Model Year | 2017 |
Class | Low Profile Drop Down Bed |
Base Vehicle | Fiat Ducato |
Price From (£) | 45,100 |
Engine Size | 2.3TD |
Maximum Weight (kg) | 3,500 |
Berths | 4 |
Main Layout | Garage |
This new Chausson motorhome relies on a tried and tested layout, so we know already it is going to appeal to many buyers. It’s also never dark in the 624, as natural and artificial lighting are well catered for. The overcab sunroof is huge and, cab reading lights have not been forgotten. With the side seat returned to its usual side-facing mode, the lounge will seat five in rather formal and upright style. Upholstery is well-finished but the seats are rather firm and the net curtains and single scatter cushion add a necessary splash of colour. Best feature here is probably the table, which – mounted on a centre post rather than fixed to the wall – slides is all directions with the squeeze of a single handle. Its easy movement overcomes the usual need for a slide-out extension leaf.
The kitchen backs onto the rear travel seat and, again, is conventional. Its L-shape layout allows a usable amount of worktop, while a low-level grill (but no oven) is added for the UK. Under-counter lighting, a utensils hanging rail and a large cutlery drawer are the best details. But by far the best feature of the galley is the tall, slim fridge with 142-litre capacity and automatic energy selection.
The slim fridge leaves room for an XL-sized wardrobe alongside, while families – and those on extended tour – will appreciate the tall, shelved locker between the washroom and the habitation door for even more clothing. The bathroom itself is excellent. Served by a space-saving tambour door, it has a generous separate shower, modern rectangular basin (more practical, if less ‘designer’ than the salad bowl style), opening window and loads of room to use all its facilities. Our only gripe is the longevity (or lack of it) of the Velcro used to secure the shower doors and the fact that the bathroom door is clipped open for travel (whiffs?).
However, the bathroom and clothes storage – indeed, storage full stop – are good reasons to go down this traditional layout route, rather than go for an island bed. Here’s a fixed bed ’van that doesn’t feel squeezed in any particular area and yet measures under 7m long. Whether you can live with the bedroom access is the question only you are able to answer.
There are three external garage doors. There’s heating and lighting in the 2.17m by 0.72m (minimum) cavern, as well as 12V and 230V sockets. Headroom for bikes, etc, is a whopping 1.30m – or, if you don’t need as much as that, just get out the winding handle and lower the bed above (minimum garage height is 0.96m).
If you enjoyed this review, you can read the full version and more in the March 2017 issue of What Motorhome magazine.
You can get a digital version of this latest issue of What Motorhome magazine here.
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 magazineWant 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 MotorhomeWant 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