Model Year | 2019 |
Class | A-Class |
Base Vehicle | Fiat Ducato |
Price From (£) | 68,490 |
Engine Size | 2.3TD |
Maximum Weight (kg) | 3,499 |
Berths | 4 |
Main Layout | Island Bed |
If you like novel pieces of design, take a look at a Dethleffs Pulse next time you’re at a motorhome show. More specifically, examine its new Maxi-Flex high-level lockers. Now, you would have thought that one eye-level cupboard was much like the next; not here, though, as the duo-tone doors split and fold as they rise. As you’d expect from Dethleffs, the mechanism used gives an impression of superb quality, while their shape creates a greater feeling of space in the living area.
Of course, these new doors are simply symptomatic of the cutting-edge design inside this new range. The Pulse line-up fits between the existing Trend and Magic Edition models, offers both low-profile and A-class body types, and sits in the £60k to £70k middle ground.
This 7051 DBL (along with the single bed 7051 EBL) also adopts the fashionable side settee lounge, which has also been seen in rivals including Bürstner, Pilote and Rapido. Strangely, the new DBL/EBL layouts are only available in A-class form, though. Perhaps Dethleffs is testing the water before considering a wider roll out of this type of lounge.
On the outside, the Pulse is, perhaps, less eye-catching, though the Grand Turismo Package (costing £2,400) adds extra graphics (here in silver but also available in black), LED daytime running lights, flush-fit habitation windows and 16in alloy wheels for a bit more style. The wide habitation door eases access (though you’ll need to deploy the external electric step) and, of course, there’s a rear garage with variable height (adjusted manually by a winding handle) and two large loading doors.
The lounge will be a key feature for UK buyers, especially as those side-facing settees are made extra-comfy with their squishy backrests. The table might be a permanent fixture, but it folds in half so it’s not too bulky when you’re not in gastronome mode. Then, after a big meal, you can rotate the cab seats through a full 180 degrees and stretch out with your feet up on the sofas; now the telly is in the perfect place, too.
And, as is the trend of 2019, these settees can also be converted into a pair of travel seats, for when the grandchildren come along. There are beds for four, too, in the form of two doubles. There’s a drop-down bed in the cab, while the rear island bed has a very generous 1.62m width. Initially, it looks short (at 1.81m) but there’s an infill cushion at the head of the bed to extend length to 1.92m. Then, access around the foot of the bed is quite tight but, as the mattress is just 660mm off the floor in its lowest setting, there’s loads to room to sit up in bed.
The kitchen includes a three-burner hob and Thetford Duplex oven/grill (mounted under the cutlery drawer). As the galley is almost a straight unit, rather than the more common L-shape, it increases floor space. Opposite is a 142-litre fridge/freezer.
Concluding this stylish newcomer is a split washroom with good-sized shower facing a slightly confined toilet cubicle on the nearside. Open the loo door and deploy the sliding door for the bedroom and you create a spacious, full-width washroom.
This review was originally published in What Motorhome magazine, which is available in digital format and in print version.
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