Roadstar’s GT Sport

Roadstar is an established brand that has been around for a very long time, and this year it’s gearing up a notch and hitting some fresh home runs with its clients. Traditionally the team at Roadstar has concentrated on the upper end of the market, with large, super-flash
on-road vans retailed alongside some tough and capable dedicated off-road units.

For images and the full specs, read this in our online magazine.

According to Ken Nizam, Roadstar’s MD, what the company lacked was a quality, entry-level range to open the door for more punters to get into their first van more easily. This thought process led to the design and manufacture of the GT Sport on-road range that starts in the early 50s bucks-wise and includes a raft of cool standard features, however, these vans are anything but cheap on quality.

There are four layouts to choose from, including an ensuite model and a family bunk van and they range in size from 16ft, 6in up to 20ft, 6in. Essentially, each layout starts with a individual but basic floorplan, which can then be optioned up to personalise the facilities and suit the owner.

During the factory tour, after the photo shoot, Ken explained a lot about the Roadstar build process, which starts with full CAD design and all the CNC work is done in-house. There is no chipboard or MDF timber used in the vans and their big strength is the unique sealant that’s used extensively throughout the van build.

The use of these products and techniques means that Roadstar builds a quality van that will stand up to the rigours of touring in Oz. In 20-odd years of working in this industry, it’s a first for me where the manufacturer has helped develop a sealant specifically for their vans and for our Aussie touring conditions. It’s pretty cool and a sign of the dedication Roadstar is putting into its van-building processes.

Inside

The first thing I noticed when I stepped up into this GT was how bright it was. Large windows and the use of light and dark contrasting finishes meant the light carried well throughout the van.

This van is roomy: one thing I had to get my head around was that the interior length was only 16ft, 6in as it seemed much larger than that. The GT featured very clean lines and I think that really adds to the appearance of space and the overall look.

The door is mounted towards the front of the van and when stepping up the bedroom is on the left at the front. The bedroom incorporates a large bed with 6ft, 4in mattress and a posture base. There are large wardrobes on both sides of the bed with excellent hanging space. In addition to a drawer and cupboard under each wardrobe, the bottom of each wardrobe features a shelf that can also be accessed through a cut out in the side while lying in bed; a clever use of space.

The kitchen dining area is in the middle of the van. An L-shaped dinette sits on the passenger side, upholstered in a very durable Annahide trim. The under-seat storage is boosted by plenty of capacity in overhead cupboards.

Opposite the dinette is the kitchen, which is not a huge space, although it’s very practical. There is a sink, a recessed cooktop and grill and a stainless-steel range hood. Below the cooker is a microwave while between the kitchen bench top and the ensuite is a two-door, three-way fridge, which is very easily accessed for a cold bevvie or two from the dinette.

Accessing the microwave might be an issue for some people if their mobility is a little challenged, however, its position frees up more cupboard space inside the van.

Roadstar has done a good job managing to incorporate cupboards above and below the sink and really making use of all available space.

The ensuite runs east-west across the back of the GT and includes a separate shower, which is a feat in such a small area. The swivel toilet has just enough room to be comfortable for people of a larger frame like myself. There’s nothing worse than being cramped when visiting this little space in your van!

A wall-mounted washing machine has been included in this space as well and while it’s not of a large capacity it will easily handle keeping up with routine laundry duties while on the road.

Other features in the GT include soft LED lighting throughout, roof hatches, Cormorant roof air-conditioner, a CD/MP3 sound system with remote control, digital volt meter, plus a 22in HD LED TV with inbuilt DVD player, to name just a few. As I said, being cheaper does not mean missing out on the standard level comforts.

I reckon Roadstar has done an awesome job fitting so much into such a small space and keeping the Tare to just 1730kg.

Outside

The GT Sport looks pretty out there with a very distinctive Roadstar look. It’s built on a lightweight, Supagal chassis that is engineered for strength and durability. From this base Dexter independent rubber suspension is used and it worked well on-road.

Braking is handled via large 12in electrical units with 235/75R15 tyres fitted to alloy rims. Underneath, the van is neat and tidy with two 95L water tanks fitted with shields to protect them from the worst of road debris. Twin 9kg gas bottles and a tap are also mounted on the A-frame.

Body-wise, the Meranti timber frame is wrapped neatly in aluminium with checker plate at the front and the back as well as skirting on the sides. Personally, I am not a fan of chrome checker plate high up on the front of a van as it can be a reflective nightmare. I should mention that there is also an optional aluminium frame for those who would prefer this construction material.

Other special bits include a battery system with wiring provided for solar, a Carefree awning, gas bayonet, picnic table and a three-quarter boot allows for added storage. Of course, all the lighting is LED and the distinctive blue decals let everyone know a Roadstar is in view. Overall, it’s a package that works.