If you happened to step anywhere near Icelandic brand Mink’s stand at the October NEC show, you won’t have failed to notice the popularity of its latest model. The new Mink-E – designed to be lighter and more environmentally friendly than its brand stablemates – attracted a large crowd, keen to take a peek inside.

But what sets the Mink-E apart from its siblings? Here, we take a closer look.

‘Compact’ is the name of the game here: the Mink-E shares the same dimensions as the other Mink models (including the Highlander, which has now been renamed the Mink-X), with a length of 4.12m.

The E is the lightest model from the caravan manufacturer yet, though: it has a MiRO of just 510kg, and an MTPLM of 750kg. As such, you won’t need a heavy tow car for these teardrop caravans; it also means that it is more suitable for the lower towing weights of modern electric cars. Pleasingly, it retains its Al-Ko chassis.

Mink Al-Ko chassis
Like the two other models offered by Mink, the Mink-E has an Al-Ko chassis

These types of caravans have a light weight and it’s no different with the Mink-E. This means tit should be easy to set up when you’re on site; there are sturdy grabhandles on all corners, too, to help you wrangle it into position.

You’ll certainly stand out on site if you choose one of these small caravans, thanks to the electric-blue bodywork – this is in contrast to the yellow of the Mink-S and the black of the Mink-X.

In keeping with the Mink-E’s excellent eco-credentials, a solar panel is integrated into the roof. Around 25% of the tourer is made using recyclable materials.

Lounge in the Mink-E

As you might guess by the Mink-E’s small size, there’s no real lounge inside – what space there is within is completely taken up by the double bed.

But that doesn’t mean this wouldn’t be a very comfortable place to spend time in during the day. Simply close up the porthole-windowed doors, shut the world out by drawing the canvas curtains, and you can relax against the Salvador upholstered backrest. You could prop a laptop into the bunk at the foot of the bed to watch your caravan TV.

Curtain on porthole window
Neat canvas curtains roll down over the porthole windows in the doors for privacy

The ceiling features LED mood lighting, while daytime illumination is provided by a large panoramic skylight above.

Interior spacing
Making good use of the interior space, the comfortable queen-size bed is 6’ 7” long

This is a high-tech camper, so you would expect a decent number of device-charging points – and you won’t be disappointed. There are four USB ports and a 230V socket; inside the caravan you’ll also find the battery monitor gauge, to help you keep an eye on power levels.

Heating is provided by a Webasto electric unit, while the Mink’s 20mm High-Thermal wall insulation will help retain that heat. A couple of fabric pockets are located on the walls, handy for keys or books.

Kitchen in the Mink-E

The Mink’s kitchen area is located beneath the lift-up ‘boot’ lid at the rear – and if it’s raining, you can shelter beneath that lid while preparing your lunch.

As with the rest of the Mink-E, everything here is entirely electrically powered. That means the portable gas hob in the Mink-S and the X has been replaced by a caravan induction hob in the E. There’s also an electric, 36-litre ice chest to keep your provisions cool, and a 12V and a 230V socket for powering up your low-wattage appliances.

All-electric kitchen
The all-electric kitchen comes with an induction hob, and you also get a 36-litre ice chest

Kitchen storage is one of this Mink model’s strongest suits – there’s space below the work surface, and a variety of storage boxes are included. The designers have added a chopping board, too.

Beds in the Mink-E

Even taller occupants should find the queen-size double bed comfortable – it’s 6’7” long.

An underbed heating system (which is thermostatically controlled) is also available, and the mattress is made of memory foam, which should help to ensure a great night’s sleep.

Canvas bunk
Handy canvas bunk would be suitable for a small child, a pet, or additional storage space

Surprisingly, there’s a third berth in this diminutive tourer – a canvas bunk (1400 x 500mm) slots in from wall to wall at the foot of the main bed. It would be suitable for a small child, a pet, or more storage.

Options

There are plenty of options available that will help make your Mink-E even more comfortable. One great addition is the Mink canopy (£285) – this fits on the side or the rear
of the Mink-E, giving you additional covered space. You can also go for a cargo platform, which has raised edges, so you can strap extra kit to the A-frame.

Other attractive optional accessories include mosquito nets for the doors (£114), a cutlery set (£56), a signature wool blanket (£142) and a Mink bedding set, including duvets, pillows and a sheet (£285).

Alternatives to the Mink-E

The Vagabond Rogue provides caravanners with plenty of innovation and colourways, with an L-shaped canopy that makes kitchen access nice and straightforward. If you’d like a bigger all-electric model, the Knaus Yaseo 340PX comes with excellent build quality and a wall bed.

Technical spec

  • Price: £25,320
  • Berths: 2/3
  • MiRO: 510kg
  • Payload: 240kg
  • MTPLM: 750kg
  • Interior length: 2.81m
  • Overall length: 4.12m
  • Overall width: 2.10m
  • Overall height: 1.85m

Spec list

  • Galvanised Al-Ko chassis
  • 105W solar panel
  • ABS Solid Shell structure
  • 70Ah AGM leisure battery
  • Electric hook-up
  • Two 240V sockets
  • Illuminated 36-litre ice chest
  • Four USBs
  • Single-burner induction hob
  • Double bed: 140 x 200cm
  • Bunk bed: 140 x 50cm (40kg limit)

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