Joa 54G Campervan

Pilote’s budget brand gets a completely new look, appears better value than ever!

The Joa Camp marque was launched in 2022, with a range of entry-level campervans and low-profile motorhomes and a distinctive turquoise scheme to its branding. Now, there’s a new look, launched at the Glasgow and February NEC shows and referred to as ‘Joa by Pilote’. It remains a budget brand but builds on its parent company’s 65-year history – and there’s a new logo, in red, along with matching graphics on the vehicles. The relaunched campervans come first, with the motorhomes arriving in UK dealerships soon after this issue’s publication.

But this isn’t just about a tweaked name and new colours, there are significant changes to the product, while enhanced specification makes the pricing look exceptionally keen. The medium-wheelbase model shown here is only £58,900, while a grand more gets you into the six-metre 60G, and the 63T (with twin beds) is £61,900.

Automatic as standard

Nor is that an artificial base price, onto which you need to add multiple packs and options. It includes the 140hp motor and eight-speed automatic gearbox, Expedition Grey paintwork, a colour-coded bumper, black skid plate, front fog lamps, a leather steering wheel with radio controls and a Pioneer 7in multimedia unit with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and reversing camera. 

Then, on the habitation side, you’ll be surprised to find a 100W solar panel, awning and Truma Combi D 4 diesel heating included as standard. New options include a pop-up roof with double bed, priced at £5,500, and Lithium Energy Pack – a 200Ah battery and second solar panel for £2,000.

Continental layout

There are no surprises when it comes to the layout, as the 54G follows the typical European format of a half-dinette lounge and a transverse double bed. In this compact model the bed narrows towards the nearside, while reading lights are mounted on the offside.

Under the bed, there’s the usual large storage area for your outdoor kit, with the possibility of loading long items by removing the front panel of this compartment – note, though, the lack of lashing points to secure a heavy load. The garage space measures 1.14m deep by 68cm wide and 75cm high. Alongside is the gas locker with space for two 13kg cylinders.

Before you go inside, you’ll note the flyscreen and electric step for the (offside) sliding door as well as the premium-style flush-fit habitation windows. 

Half-dinette with Isofix

The half-dinette lounge has a wall-mounted table with swing-out extension leaf, while the new Twist upholstery mixes fabric and faux leather. Isofix is standard but space between the bench seat and the table is a little tight.

You’ll also have to stoop as you go through into the cab as the 54G keeps the classic overcab shelf. That means there’s no cab sunroof, but there’s a large push-up rooflight over the lounge for daylight. Meanwhile, new overhead lockers feature integrated backlighting.

Kitchen and washroom

The kitchen extends across the doorway but the really significant feature here is the drawer-style 90-litre compressor fridge that’s easily accessed from inside or out. Above, the two-burner hob and sink unit is standard fare, but as it’s set towards the rear there’s a useful worktop area without recourse to a folding flap. Kitchen storage is in three drawers, while a spice rack is mounted on the wall. 

Opposite the galley, a tambour door provides easy access into the washroom, which offers a generous amount of space to use the loo (a bench cassette) or shower (without a curtain), especially considering this is only a 5.4m campervan. The washbasin is rather petite but it’s sturdy and well integrated, while a roof vent, towel rail and robe hook are all provided. The fresh water tank has a good capacity (110 litres), while the waste tank is 90 litres.

If you want a 5.4m campervan with a fixed bed, then Joa’s revamped model has to be on your shopping list with its great spec for under £60k.