Mink Highlander 2023

If the Mink Highlander looks familiar, that’s because the 2.0 Sports Camper, on which it’s broadly based, was reviewed by us around 18 months ago.

Of the small caravan, we said: “The Mink is considerably more stylish than many mini-caravans we have seen, and feels better built, too.”

Now there’s a new kid on the block, in the form of the Mink Highlander: a regular Mink with a fresh, beefier appearance. We took a look at the Highlander at the February NEC caravan show: would it still impress our testers?

Pitch and set-up

The Mink’s diminutive proportions mean it should be very easy to set up on site; there are no corner steadies to worry about, so it should simply be a case of moving the van into position, then putting the kettle on. The grab handles look streamlined to the overall design, and their height means they should be easy to keep hold of when you’re manoeuvring the van onto a pitch.

The Highlander is light, too: it has an MTPLM of 750kg and a MiRO of 520kg, leaving a decent payload of 230kg. Because it’s so light you won’t need a huge tow car, either: something similar to a VW Polo or Vauxhall Corsa could be suitable, while still observing the 85% guideline.

One of the benefits of owning these types of caravan is that it should also be much easier to store than a regular-sized tourer – with its height of 1.88m and overall length of 4.12m, the Mink could be comfortably stowed in an average-sized garage.

The Highlander’s Mink 2.0 Sports Camper sibling looks funky, with its bright yellow bodywork, but the new model appears equally as smart. It features matt-black bodywork, and larger tyres and fenders; there’s also a higher ride height to help adventurous caravanners explore even further over rougher ground than before. And as with the 2.0 Sports Camper, the Highlander sits on an Al-Ko chassis.

A standard-fit 105W solar panel is on the roof – ideal if you want to take your caravan off-grid.

Lounge in the Mink Highlander

There’s no dedicated lounge area in the Highlander – relaxation space is confined to the double bed inside. But it’s a pleasant place to sit, with your back against the faux-leather headboard; and you should stay warm and comfortable, thanks to the Webasto heating, the controls for which are in a panel above the bed.

If you prefer to let the outside in, the port-hole style windows in both circular doors can be opened, and there is a huge panoramic sunroof above. It’s a great place to lie and watch the sunrise or sunset.

At night, canvas panels drop down over the windows to seal you off from the world, and ambient lighting brightens the interior. There are four USBs in the headboard, too, to allow you to charge your phone.

Kitchen in the Mink Highlander

Wondering where the Mink’s kitchen is? It’s not obvious at first glance, because it’s neatly tucked away beneath a ‘boot’ lid at the rear.

Lift the panel and you’ll find a tidy, well-lit area featuring divided shelves; there’s plenty of workspace in front, and a single-burner gas hob comes as standard.

Lift up the workspace panels and you’ll see a 36-litre illuminated icebox, too. The whole area is lit, and there’s also a mains and a 12V socket, thoughtfully set above the storage area.

We really like the design of the wheel arches, which are great if you’re keen on dining al fresco – they have clever indents that will perfectly hold a mug.

A rear canopy is a cost option here, and will allow you to prep your food under cover: it costs £129. If you want more protection from the elements, a 2-in-1 awning is available (£579) – it can be placed to the side or the rear of the van.

There is no washroom or running water facility in the Mink Highlander.

Beds in the Mink Highlander

The Highlander may be compact, but its bed is a great size, at 6’ 7” long, and it has a comfortable memory foam mattress. You’ll stay warm, too, thanks to thermostatically controlled underbed heating.

Across the foot of the main bed is a small canvas bunk on poles. Those with a small child (or dog) could use it as a bed; those without will likely adopt it for storage.

Storage in the Mink Highlander

That bunk aside, there’s not a huge amount of storage in the main living area – there are a couple of fabric pockets which are handy for keys.

Otherwise, your main storage is in the ‘boot’ kitchen area. There are two shelves, each with three cubbies, onto which are stowed baskets; these are kept in place on the road by elasticated cord. Further storage space is available under the work surface.

Verdict

This isn’t for you if you’re seeking luxury, but those with a small tow car who want a no-frills tourer that sets up in a second should definitely take a look. We love the new looks of the Highlander, and there’s a good level of kit as standard, something that the best caravans will always provide. This includes the heating system and solar panel.

Not sure on the tourer for you? Take a look at our comparison of the Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport and the Mink 2.0 Sports Camper.

What we like

Clever design, good heating system, solar panel

What we don’t like

No water system, storage space is limited

Technical spec of the Mink Highlander

• Price: £23,495
• Berths: 2/3
• MiRO: 520kg
• Payload: 230kg
• MTPLM: 750kg

Measurements

• Interior length: 2.81m
• Overall length: 4.12m
• Overall width: 2.08m
• Height (boot lid lowered): 1.88m
• Double bed: 140 x 200cm
• Bunk bed: 140 x 50cm (40kg limit)

Spec list

• Galvanised Al-Ko chassis
• 105W solar panel
• ABS Solid Shell structure
• 70Ah AGM leisure battery
• Electric hook-up
• R17 alloy wheels
• Two 240V sockets
• Illuminated 36-litre ice chest
• Four USB sockets
• Single-burner gas hob

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