Pilote promises unique range for 2023

French manufacturer, the Pilote Groupe, has promised a big surprise at Europe’s largest motorhome show, Caravan Salon, in Düsseldorf, Germany, at the end of August but would not release any details of this new model, or models, until then

What it has confirmed is that this new model/s will have a unique selling point that is currently unavailable on rival models. This year was meant to be a year of celebration for Pilote, as 2022 marks its sixtieth anniversary. Because of this, it said it we can expect further anniversary special edition models to be revealed later in the season, as well as confirming two special edition models now.

The V600G X Edition, a 5.99m-long Ducato-based campervan with a rear transverse double bed layout costing £67,200, and the V630J X Edition, also a campervan based on the Fiat Ducato but this time the 6.3m-long version and coming with a twin rear single bed layout costing £68,200. Both come with an enhanced package and with further additional optional enhancements possible.

Other than these, Pilote is not launching any 2023 models until the Düsseldorf show and will not start production of these until spring 2023.

Pilote consolidates optional extras packs

The manufacturer said the European market has been hit hard with the disruption to supply not just of chassis but also parts to complete models. For example, Pilote has some 600 new motorhomes and campervans stuck at its factory because they are missing a part or parts to complete them.

To help overcome this, Pilote is simplifying its options and special equipment packs and is, in effect, offering everything in one pack. The new ‘Super Pack’ contains the Media, Comfort and Energy packs as well as extras like an awning, duckboard, insulated tanks, etc, and will simplify the buying process for anyone considering Pilote’s Expression range of models.

Pilote’s Evidence models, which are the best-sellers in the UK, already have a set level of specification, which cannot be changed. But, if buyers wanted to add extras they would opt for a model from the Expression range and then personalise it. With the new Super Pack they can add all the enhancements in one simple step.

Pilote said that no individual options will be offered separately, although it did say if buyers only want an awning for example, they can request this with the dealer to be fitted afterwards but it will not be a factory-fit item.

Weight-saving measures for Le Voyageur models

The manufacturing group has also confirmed some significant weight-saving measures on two of its Le Voyageur models to ensure they can be driven by anyone with a 3.5-tonne licence, plus a variety of other minor changes.

The two models – the Fiat Ducato-based LV6.8LF and the LV7.2CF Classic – feature a new construction of the double floor and the roof, which is similar to the construction on its Mercedes-based models. This, along with changes to the gas cylinder storage cabinet, has resulted in a weight saving of over 100kg.

Joa Camp offers increased bed sizes

Pilote’s entry-level brand, Joa Camp, sees one of its campervans – the 63T (a two-berth with twin rear single beds) – get increased bed lengths for 2023. As is typical with many conversions, one bed is shorter than the other but customers said the 1.7m length of the shorter bed was just too short. Joa Camp has therefore extended it to 1.8m, meaning it is just 6cm shorter than the opposing bed.

Joa Camp has also made the transverse double bed in the 60G campervan wider. It said these changes will come into effect on models built from the end of this year.

Pilote further reassured customers that, despite the huge price increases hitting manufacturers, it will continue to honour its ‘price protection’ offering, which means, regardless of what happens to prices and costs between order and delivery, a customer will only ever pay the price agreed when the contracts were signed.

 

Get MMM for just £29.99 a month!

MMM is Britain’s best-selling motorhome magazine and it has been for over 55 years. Each four-weekly issue is packed with the best motorhome travel features, genuine reader reviews of campsites, in-depth motorhome reviews, plus the latest technical advice, buying tips and much more.

MMM’s fully searchable digital library gives you access to the latest issues, plus every edition of MMM since January 2012.

Subscribe today!  

Expert motorhome advice to your door!

Why not subscribe to one of our fabulous magazines and get expert advice, travel ideas, technical help and all the latest news for your motorhome and your motorhome adventures!

Want to know more about MMM magazine?

Every month MMM has articles written by motorhomers who have been there and done it, from great UK and European (and further afield) tours, campsite reviews, owners' reports and DIY projects among other things.

MMM's tests, reviews and expert buying guides are not to be missed. MMM's technical advice is a must and includes everything from weekend jobs to longer-term DIY projects. And much more!

About MMM magazine  

Want to know more about What Motorhome magazine?

Every issue of What Motorhome magazine provides essential buying advice for anyone looking to buy a new motorhome or campervan or upgrade their existing model. With a pedigree of over 30 years of offering the best motorhome and campervan buying advice, every issue of What Motorhome includes more new motorhome and campervan reviews than you will find in any other magazine.

About What Motorhome  

Want to know more about Campervan magazine?

Campervan is the exciting monthly magazine that will give you all the inspiration you need to explore the world in your campervan. Every issue is packed with real-life campervanning experiences, inspiring travel ideas in the UK and further afield, the best campsites to stay on, campervan road tests and reviews of the latest models, and much more!

About Campervan magazine