If you’re dreaming about life on the open road, there’s one trend you’ll see again and again: automatic campervans are quickly becoming the vehicle of choice for UK adventurers.
And we’re not surprised.
At Free Spirit Campervans, almost every van we convert and sell is automatic, because they offer freedom without fuss. Whether you’re new to vanlife or want an easier, smoother driving experience, automatic is the way forward.
Here’s why these clever, compact automatic campervans are becoming the go-to choice for solo explorers, weekend warriors, and road-tripping families alike.
The Appeal of Automatic: Comfort, Simplicity and Confidence
Driving a manual campervan might sound romantic, but the reality? Clunky gear changes, hill starts with a cup of tea in your hand, and a sore left leg after hours in traffic.
Automatic campervans make the journey part of the pleasure. With barely a thought, you glide through winding lanes, cruise through cities, and take on motorways. No gearstick. No stress. Just drive.
Automatic makes it simple whether you’re weaving through Cornish coast roads or navigating a busy London ULEZ zone.
Why More Drivers Are Choosing Automatic Campervans in the UK
The numbers say it all. UK drivers have been moving steadily toward automatics in the last five years, and the campervan market is following fast.
Here’s why:
- Ease of use: Especially useful in traffic or on hilly terrain
- Ideal for first-time van owners: No awkward gear changes to master
- Perfect match for city driving and longer trips
- Smoother ride: You’ll feel the difference on long road trips
It’s not just a convenience upgrade; it’s a lifestyle one.
Meet the Vans: Free Spirit’s Automatic Line-up
Every van we convert is hand-picked for reliability, efficiency, and ease of driving. And yes — they’re all automatic campervans. Here’s a quick look at the models we specialise in:
🔹 Mazda Bongo Campervan
Compact, clever, and easy to park. A firm favourite with first-time vanlifers and solo travellers. With a pop-top roof and versatile layout, the Bongo is small but mighty.
🔹 Nissan Elgrand Campervan
Think luxury meets practicality. This smooth-driving executive people carrier converts beautifully into a campervan with loads of headroom, tech-friendly features, and a surprisingly spacious feel.
🔹 Mercedes Viano Campervan
For those who like a little luxury on the road. The Viano offers premium interiors, a refined ride, and high build quality — all with the freedom of automatic driving.
Every van is petrol and ULEZ compliant, so you’re free to roam through city zones without penalty — a growing concern for many UK drivers.
Petrol, Automatic, and ULEZ Compliant: Why It Matters
Urban exploration is now part of the vanlife experience, especially with the rise of weekend micro-adventures. But if your camper doesn’t meet ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) standards, you could be charged daily in cities like London, Brighton, or Birmingham.
That’s why every Free Spirit campervan is petrol-powered and ULEZ compliant, giving you total flexibility without the fees.
- ✅ Drive through any UK ULEZ without paying a charge
- ✅ Avoid the stress of diesel restrictions and emissions fines
- ✅ Enjoy cleaner, more efficient engines
Real Feedback from Free Spirit Owners
Our customers say it best:
“We bought a fantastic Elgrand from Free Spirit, absolutely delighted. Adrian and Ian were very friendly, informative, and knowledgeable, and the team back at the workshop did a great job on the conversion.”
“I absolutely love my campervan! I’m slowly figuring out how everything works, and I couldn’t be happier. The customer service was brilliant—everyone was lovely.”
We’re not just building vans. We’re helping people build freedom into their lives.
Automatic Doesn’t Mean Boring
Let’s be clear, automatic doesn’t mean basic.
Each of our conversions is carefully crafted to make the most of your space, tech, and travel style. Whether you want:
- Pop-tops for extra sleeping space
- Smart storage for surfboards or bikes
- Off-grid capability for wild camping
- USB charging, LED lighting and swivel seats
…we’ll build it in.
Your van, your way…
……… but without the left-foot cramps!
Ready to Embrace the Easy Life?
If you’ve been holding off buying a camper because of the gear changes or ULEZ restrictions, now’s the time to rethink it.
At Free Spirit Campervans, we specialise in automatic, petrol-powered, ULEZ-compliant vans that make life on the road feel effortless, not like a chore.
Explore our latest available automatic campervans, see how we convert them, and prepare to hit the road without compromise.
👉 Browse our current stock here.
Final Thought: The Road Should Be Easy
The spirit of vanlife is freedom. Freedom to roam, relax, explore, and enjoy the journey, without worrying about gears, emissions, or clunky conversions.
So if you’re looking for a campervan that’s as easy to drive as it is to live in, you’re already thinking like we do.
Welcome to Free Spirit Campervans: Freedom starts here.
FAQs
- Why should I choose an automatic campervan over a manual one?
Automatic campervans offer a smoother drive, especially in traffic, hilly areas, and urban zones. No gear changes, no hassle, just more time enjoying the journey. - Are all Free Spirit campervans automatic?
Yes! Every campervan we convert is automatic. We specialise in easy-driving, user-friendly vans that are perfect for both new and experienced van owners. - Are your campervans ULEZ compliant?
Absolutely. All of our vehicles are petrol-powered and fully compliant with ULEZ regulations, so you can cruise through city zones like London without extra charges. - What models of automatic campervans do you offer?
We convert and sell Mazda Bongos, Nissan Elgrands, and Mercedes Vianos, all selected for comfort, reliability, and their smooth automatic transmissions. - Can I customise my campervan conversion?
Yes! From pop-tops to USB ports, storage to off-grid power, we build your van, your way. Just tell us how you like to travel.
