Auto-Trail F-Line F67 motorhome

The two numbers, six, seven currently seem to send kids wild, but will they have the same effect on motorhomers as this new Auto-Trail debuts?

Six seven. It doesn’t seem to mean much, although these are now primary school teachers’ least favourite numerals. In Auto-Trail speak, they simply signify a new layout in between the compact F60 and F62 and the longer F70, F72 and F74, with an overall length nudging 6.7 metres. F, of course, is for Ford as the F-Line was the company’s first Transit-based range.

This is also a replacement for the Excel 675 B. That offered a similar floorplan in a slimmer body but, crucially, its narrow width precluded a drop-down bed. The 2.35m-wide F67 solves that, although the electrically lowered double is still an option (at £1,500).

The concept is as before, with a front lounge, end washroom and a garage. However, the ablutions and rear storage are both enhanced over the Excel and, with the addition of a drop-down bed, the new model goes head-to-head with some best sellers, including models from Bailey, Swift and a number of continental brands such as Bürstner, Chausson, Pilote and Rapido. 

To say we've taken to this layout would be an understatement.

NEC Show launch

Maybe Auto-Trail is a little late to this particular party but its new arrival debuts at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC. And it does so with plenty of options to tailor an F67 to your exact requirements.

Starting with the base price of £67,955, which includes the 130hp motor and manual gearbox, you can upgrade to 165hp (£1,200) and/or automatic transmission (£1,860). The black alloy wheels on this show model are a further option (£995), but the Magnetic Grey metallic cab is one of five colours available at no extra cost.

The low-profile body incorporates a large overcab sunroof and a 200W solar panel. The entrance door is linked to the central locking and comes with a flyscreen and umbrella as part of the Lux Pack (£1,578) that also includes Ford’s 12in touchscreen, a TV aerial, carpets, reversing camera and external barbecue point.

The base vehicle spec is comprehensive if you also tick the Drivers Pack (£1,975), which includes automatic lights and wipers, front fog lamps, cab air-con, front parking sensors and a range of driver assistance and safety systems.

A spacious interior layout

But it’s the layout that’s central to the appeal here, especially as the F67 feels bigger inside than its dimension imply. The settees look inviting and are comfy to sprawl on and there’s plenty of artificial lighting, while the free-standing table stores away in its own locker when not required.

Where the Auto-Trail differs from its main rivals is offering generous storage below the settees rather than foldaway travel seats. 

If you need to carry rear passengers, there’s an HD Dinette option (£995) which swaps the offside sofa for an L-settee with two forward-facing seatbelts.

Above, the (completely rectangular) drop-down bed measures 1.92m by 1.40m and a ladder is provided for access, although your dealer can apparently remove the stopper that prevents the bed coming down lower. The alternative bed formed from the seats is larger, at 2.17 by 1.47m.
 

Kitchen with all the kit

The kitchen beats the imported opposition by including a microwave, as well as a combined oven/grill and three gas rings.

A neat worktop extension ensures that there’s plenty of preparation space, while storage includes a large cutlery drawer, a variety of cupboards and, opposite, a tall 150-litre compressor fridge.
 

Washroom is a star feature

For many, though, the washroom will be the key selling point. A solid, inward-opening door provides access to a space that includes plenty of room to use the loo and washbasin, a separate shower with baskets for your shampoo, etc, and a supersized wardrobe incorporating two drawers.

Below that, there’s internal access to the 70cm-wide garage with 1m headroom (or over 2m in a small zone on the offside).

Auto-Trail has put its own twist on a proven formula, with more storage and a UK-style kitchen. So those infamous numbers – six seven – might now get a different generation all fizzed up.