Full review

Spot an ‘F’ in the model classification of a new Pilote and it indicates the new side settee lounge, introduced as part of the 2019 line-up.

It’s followed here by a ‘C’, showing that there’s a central (or island) bed, while the FGJ is the twin single bed alternative. ‘P’, of course, is a Pacific low-profile (as opposed to ‘G’ for a Galaxy A-class) and the number is a guide to the length.

The example seen here is also equipped in Sensation spec, which increases the price to £57,794 and reduces payload by 50kg.

The extra kit that comes with the upgrade includes a 230V socket and lighting in the exterior locker (not a full garage in this model as interior headroom is 0.79m), a Truma automatic crash sensor regulator (so you can run the heating while you drive), an extra window and mirror in the lounge, an extractor hood and built-in waste bin in the galley, a duckboard and towel rack in the bathroom, an illuminated wardrobe and a backlit headboard in the bedroom.

There is also upgraded upholstery, while the show vehicle here boasts 15in alloy wheels (a £426 option).

British dealers will be sure to add the GB Pack (£1,002) to all their stock vehicles, so Combi 6EH gas/electric heating, carpets and an oven can be expected on the itinerary. The Comfort Pack (£1,545) will be popular, too, as it brings central locking of the habitation door, a heated waste tank, GRP side walls, cab blinds, a 120W solar panel, and DAB radio with reversing camera. Irrespective of options, all vehicles get a simpler rear panel design and new graphics for 2019.

The key feature here, though, is the lounge, which feels very light and spacious. That’s thanks not just to the face-to-face seating but also the fixed overcab sunroof and the wind-up Heki rooflight over the lounge. The central table is fixed but its top folds in half to ease walk-through to the cab, while the TV bracket features height adjustment and there are stylish LEDs in the doorway.

As with other new lounge designs of this ilk from continental manufacturers, the Pacific’s bench seats convert into face-forward travel seats. However, here there are no heavy extra frames to carry, nor extra cushions to stow. One rear travel seat is standard, with a second as an option.

The other big news from Pilote this year was the tablet-style control panel. The detachable 6.1in Android tablet shown here includes the radio, sat-nav, WiFi and the ability to monitor levels in the habitation area. It has docking positions on the dashboard and near the habitation door.

The kitchen might be more conventional but the pull-out eye-level spice rack is a novelty and the smart new two-burner hob frees up plenty of preparation space in front. Some of the five drawers seen here will be lost to the UK-spec oven but you’ll retain the large cutlery drawer and the deep drawer with bin and cut-outs to house seven wine bottles.

There’s more neat design in the bedroom, where raised wardrobes create open areas alongside the head of the bed for books, phones, iPods, etc. There are two USB ports each side, too, while the bed itself measures 1.90m by 1.50m.

The split en suite ablutions can be separated both from the living area (with the toilet door) and the bedroom (with a sliding door), still leaving room to get around the foot of the bed. The shower is a decent size and comes with a roof vent but has a slight step in its tray, while the toilet cubicle is better than many and features the superior Dometic loo.