SETTING UP
The first thing to know about the Mars 15 is that in order to achieve its compact footprint , it uses a foldout rear bed system . This involves the owner lowering the dual spare wheels on their solid steel rear bar , undoing a few clips and sliding bolts , and folding out the roof , walls and floor . Then , it ’ s just a matter of stepping inside and folding the mattress into position .
First , though , you need to pop the roof . This is a pop-top , after all . Fortunately , there is nothing complicated here – the roof lifts in the same way as any other poptop rig . If the entire set-up process takes more than five minutes , you ’ re doing it wrong .
There is quite a lot to the outside of this little hybrid – it is obviously designed for outdoor living . A slide-out stainless steel kitchen is standard , complete with a twoburner cooktop , some shelves , a sink with hot and cold water , and some drawers .
Toward the front , Mars has given this camper a 780x490mm slideout tray to suit a large portable fridge – the relevant 12V connection is provided , too . I was surprised to find an electric awning had been fitted , rather than a more humble roll-out unit , but that was nonetheless very welcome .
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