Full review

All 2019 Pilote Galaxy A-classes built on the Fiat Ducato Camping-Car (CCS) chassis benefit from a new double floor that’s 13cm deep, but the key change (in addition to improved insulation) is in reduced weight. Thus, these models (identified by a zero as the third digit, rather than a one of Al-Ko chassis versions) benefit from an extra 60kg of payload.

In the case of this seven-and-a-half-metre island bed motorhome, then, there’s a surprisingly generous 545kg payload in Essentiel trim, or 455kg for the plusher Sensation version. It’s worth noting, too, at this juncture that the 2019 Essentiel spec is close to 2018’s Sensation and includes new LED ceiling lights, the Xperience touchscreen control panel, a new kitchen partition and improved upholstery.

Meanwhile, the Sensation – as shown here and costing nearly six grand more, at just under £70k – adds Credenza LED lighting, a more efficient hob with two high-power gas burners, a backlit headboard in the bedroom, a slide-out spice rack and full-height mirror next to the fridge.

This demo model was also fitted with the optional Garmin Fusion demountable tablet, with docking stations both on the dashboard and in the living area. As a hand-held device it can even operate up to 50m away from the vehicle – so, for example, a front seat passenger can update the sat-nav without leaning forward to the fascia, or you could lie in bed and adjust the heating, set an alarm, check the outside temperature, etc. The system includes free updates for life – including useful campsite information.

Those are the headline features of this latest Pilote, which features an entirely predictable mix of continental-style lounge and an island bed. It’s a format you’ll see in many a European brochure, while Pilote also offers more compact island bed layouts (even down to a surprisingly compact 6.5m) and, now, a side settee lounge variation, too. Low-profile versions are offered as well, including a Pacific P740C that is identical to the Galaxy from the cab back.

Being 7.49m long, the G740C has space for a good-sized lounge with an L-settee and a large inward-facing seat opposite. The seating is comfortable and the A-class cab adds space, while upholstery here is an interesting mix of grey fabric and beige faux leather. There’s plenty of adjustment for the permanently sited table, while a fifth travel seat is an option.

But while the lounge is good, it’s the bedroom that is most likely to secure a sale. The bed itself measures 1.90m by 1.50m – better than many – but it’s the raised wardrobes that we really like here. These create large bedside tables for drinks, books, phones, etc, with two USB ports on each side. When lying in bed you feel less hemmed in by the furniture alongside and, in the morning, there’s plenty of room to sit up with a cuppa, while enjoying perfectly placed reading lights and radio speakers.

The en suite facilities include a separate shower with step-free tray, a well-planned toilet room with the latest cassette loo and doors to close off the area both from the lounge and the bedroom.

The kitchen boasts good worktop provision and a two-door 149-litre automatic energy selection fridge/freezer, plus a low-mounted oven for UK buyers. The rear locker has internal height of 0.88m, while the G740C also works well as a four-berth, thanks to the 1.84m by 1.37m manually operated drop-down bed in the cab.

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