Introduction
Andy Jenkinson, AKA the Caravan Industry Expert, reviews the Lunar Venus 640/2 caravan.
The Venus was made by Lunar Caravans as a separate entry-level range. Lightweight and yet well equipped, these tourers were excellent new but also prove a great buy used. Launched in 2012 the Venus wasn’t a big seller, not until the range had a revamp in 2015. I look at the popular 460/2, a great end washroom couples tourer.
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Lunar Venus 640/2 Specification |
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Berths: |
2 |
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Length: |
4.58m |
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Width: |
2.21m |
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MIRO: |
962kg |
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MTPLM: |
1,155kg |
Spec included; blown heating, fridge, microwave, oven/grill, three burner hob, LED lighting, alloys, AKS hitch stabiliser, Status TV aerial, radio/CD player and Thetford cassette loo.
Exterior Design
The Venus didn’t look very exciting styling-wise, but still looked good. An AL-KO Chassis was used, with alloy wheels fitted with the extra pack that each van was sold with. The two-tone exterior with simple, stylish subdued graphics will please those looking for something a little flashy. The Venus had smart looks though not exciting, a large gas locker and large one-piece window adds appeal.
Interior Layout
The Lunar Venus 460/2 has an end washroom which is preferred by many to the side washroom. The lounge is to the front and features a large front window. The large skylight above the kitchen area towards the rear ensures natural daylight throughout the living space. Interiors were modern and still have appeal – loads of storage and excellent night illumination too.
Comfort and Convenience
The overall feel in the Lunar Venus 460/2 is one of space, a couple will find this a real comfortable tourer. The interior was, and still, feels modern with a hint of continental styling. The seating is very comfortable and wears well. I like the access flaps on the seat base lockers, though later models saw these disappear. There's a large mirror with roof locker above. The front lounge has a central chest of drawers and can be used as two single beds or made into a large double.
Kitchen and Dining
The side kitchen comes with a large sink, three burner hob and oven, plus a microwave too as well as a fridge freezer. Excellent storage and worktop space makes cooking in the Lunar Venus 460/2 a breeze. Opposite, a large side dresser offers more worktop as well as cracking storage too.
Bathroom and Sanitation
The end washroom is equipped with a shower cubicle as well as an electric flush loo. It also features a side window. The hand basin is standalone and large, with storage beneath and corner wardrobe is ample for two on a week's tour.
Performance and Towing
The Lunar Venus 460/2 is a lightweight caravan, meaning you don't need a monster of a car to tow it. With an MTPLM weight of 1,155kg, you're looking in the territory of the Skoda Octavia, Dacia Duster, Ford Focus TDCI and Nissan Qashqai as examples. Remember, you should always check your car specs to be sure.
Pros and Cons
Things I like:
- Spacious
- Great storage
- End washroom
- Good spec
- Lightweight
- Venus owners club
Things I don't like:
- No lined shower cubicle
- Model is no longer in production
User Experience
The interior of our example was well cared for and the overall condition was excellent. The second-hand model on test has a price tag of around £12,452. A tip is to look for any dealer specials, though you won't find many. One was the De-Luxe range by Marquis Group in 2019 – they offered extra spec at an incredible value-for-money price tag. Worth having if you find one!
When viewing, look out for cracks in the front and rear ABS panels and repairs to the front window. Keep an eye out for damp in the washroom area and roof lockers.
Conclusion
So does the Lunar Venus 460/2 make a good used buy? Yes, it does and it was only second to the Sprite range in my top four entry-level ranges. Sprite being very hard to beat and still is. The Venus offered family models but they get snapped up quick if in good order as they offer a large family lightweight tourer.
The Lunar Venus is sadly missed, especially by me, because the Venus by 2016 established itself well and even has an owners club to boot.
Check Andy's YouTube Channel HERE for more caravan reviews.
