Full review

The Chausson 611 was a unique vehicle with a very appealing proposition. Its quartet of captain’s chairs up front meant that a family of four could all travel first-class, with no one having to perch bolt upright on a half-dinette. At night, no one would have to sleep on lumpy cushions or have to assemble their mattress, as the 611 came with two drop-down double beds. And, whether touring in the UK or on the Continent, this one-of-a-kind motorhome would have a door on the right side to alight safely

On top of the aforementioned aspects, the 611 had a rear lounge. But the model lasted just one season. The 611 is dead, long live the 711.

In Chausson-speak that means the layout has gone from being under 7m to over 7m in length – now it’s 7.46m to be precise. And that extra space has been used to overcome the previous model’s Achilles’ heel – a lack of storage space, especially for a touring family.

Although this is now quite a large motorhome, it is still a surprise to find that Chausson has managed to incorporate a full-sized garage into a vehicle that has two lounge areas. Like other models from the marque, the garage here also has three loading doors. Both 12V and 230V sockets are fitted inside the locker, too.

Also on the outside of the new 711 you’ll find a service hatch, as well as the Easy Chef – a slide-out cooker for culinary creativity outside.

The convenience of the four doors up front is enhanced by central locking for them all, while the luxury of the quartet of the swivel chairs is not just enjoyed while you travel. There’s a small, round table for drinks or snacks to be served here. It has a 550mm diameter (compared with 950mm for the rear table) and its central support pole is of a new, more secure design to cut out the previous wobbliness.

The kitchen has been enhanced, too, compared with the old model, which had a strange stepped worktop. The new galley is longer, so there’s plenty of workspace now. Even better, the 711 will receive a new cooker with full oven. The fridge is a tall, slim Dometic model, mounted opposite.

The rear lounge has been improved, too – it’s now a true U-shape, where the 611’s was more of an ‘L’. There’s room to put your feet up here, while the corner wardrobes are much bigger than before (one is shelved, one has a rail).

And there’s still an electric drop-down bed above (1.92m by 1.42m/1.24m) and another ‘Hideaway bed’ up front (1.88m by 1.40m/1.20m). All in all, it gives the 711 an impressive list of credentials – and there’s still nothing else like it.

If you enjoyed this review, you can read more like it in the latest issue of What Motorhome magazine.

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