Chausson's 2022 motorhomes and campervans launched

U-shaped motorhome lounge

The 660 Exclusive Line is a 7m low-profile motorhome, based on a 170PS Ford Transit with automatic gearbox. It has what’s described as an XXL U-shaped lounge, but not in a format that we’ve seen before.

This is a U-shaped lounge at the front nearside of the motorhome, facing a long sideboard that can accommodate a 32in TV (see main image above).

A full-height glass screen separates the kitchen from the lounge, without excluding the chef from convivialities, while opposite is a bar area with storage for four bottles, plus wine glasses. Also on the offside is the washroom, which has a swing wall to create the shower cubicle, while the bed is a huge (1.90m by 1.60m) lengthways drop-down double that comes down low into the lounge area.

Finally, the 660 has a vast garage area across the rear. This not only runs the full width but also the full height of the motorhome, with walk-in access from the living area. It has high-level storage as well as a set of fold-down shelves and plenty of room for bikes. Not only that but there’s a second full-sized habitation door (with electric step) giving access to the garage from outside. As this door is on the left and the main entrance is on the continental side, you can always enter and exit the vehicle safely, wherever you’re parked.

The 660’s Exclusive Line spec includes bi-xenon headlights, an overcab skylight, diesel heating, cab blinds, an external barbecue point, outside shower and central locking for the habitation door. It is priced at £58,240.

Compact motorhomes

Chausson is also launching its S range of compact, 2.10m-wide low-profiles as a budget range with prices starting at under £45,000. There are two models, which are designed to replicate the popular continental van conversion layouts in a coachbuilt of similar size (with the benefit of better insulation).

The S514 is 5.99m long and has a rear transverse double, which Chausson calls a ‘butterfly bed’ because of the way it folds in half to give access to storage below, including the garage.

The more conventional S697GA is 6.59m long and has lengthways twin beds at the back. These models are unique on the market, as no equivalent ’van is based on the Ford Transit. They come only in First Line trim and have cab air-con, twin airbags, cruise control, DAB radio with Bluetooth, diesel heating, a flyscreen door, panoramic skylight and Technibox (all-in-one technical area) as standard.

Options include an Accessory Pack (awning and solar panel), 170PS (168bhp) engine upgrade, automatic gearbox, cab blinds and a towbar.

More First Line motorhomes and campervans introduced

As per Chausson’s 2021-season range, the French company will be offering three specification levels – First Line as the entry-level, then Titanium VIP (on Fiat) and Titanium Premium (on Ford) at the top.

For the first time, First Line spec will be offered on the Fiat-based low-profiles but, in the UK, most of these budget-priced motorhomes (from £50,340 for the 650) will be on Ford, rather than the more expensive Fiat Ducato chassis.

Available solely in First Line trim, there will also be the return of two overcab coachbuilts in the 2022 portfolio. These are the C514 (5.99m long, Ford Transit, rear transverse double bed, £45,840) and the C656 (6.96m, Fiat-based, rear bunk beds, £52,840).

In the campervan range, the two models – each with a rear lounge – remain the same, but these Fiat-based vehicles now come in a choice of First Line spec or the existing 33 Line trim. The entry-level First Line versions get the 120bhp engine (instead of 140bhp), cab air-con, cruise control, alloy wheels and an oven, but not the coloured bodywork, coordinated bumpers, or Maxi Cab of the 33 Line. Offering a three grand saving, the new First Line campervans are priced from £45,840.