Full review

The message of Rapido’s 2017 launch was to keep the brand DNA – the Rapido spirit – but to modernise the interior design. Alongside, this the company would be celebrating 55 years in business with two special editions – this low-profile and an A-class of similar layout, the 8096dF.

This 55th anniversary model is one of 10 layouts in the 6-Series line-up, Rapido’s most affordable range. As an ‘FF’ version, it also comes with drop-down bed over the lounge – six of the 10 are so equipped.

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With its metallic grey cab, however, the special 696 is instantly recognisable from its lesser brethren. It also comes with 16-inch alloy wheels and unique graphics, as well as LED daytime running lights and a gloss black grille.

There’s a central rear bed with the wardrobes alongside neatly angled inwards towards their bases to allow a wider mattress in between – Rapido claims bed dimensions of 1.98m by 1.60m. The bed can also be raised/lowered electrically by up to 20cm, to either ease getting into bed or maximise the under-bed locker space.

The little pigeonholes at the head of the bed also make ideal night-time stores for books, specs, magazines, etc. Meanwhile, the wall opposing the foot of the bed curves (mimicking the shape of the end of the mattress) and doors slide across to close off the bedroom.

It’s up front that the 696FF differs from the existing 690FF – and other rivals in the marketplace. Where you might expect a half-dinette, the 696 gets side-facing settees, although these can be converted into individual forward-facing seats for travel. Thus, this Rapido has an almost Anglicised feel, while still retaining the versatility of being able to carry rear passengers. It’s a neat and unusual compromise.

It also has a continental-style fixed table (825mm by 850mm), but avoids being an obstruction by virtue of the fact that it folds in half. That’s a typical Rapido feature.

The L-shaped kitchen faces the lounge to create extra floorspace. It comes with a three-burners-in-line hob and a low-mounted oven/grill replacing one of the large drawers in the European spec model shown in our photos. There’s a spice rack, kitchen roll holder and Baraldi cooker hood, too, while the drawers have a twist knob to lock them shut for travel.

The split ablutions facilities – toilet and basin on the nearside, shower on the offside – come with a backlit shower column and Rapido’s usual stainless-steel basin set into a useful area of countertop.

Furniture is offered in a choice of Elegance (shown here) or more contemporary, lighter-coloured Castello. Upholstery comes as standard in TEP leather-style fabric.

If you enjoyed this review, you can read the full version and more in the June 2017 issue of What Motorhome magazine.

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