The French motorhome manufacturer, Rapido, has revealed its 2018 model line-up, which includes van conversions, low-profiles and A-class motorhomes

The company, which has seven dealers in the UK, has simplified its model range and concentrated on refreshed exterior styling for the new model year, having focused on modernised interiors in 2017.

The most obvious changes concern the A-class 8-Series (Fiat chassis) and 80-Series (Al-Ko chassis, double floor), which get a completely new front and new graphics, while the low-profile 6-Series (Fiat) and 70-Series (Al-Ko) models all benefits from the same new overcab pod, designed so that an electric drop-down bed can be offered as an option with every layout.

MMM magazine, which is Britain's best-selling motorhome magazine will produce a free supplement with its November 2017 issue that will contain details of all new 2018 motorhomes and campervans on sale in the UK. If you're interested in receiving this, you can find out more about getting a printed copy of MMM magazine delivered to your door here.

Or you can find out more about getting a digital version of MMM magazine here.

As part of the rationalised range, the 6FF and Design Edition names have gone, along with the 90-Series and 10-Series (tag-axle) models. An expanded Distinction range takes care of the upper end of the A-class portfolio, while two additional 8.79m flagships will be launched at the Stuttgart show early in the New Year.

In the meantime, the Rapido range features three van conversions, 10 low-profiles and 18 A-classes. Island beds are most numerous in terms of layout, but the 604F kicks off the range as a 5.99m low-profile. It is 5cm longer than its 604FF predecessor (tested in the October 2016 issue), the extra length being used to create a wider (drop-down) bed.

This compact model with no fixed bed remains one of the company’s best sellers in the UK.

Following the Europe-wide success of the 55th Anniversary models in the current season, Rapido is also adopting the side-facing, twin sofa lounges of these special editions in a wide selection of new layouts – both low-profile and A-class. In each, the side settees can be converted into a pair of individual forward-facing seats for rear passengers.

Key amongst the recipients of the new more open-plan lounges, which are bound to appeal to British tastes, is the 8094dF (see page 56) which inherits the sumptuous L-shaped rear lounge (and optional Cinema Pack) of its predecessor.

Other new models with the front side settee lounge are the low-profile 665F and 7065F (twin beds, end washroom) and 696F and 7096F (island beds). A-classes with this type of seating are: 883F (transverse bed), 896F (island bed), 8065dF (twin beds, end washroom), 8066dF (single beds, garage) and 8096dF (island bed), as well as the new i66 and i96 layouts in the top-of-the-range Distinction line-up. The flagship range also gets two longer, 7.99m additions (i165 with single beds, i190 with island bed) with Alde heating as standard. All Distinction models get a striking new furniture design with angular, handle-less top lockers in white gloss finish.

Rapido has also introduced Premium Edition versions of its 696F, 8096dF and Distinction i96. Each of these has the side sofa lounge and an island bed, while Premium Edition status brings additional equipment and a special upholstery, called Paris.

Detail changes across the range are too numerous to cover comprehensively here, but include A-class windscreen blinds that can
be pulled top down (for sunshade) or bottom up (for privacy), lighter colouring in bathrooms, better lighting in double floor storage areas
and the Nova Box (an exterior service hatch for RCD and fuses).

The three-model Van range continues, but all layouts get a redesigned galley. A more automated production line will soon be up and running to increase capacity for building Rapido and Dreamer van conversions.