Model Year | 2018 |
Class | A-Class |
Base Vehicle | Iveco Daily |
Price From (£) | 134,230 |
Engine Size | 2.3TD |
Maximum Weight (kg) | 5,600 |
Berths | 4 |
Main Layout | Island Bed |
According to Le Voyageur, which is the Pilote Group’s flagship brand, the Signature is designed to be the ‘bridge’ between ‘humbler’ Fiat-based motorhomes and its liner class ranges. Not that anything Le Voyageur makes can be classed as humble – all are upmarket A-class models, with the prerequisite double floor and host of quality kit
These are based on the Iveco Daily chassis, with rear-wheel drive, a choice of engines and smooth, eight-speed automatic gearbox option. And the new black glass-clad flanks add real upmarket automotive style and the entire package looks befitting of a £130k+ motorhome. So new is this motorhome range that information remained scarce at the time of writing, but there’ll be four models in two layouts (island and twin single beds), in different overall lengths. The I 8.0 CF tested here is equipped with an easy-access, domestic-style double bed in the rear with garage beneath.
As you might expect, the cab did all the things that an upmarket A-class is supposed to do and have, plus more. There’s a great panoramic view out, a cab door, high-end electric captain’s seats, heated floor, air-con, easy-to-read dash, multi-function steering wheel – the list goes on.
With the swivelled cab seats performing as luxury armchairs, there’s room for six or seven to relax here using the lounge’s twin, inward-facing sofas. A big fixed table looms in between, but its top folds in half, so it’s not too bad. I did warm to the table, however, after I discovered a mini wine cellar that popped out of its substantial leg. As expected, there’s a drop-down bed above the cab making for a four-berth, along with the island double. Adjacent to the habitation door, a stylish white panel parts – sliding up and down – to reveal a TV. This is the usual location in many motorhomes, but I love the way it’s concealed when not needed. Good for security, too.
Before we dive into the chef’s domain, I need to say a word or two about décor. The upholstery is not leather, but a synthetic alternative. It looked and felt great and had me fooled. It’s also wipe-clean so red wine proof – always a good thing! The upholstery is partnered by rich wood tones and white, with the kitchen getting close to minimalism, with lots of white surfaces, both vertical and horizontal. The minimalist theme continues with appliances, as there’s just a two-burner hob. The sink is a fashionable flush-fit item, with a lid that flips to reveal a built-in plate draining rack. Across the aisle there’s no sign of a refrigerator and that’s because it works like a domestic, built-in model. Open a cabinet and it opens the chilled section door. It is compressor cooled, too, but runs on 12 volts, not mains.
Storage is good, with a large locker above the fridge, while opposite are roomy cupboards and a pull-out larder above, generous drawers and another pull-out unit (with recycling bins) below. The drawers have central locking and an alarm that sounds when they’re unlocked and the ignition is turned on.
As expected, given the layout, ablutions are made en suite to the bedroom in the normal way. The separate shower is roomy, has rigid doors and a roof vent/light, while across the way, the Thetford loo is a ceramic bowl model. The vessel-type washbasin is served by a designer wall-mounted tap and sits on a generous counter – with a large mirror above – and there’s adequate storage both above and below.
The same as the washroom, all is conventional in the bedroom. The bed is long and, with radiused corners at the foot. There’s enough headroom to get sat up, too, something that’s not always the case in other ’vans. The conventional layout places his ‘n’ hers wardrobes either side of the bed, with a handy surface for each sleeper in front. Mood lighting illuminates the headboard in luxury hotel fashion and also throws some light into the shelved pigeonholes that Le Voyageur has cunningly located behind each of the wardrobes.
The star of the stowage show is the garage and this one is big and has a large external door on each side. The rest of the area sees two big drawers located inside at the foot of the bed above, which are great for bulky clothes. The storage double floor provides for long slim items loaded from either side and inside there are in-floor access hatches. All tanks, plumbing and electrics live cosily down here – the Alde boiler running on gas, mains or a combination of both and providing hot water, plus heating to concealed radiators throughout. Other good stuff in the basement includes a built-in water fill hose and mains hook-up lead, while an external hatch makes it easy to get at circuit breakers, fuses and drain valves.
These days, it’s possible to control your home from your phone and Le Voyageur has followed this high-tech trend with an optional on-board WiFi system that also allows remote access to controls from a phone or tablet. The system can also allow Le Voyageur to update the software in the motorhome and even do fault-finding remotely. And if the ‘computer says no’ you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a basic control back-up system that will keep life support going: electric step, heating, water pump and some of the lights will still work until the problem can be fixed.
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