Ford has decided to take a step many have been waiting for: bringing back the fixed high roof to the Nugget range , the camper van that has borne the Westfalia name and served as the basis for the Transit Custom for almost four decades. The new high-roof Nugget, known in Germany as the Hochdach , unveiled at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf in August 2025 , is not simply a derivative of the pop-up version, but rather confirmation that the European market—and especially the Spanish market, which has seen rapid growth in camper van culture— demands more spacious, better-insulated vehicles designed without compromise as motorhomes . In a way, Ford isn't reinventing the wheel, as the high-roof option was already part of the range in previous generations. But now it returns with more compelling arguments than ever, thanks to a design more integrated into the bodywork, improved insulation , and a technological approach that allows customers to choose from classic diesel engines to plug-in hybrids or even, in the near future, electric versions.
More space and interior insulation
The high roof transforms the Nugget into a truly unique vehicle. The body measures the same as the pop-top version—around five meters in the short variant and just over 5,3 meters in the long one, known as the Plus—but the permanent height increases from 2,09 meters to a constant 2,80 meters . This means there's no need to raise or lower anything: you always have generous interior height, with plenty of room to stand up, work in the kitchen, or access the upper bed without sacrificing comfort. This fixed roof also allows for the integration of overhead cabinets and storage compartments , something that frequent travelers and those staying for extended periods particularly appreciate. Added to all this is superior insulation that makes a real difference in winter: compared to the canvas and fabric of pop-top roofs, the high roof provides rigidity, protection from the cold, rain, and wind, and significantly quieter interiors. Ultimately, it creates a more solid space that feels like home.
But this approach also has its drawbacks. The pop-up roof, which remains the best-selling option, makes sense for a customer looking for versatility : using their Nugget as a daily driver during the week and as a camper van on weekends or holidays. The high roof, on the other hand, requires more compromises: at 2,80 meters tall, it no longer fits in underground parking garages, it doesn't go unnoticed in an urban environment, and it's less aerodynamic, resulting in higher fuel consumption on the highway. Ford knows this and doesn't aim to convince all customers, but rather to offer a clear alternative: those who choose the high roof do so because they prioritize comfort and spaciousness over discretion and versatility.
The interior layout remains essentially unchanged from the Ford Transit Custom Nugget . Ford and Westfalia maintain the successful two-space concept : the kitchen at the rear and the living/dining area in the center, so that even with the lower bed deployed, the kitchen area can still be used. The upper bed, located under the fixed roof, offers greater comfort thanks to the additional space, while the lower bed continues to be configured using the seats and furniture. The equipment is as comprehensive as expected of a modern camper: a two-burner stove, sink with hot and cold water, 33-liter refrigerator, auxiliary heating, outdoor shower, electrical outlets, LED lighting, and high-quality furnishings made with durable materials designed to withstand heavy use. All of this comes with the Westfalia guarantee, which remains synonymous with excellent camper conversions.
In terms of technology, Ford has taken a decisive step by making the Transit Custom one of the most modern platforms in its segment. The high-roof Nugget inherits this entire arsenal: the SYNC 4 multimedia system with a 13-inch screen, 5G connectivity, wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto , and the latest generation of driver assistance systems. It even includes the Ford Camper Assist program , with two years of specialized assistance throughout Europe. Regarding powertrains, in addition to the EcoBlue diesel engines up to 150 hp, the major new feature is the availability of a plug-in hybrid , with sufficient electric range for urban journeys and unrestricted access to low-emission zones. And it's worth noting that the Transit Custom platform already offers an electric version , which opens the door to a zero-emissions high-roof Nugget sooner rather than later.
Price is another defining aspect of the model. In the Spanish market, the Nugget with a pop-up roof starts at around €79.250 . Although official figures for the high roof are not yet available, experience with previous generations suggests a moderate price increase, between €400 and €2.000 depending on the chosen body style. In other words, the decision will depend not on budget, but on intended use. And perhaps this is the key: Ford has clearly segmented its offering. Those looking for a versatile vehicle will continue to opt for the pop-up roof, while those who envision the camper as an uncompromising mobile home will find the high roof to be the ultimate solution.
A market in full maturity
The return of this version isn't a mere catalog whim, but a strategic move reflecting the maturity of the campervan market in Spain and Europe. In Spain, the segment has grown remarkably: according to data from the Spanish Association of the Caravanning Industry and Trade (ASEICAR) , campervan registrations have doubled their share of the sector in the last five years, with a more diverse and demanding customer profile that no longer seeks just a vehicle for summer getaways, but a companion for year-round travel. The rise of motorhome areas, the proliferation of rental companies, and the consolidation of campervan culture in specialized media have shaped a market that demands more specialized products. And that's where the Ford Nugget with a high roof fits like a glove: it's not intended to be an everyday car, but rather the companion for those who understand that a campervan should behave like a home on wheels , regardless of the season or destination.
With this move, Ford not only expands its range but also sends a clear message: the Nugget intends to remain a European benchmark in the compact camper van segment . And now, with the high-roof version, it does so by appealing to the most purist and demanding customers, those who aren't satisfied with a versatile vehicle but seek one designed for living, traveling, and enduring. It may not be the most discreet or the most urban, but it is undoubtedly the one that best symbolizes the direction in which the true camper van is evolving.