Lite Cruiser 120 XL vs Normandy Auto 120

Quick summary

The Normandy Auto 120 is more stable and simpler to use, since the entire sleeping area sits directly on top of the car. The downside is that it's considerably longer on the roof when folded.

The Lite Cruiser 120 XL is more compact on the roof when closed, which makes it better on cars with a short roof or where the boot might otherwise be blocked. In return, it folds out to the side when in use.

Construction: single-fold vs double-fold

This is the most important difference. The Normandy Auto 120 is single-fold, meaning the tent sits directly on top of the car and does not fold out to the side. The Lite Cruiser 120 XL is double-fold – folded up on the roof while driving, then folded out to the side when used.

If you want to read more about what single-fold and double-fold mean, we have a dedicated guide on it.

Stability when in use

The Normandy Auto 120 normally feels more stable because the whole sleeping area sits directly on top of the car. There's less leverage and less wobble compared with a double-fold tent where half the sleeping area sticks out beyond the car.

The Lite Cruiser 120 XL is still a practical, well-functioning tent, but the construction means it doesn't quite get the same stable feel as a single-fold tent.

Space when set up

The Normandy Auto 120 stays within the car's footprint when open and takes no more side space than the car. That's practical if you want to be able to park in a normal parking space or in spots where you don't have extra room next to the car.

The Lite Cruiser 120 XL needs more space to the side, since the tent folds out beyond the car when used.

Pack size on the roof

This is the Lite Cruiser 120 XL's biggest advantage. It is much shorter on the roof when folded, which can make a big difference on cars with a short roof. The Normandy Auto 120, on the other hand, becomes considerably longer when folded.

Short cars and the boot

On a car with a short roof, such as a Skoda Fabia, the Normandy Auto 120 can become too long when folded and sit so far back that the boot can't open properly. The Lite Cruiser 120 XL is much shorter when folded and is therefore often considerably easier to place on shorter car roofs.

Unsure about your car? Read our guide on roof tents on small cars, or get in touch and we'll help you check roof load, roof bars and boot clearance.

Choose the Normandy Auto 120 if…

• You want a single-fold roof tent where the sleeping area sits directly on top of the car.
• You want a more stable, less wobbly feel.
• You want to be able to park in a normal parking space without the tent taking extra side space.
• You want the simplest possible opening and closing.
• Your car has plenty of roof length and the boot isn't blocked.
• You prioritise stability and easy use over a short pack size.

Choose the Lite Cruiser 120 XL if…

• You have a smaller car with a short roof.
• You want the shortest possible pack size on the roof.
• You're worried about being able to open the boot.
• You accept that the tent folds out to the side when in use.
• You want a light and compact double-fold roof tent.
• You prioritise a compact pack size over the tent sitting directly on top of the car.

Our advice

If you have plenty of roof length and want the most stable solution, we'd choose the Normandy Auto 120. If you have a smaller car or a short roof, we'd more often choose the Lite Cruiser 120 XL.

Always check the car model, roof load, roof bars and boot clearance before deciding – if you're unsure, we're happy to help.