Winnebago Ceduna set for sale

Winnebago has announced it is about to start full production of a replacement for the successful Leisure Seeker, superseded in 2008 by the more upmarket Esperance.It will cost $134,990, plus on-road costs, which is $5000 less than the Leisure Seeker.

It fits into Winnebago's range between the bottom-end Birdsville models on Fiat platforms and the mid-range Esperance models on Iveco, says spokesman Max Mayo.

"Ceduna is seen as a motorhomer's motorhome - tough, rugged, traditional, rear-wheel drive, dual rear wheels, plenty of space, and high on comfort," he says.

"In terms of looks, it is no frills but has all the attributes of Winnebago motorhomes including the metal sheathed underbody ideal of those dirt road adventures.

"Leisure Seeker was a similar type of motorhome which we build for almost two decades so there are plenty of people out there who have fond memories or in fact continue to adore their Leisure Seeker and Ceduna is there for them to upgrade.

"Esperance took over from Leisure Seeker and at that time we introduced some style in terms of aerodynamic shape and interior curves.

"Esperance is a bigger vehicle - about a metre longer than Leisure Seeker and offers a complete choice, especially beds as today, island beds are all the rage."

Ceduna has the traditional motorhome look with a raked roof and is built on the Volkswagen Crafter 2.5 litre TDI turbo diesel chassis.

It has a three-year, 200,000km warranty on the chassis, a two-year one million kilometre warranty on the home and a five-year structural guarantee.

The external storage includes a full-width pass-through bin which can be used for storing longer items such as fishing rods. Inside, the Ceduna has a U-shaped lounge at the rear with over-large glass louvre windows for ventilation.

Ceduna has seatbelts and beds for six people including a push-button electric roll-down double bed stored against the ceiling, two single beds which double as part of the lounge and a double bed over the cab.

The bathroom has a hot shower, flushing toilet and hand basin. The hot water system is gas or 240v electric and heats 23 litres of water at a time.

It comes with cabin and roof air conditioning, flat-screen TV with DVD player, a roll-out awning, electric entry step, and a kitchen with oven, grill and hotplates including an electric hot plate. Mayo says Winnebago sales are setting records.

"Whilst times are tough given the local and global uncertainly and sluggish housing market, Winnebago did however finish the last financial year with record retail sales; the best since the company was established back in 1965," he says.