Motorhomers seem to be finding their own route around the credit crunch. Despite the current drastic economic downturn and escalating fuel prices, these knights of the highway are still accelerating sales and bucking the market as many other parts of the industry go into freefall.

Last year saw an incredible rise in new motorhome sales in the UK – up to from 8,637 in 2006 to nearly 12,000 – and this year continues the trend.

Figures to June this year show that 6,500 new motorhomes have already been snapped up and the Motorhome Information Service is optimistic that sales will hold up, although they are not complacent.

Ruth de Mierre of the MIS said: "We're assuming they will drop about one or two per cent but at the moment we're about level and nudging up. Some things are definitely working in our favour – motorhomes are not gas-guzzlers like some 4x4s and now more moderate on fuel, and as fewer people seem to be going abroad so much, it can be to our advantage."

And as people still need to escape and de-stress but don't want to necessarily spend thousands of pounds battling at airports to go abroad, many travellers are now thinking about roaming some of Britain's most tranquil spots in a motorhome and breaking free from their worries that way.

To test out this theory I have taken my annual jaunt in an Auto-Sleepers Sigma EK – a medium-sized home-from-home vehicle with incredible space-making, plenty of comfort, reasonable economy and a diesel engine that excels in low-down pulling power.

Yes, it's a 'coach-built' model, which means a chunky slab over the driver's cab. But the Sigma's ultra-short nose makes it less bulky than most and easier to park and manoeuvre. And that extra double bed space up above is so useful.

For a fairly compact motorhome, the EK comes up with some startling, Tardis-like dimensions inside. The mid-cab area, for example, quickly converts to a generous king-sized bed, with two people sleeping across the vehicle's width. Or it can even make two singles which still allows a route between them through the vehicle.

The double over the cab is probably best for two kids, especially if you're a tad claustrophobic, and during daytime it's a handy storage area.

But that's just the start. Experimenting with all the EK's permutations reveals that you can actually entertain up to nine people aboard quite comfortably when not on the move; it boasts a classy kitchen area right at the back; there's a a brilliantly-designed shower-room with a folding panel that separates off the toilet when needed; and a huge amount of under-floor storage areas and cubby-holes everywhere.

Add in big wardrobe space, a full-sized switchable fridge, three venting sunroofs and a light and airy cabin area and it's all very impressive and versatile. There are also some clever touches such as push-button overhead lockers that can't spring open when you're in motion.

On the move, the Sigma is a relaxing and easy drive. It's based on a Peugeot-Boxer chassis and powered by a long-striding turbo-diesel engine with astonishing low-down pulling power – it's so forgiving that minimal gearchanging is needed, yet the Sigma still has enough clout to storm up long gradients without fuss in a high gear.

The slick, easy six-speed gearbox is sited high up, right next to the steering wheel, all-round vision is pretty good for this type of vehicle, thanks to a visible rear window and huge door mirrors, the turning circle is amazingly tight and ride quality is very good.

Best of all, of course, is the freedom to make your own choices, to take breaks and brew up where you want and generally be master of your own destiny. Nowdays, that's a very precious thing.

At a glance:

• Auto-Sleepers Sigma EK motorhome, £39,995.


• Sleeps four, can seat up to nine when not on the move.


• Insulated, areodynamically-designed roofline with overhead cab bed.


• Integral recessed awning.


• High capacity battery charger system.


• Exterior storage locker.


• Deluxe bathroom with swing-out shower.


• Ultraheat electric space heater.


• Classy kitchen, wooden overhead lockers and full-sized fridge.


• Maximum space-making from compact size, with massive underfloor storage.

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