Full review

Words & photos: Peter Vaughan

The Pilote G740FC Évidence

Pilote’s Évidence range was launched for the 2021 model year, taking some of the brand’s most popular models and adding a whole host of additional kit in a one price/one spec package. It was hoped that this would appeal to British buyers who tend to favour such an easy-to-understand approach, in contrast to the more bespoke nature of some German marques with their lengthy options lists – and it’s worked, with the majority of Pilotes sold here now being from the Évidence range.

It isn’t just about having more standard spec, though, but also offering great value. The G740FC (like other Évidence models) can still be ordered in highly configurable Expression trim but, with a like-for-like list of equipment, the Évidence version would save you £9,245.

However, while you can choose from five different layouts of low-profile motorhome, there’s just this one A-class available in the desirable Évidence spec.

A recent addition to the French maker’s A-class portfolio, the G740FC has a typical 7.5-metre body with a lengthways island bed at the rear and side settee lounge. As such, it isn’t short of competition but the difference here is that everything you need is standard – there’s no factory options list.           

What’s included

That starts with the base vehicle – Fiat’s wide-track camping-car chassis with 140bhp engine and the nine-speed automatic. It also comes with the Eco Pack (including stop/start), a leather steering wheel, ESP, Traction Plus and alloy wheels.

In the cab, there’s a Pioneer 9in touchscreen DAB radio with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, sat-nav and reversing camera.

Externally, there’s little (bar the Évidence badging) to differentiate this model, but it does feature a roll-out awning, a 100W solar panel, a frostproof waste water tank and a glazed habitation door with central locking, flyscreen and an electric step. There’s also a drawer in the side skirts, in addition to more capacious storage in the rear garage, which has a fixed bed height and maximum internal headroom of 880mm.            

The layout

Step inside and you’ll find a full set of removable carpets, which hide trapdoors into the double floor with a stowage height of 130mm.  There’s no step from cab to lounge but the floor level rises slightly aft of the galley. The lounge feels open and spacious, especially with the tabletop folded, but the settees differ not only in length but depth, too – the nearside seating is more comfortable as a result.

Along this side, lounge flows into kitchen, where you’ll see an acreage of worktop that beats many rivals – in contrast, though, the hob’s burner count drops from the typical three to just two. You also get a Duplex combined oven/grill, three drawers (including a super-deep one for pans), spice racks and a selection of electrical sockets (12V, 230V and USB) at the back of the counter. Opposite is a 153-litre fridge/freezer with a large cupboard above.

Completing the layout, the rear bedroom has a 1.90m by 1.48m Bultex mattress and there’s just enough room to get around it even with the room’s sliding door closed. That’s an important feature when using this motorhome as a four-berth, with all occupants allowed privacy to use the separate shower and opposing toilet room, each with a roof vent above.          

Summary

Finished with Gloss Country cabinets, Black Mika worktops and Plume faux leather upholstery, the G740FC adopts a fairly conservative appearance. Some rivals might go for a bolder approach but few A-classes can match the value for money on offer here.