Full review

CHAUSSONS have always had that certain ‘something’ that sets them apart as truly European motorhomes.

Maybe it’s the bright and breezy interiors, or possibly the simple, yet striking body graphics, but whatever it is, it really works.

Once again, Fiat’s ubiquitous X2/50 Ducato provides the base vehicle, and while you can specify the terrific new 130 Multijet engine allied to the slick-shifting six-speed gearbox, you’ll have to stick with the older 100bhp 2.2 engine (and the attendant five-speed cog-box) if you want your Flash 08 to duck beneath the magical £30,000 price barrier.

Whichever engine you opt for, the external looks remain the same, with the unashamedly unpainted front bumper really suiting the vehicle’s budget air, thanks in no small part to the grey lower body panels that encircle the conversion and blend nicely with the front. The jewel-effect tail-lights belie the Flash’s entry-level status, too.

Inside, you’ll find a typically European layout, with a half-dinette up front allied to twin swivelling cab seats and a good-sized offside settee.

Given its overall size (just a little longer than the Adria), this seems a particular generous lounge, and you can make the most of that space come mealtimes, too, as the table sports a nifty extension flap that allows the occupant(s) of the settee to reach the table.

Further back, the expected L-shaped kitchen surprises with its generous work surface and storage provisions, although the latter is helped by the fitment of just a grill rather than a full oven.

That should be enough for most cooks, though it’s high-level position is not so convenient. If the Chausson’s lounge is typically continental, then what about the en-suite bedroom?

The permanent double bed lies longitudinally, and gets it pretty much spot on, with its in-built headboard, lack of a rear window and a pair of adjustable his ‘n’ hers reading lights.

A nick-nack shelf or two would have made it perfect, but there’s no arguing with the number of roof lockers on offer, nor the amount of stowage space available beneath the bed.

The attendant washroom offers a swivel toilet, separate shower and good-sized vanity.

And while finding a shower curtain in lieu of the preferable door is a minor disappointment), the layout is such that the toilet can still be reached, even if your other half is wielding the Imperial Leather in the shower – a concept some other manufacturers seem to find difficult to grasp.

Fact-file:

Make/model: Chausson Flash 08
Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato X2/50 special chassis 35L
Engine: 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (100bhp)
Price from: £29,925 on-the-road
Overall length: 6.69m (21ft 11in)
Overall width: 2.30m (7ft 6.5in)
Overall height: 2.72m (8ft 9in)
Gross weight: 3,500kg
Payload: 585kg
Berths: 4
Travel seats: 4, including driver