Full review

A reasonably big chunk of this test had to do with the base vehicle, as here is Peugeot’s new Euro VI-compliant Boxer. Firing up for the first time, it’s very easy to tell it’s different. Where the old 2.2-litre Boxer lump often used to sound like someone shaking a biscuit tin full of bolts until it warmed up, this downsized, lighter, 2-litre engine starts instantly and runs smoothly from the off.

In fact, it’s now much more akin to the Ducato, with its 2.3-litre powerplant, although on the road it appeared to be a tad smoother and more refined than the Fiat. Here, in 160-horsepower guise, it pulled cleanly and hauled this undeniably large ’van along with verve.

Peugeot says the 15-litre tank of urea solution (sold commercially as AdBlue) will, typically, last up to 6,200 miles, so top-ups can be done at the annual service. The external filler is also a lot more convenient (and less messy) than the Mercedes Sprinter’s under-bonnet one.

External styling sees plenty of changes – a new sunroof, flush-fit windows and revamped graphics. The biggest change is at the rear. Gone is the rather fussy and old-fashioned design, replaced by a new moulding that adds upmarket looks, thanks to bar-style LED rear lights. Bike rack fixings are standard, too, and the Media Pack adds a reversing camera. You also get an external mains socket and gas barbecue point, but the waste water drain looks small, fiddly and too close to the ground.

Turn from the cab and you discover one of the most important facilities in this six-berth ’van. The dinette’s four, fully-belted, crash-tested travel places make up the essential total of six. You’re also greeted by living area styling that presents as fresh and modern, but not so much that it’s austere. White-panelled overhead locker doors and good-looking, well-shaped backrests stand out as spanking new, but there’s plenty more good stuff to come.

The layout is nothing new, per se; it’s a perennial classic and that’s simply because it works so well. But it is different to the previous 765 model – there’s now a settee opposite the front dinette, so the habitation door moves further towards the rear. It still has two seating areas (the rear lounge is U-shaped), plus a bit more in the cab as the seats swivel. There’s plenty of room for the six residents – especially as these Baileys are some of the widest motorhomes around.

There’s plenty of comfort, too, as taller-than-usual backrests are heavily sculpted for comfort. Usually the backrests would become part of the beds. Instead, the seats’ squab cushions are in two layers, folding open book-style to make the dinette and rear lounge beds. Very clever.

The resultant beds are nicely flat and, although the mattress sections are thinner, they proved comfortable enough.

In seating/dining mode, both front and rear areas have a duo of tables that work well. Dinette, side sofa and rear lounge might accommodate as many as 13 people – with spare seating in the cab!

The bathroom feels less spacious, but contains all you need, while looking pretty special, too. Practicality starts with storage, as a large wall cupboard has fiddled shelves enough for a host of cosmetics. There’s also a vessel-style basin, good countertop and a large mirror stand next to a toilet that is set at a comfortable height for sitting.

The separate shower has a rigid screen and twin drains and, in grey, it’s a nice contrast to the bright white of the rest of the room. One old-fashioned item that has survived is the domestic-style pull-cord light switch.

In the kitchen, a push-to-open latch allows a double-width door to rise on gas struts, and in the galley there’s a set of broad drawers that should make getting at your batterie de cuisine easy.

The hob includes a mains hotplate, and there’s an oven and microwave. There’s tolerable worktop provision, thanks to a flip-up section. And while the sink has no drainer, it’s furnished with a removable unit. The tall fridge is big (155 litres).

Press a button on the drop-down bed’s base, hold the button in and a tug sees the mattress descend, supported by steel cables. It’s actually quite easy to use, not requiring of muscle-power and it places no demand on precious reserves of 12V power.

The 79-6 does quite well with storage. There’s a cavernous full-sized wardrobe and space beneath the seating up front. And the low Al-Ko chassis allows very deep areas under the rear lounge, including an externally accessed, through-locker across the rear (with improved catches and seals on its doors). Want more? Then the 79-6 G will offer an identical layout but with one key change – the rear lounge is swapped for a fixed bed over a large garage.

This is an abridged version of the full review appearing in the October 2016 issue of What Motorhome magazine. Buy it here now