a three-burner hob, a decent-sized oven/grill, and a surprisingly large fridge. The fridge is a big deal for me—there's nothing worse than trying to cram a week's worth of food into a tiny cooler box. This one even has a dedicated drawer for large bottles, which is perfect for keeping the milk (or the wine) cold.
The workspace is a bit limited, which is pretty standard for this class of vehicle, but the sink cover helps extend the counter space when you're prepping food. It's all very ergonomic. Everything is within arm's reach, and there's enough storage for your pots, pans, and dry goods without them rattling around too much while you're driving.
The Bathroom Situation
One thing I really appreciate about the 696 is the "split" bathroom design. You have a dedicated shower cubicle on one side and the toilet and sink on the other. This is a game-changer if you're traveling with more than two people. One person can be showering while another is brushing their teeth or getting ready.
The shower itself is actually usable. In many motorhomes, the shower is so cramped you end up sticking to the curtain, but this one feels relatively roomy. It's got a solid door rather than a flimsy curtain, which helps keep the rest of the van dry. Plus, you can shut the bathroom doors in a way that creates a full-width en-suite area, separating the back bedroom from the front lounge. It's a nice touch for a bit of privacy.
Driving the Ford Transit Chassis
Most versions of the Roller Team Zefiro 696 are built on the Ford Transit chassis, which is generally considered one of the better driving platforms in the motorhome world. It feels a lot more like driving a large van or an SUV than a heavy truck. The dashboard is modern, the steering is light, and the visibility is excellent.
You usually have the choice between a manual or an automatic gearbox. If you're planning on doing long European tours or navigating mountain passes, the automatic is a dream. It takes the stress out of the journey. The engine (usually the 2.0L EcoBlue) has plenty of grunt to get you up hills, even when the water tanks are full and the garage is packed to the brim. It's also relatively fuel-efficient for a vehicle of this size, which is a nice bonus given current pump prices.
Storage and Practicality
You can't talk about the Roller Team Zefiro 696 without mentioning the garage. Access is from the outside, and it's huge. Because of that height-adjustable bed I mentioned earlier, you can fit some pretty serious gear in there. Bikes, inflatable kayaks, camping chairs, a BBQ—it all fits. There are even little cubby holes and points to tie things down so they don't slide around.
Inside, the storage continues with overhead lockers throughout. Roller Team has been quite clever with the "sky-view" lockers as well. They've managed to put storage in places you wouldn't expect. Even the floor has a few little hidden compartments. It's clearly designed by people who actually go camping and know that you always have more stuff than you think you do.
Is it Good for Winter?
A common question is whether these vans can handle the cold. The 696 is built with what Roller Team calls "EVO Technology." This is a wood-free construction process that helps with insulation and protects against dampness. It's Grade 3 insulated, which basically means it can stay warm even when it's freezing outside.
If you're planning on doing some winter touring, it's worth looking for a model with the "Thermo Pack." This adds extra insulation to things like the external waste pipes and gives you a more powerful heater. With the heater on, the interior stays cozy, and the double-glazing does a good job of keeping the frost out. I've seen people use these for ski trips, and they hold up surprisingly well.
Final Thoughts on the Zefiro 696
It's easy to see why the Roller Team Zefiro 696 is such a frequent sight on campsites across the country. It hits that "sweet spot" for many buyers. It's long enough (just under 7.5 meters) to feel luxurious and spacious inside, but not so long that it becomes a nightmare to park or navigate through narrow country lanes.
Whether you're a couple looking for a bit of luxury with that island bed or a family of four needing a practical way to see the world, the 696 covers both bases. It's not the cheapest motorhome on the market, but the build quality and the sheer amount of equipment you get for your money make it a very strong contender.
It feels like a real home when you're inside it. You aren't just "roughing it" in a van; you're living in a well-thought-out space that happens to have wheels. If you get the chance to step inside one at a dealership, do it. You'll probably find that the photos don't quite do justice to how open and comfortable it actually feels. It's a solid, dependable, and stylish choice for anyone looking to join the motorhome community.