Full review

Is this the holy grail of UK motorhoming – the combination of the much-loved rear lounge with an A-class body from a renowned continental maker? It certainly seems that this mix is on the rise, at least in terms of the choice of models available. Frankia, Hymer, Mobilvetta and Pilote also offer permutations on this motorhome theme

Rapido has been here before. Its 9010dF of almost a decade ago was, sadly, short-lived – killed off by the recession – but the more recent 9094dF has become one of the marque’s best sellers here, maybe even its top performer. 

So, as Rapido rationalises its range for 2018, the best bits of the 9094dF live on in the new 8094dF. Moving from the discontinued 90-Series line-up to the new-look 80-Series brings with it the benefit of a price reduction, too. Despite a less-than-favourable exchange rate, this 2018 model is around £6k cheaper than its predecessor – and that puts it head-to-head with flagship coachbuilts from the UK’s major makers. None of those come with a double floor or an A-class cab, making the French ’van appear conspicuously good value. As long as the currency doesn’t go even further in favour of the euro, that is…

Rapido created a stylish L-shaped sofa for the 9094dF and it has stayed with the design for its replacement. This is a proper lounge for two. At first sight, it really does look inviting. The eight scatter cushions suggest lazy afternoons with a good book, while the upholstery is different to that used in the front dinette. Crucially, too, the seats are 40mm lower – not a huge difference, but would you have dining chairs and settees of the same height at home?

Then there’s the table – not for dinner but for your G&T (it’s even lower than the seats) – and the huge nearside picture window for watching the world go by. Even the low-set reading lights (art deco-style fittings) suggest a somnolent pose. But the 8094dF goes further still, if you fork out an extra £1,400 on the Cinema Pack. Now, a 51-inch screen powers down over the big window and films or photos can be displayed from your iPhone, iPad, laptop or DVD player, via a Philips PicoPix projector.

The 8094dF has a dinette of side-facing settees. Combined with white walls, gloss white cabinets in a reversed ‘L’ and, here, optional creamy beige Murano TEP (leather-like) upholstery, the effect is one of open-plan spaciousness. That’s enhanced by the panoramic A-class windscreen, deep cab side windows and wind-up Heki sunroof.

The couple I parked next to were blown away by the galley. Perhaps it was the neat, three-in-line hob (which creates a bit of worktop in front), or the generous centrally locked drawers. Maybe it was the illuminated splashback and spice rack, or just the glossy presentation. There are bigger galleys out there, but with everything from a kitchen roll holder to a Baraldi extractor – and, of course, the ‘full-width’ 160-litre fridge and separate freezer opposite – there’s not much you can wag a critical finger at here.

The seat adjacent to the habitation door has a hatch facing the entrance, so this is a logical place for footwear. Bedding can be stored under its opposite number (the water tank being hidden away in a winterised location in the double floor).

There are skirt hatches on both sides of the vehicle, opening onto a 190mm-deep space that now comes with LED illumination across the full width of the motorhome. If that’s not enough, then this Gallic ’van trounces most rear lounge rivals with an external locker that’s the next best thing to a garage. Its maximum 600mm internal height won’t take bikes, of course, unless they’re folders but, with a floor area measuring 2.17m by 0.88m and a maximum weight allowance of 300kg, there’s room to stock up on plonk.

The £4,520 price tag will probably put off a lot of buyers from upgrading to this 4.4-tonne version, but with the standard 3,500kg model only having a 385kg payload, the 3.7-tonne Light chassis upgrade could be the best option, if your licence allows it.

We’d certainly recommend the 150bhp engine (£1,490 on its own) as it coped effortlessly with this big beast and even the controversial Comfort-Matic gearbox got a cautious thumbs-up this time around. With the Select Pack’s extra kit (worthwhile toys from cruise control to reversing camera and Kenwood stereo with touchscreen), there is everything a driver would wish for except a recess for a bottle of water.

Despite the open-plan front lounge, the 8094dF can also accommodate rear passengers. You have to slot in the metal backrest supports which are best stored in the exterior locker, fold up the front section of each seat base, rearrange the cushions and store the ones left over, but the result is a pair of face-forward chairs with three-point belts. They are rather upright but have good visibility and legroom.

At the end of a day’s touring you can simply pull down the bed from the cab ceiling and jump in. I’d be tempted to do just that. If you prefer, however, there’s a second double to be made from the rear settee. The bed here is both longer and wider and, created from just four cushions, it is flat and comfortable. Very comfortable. The rear bedroom also has the advantage of being adjacent to the en suite facilities. Close the toilet door across the aisle and the whole rear of the vehicle becomes a dressing room. As for the ablutions facilities themselves, the shower is excellent and the toilet area impresses with its storage, especially as all your gels and potions are held in place with elasticated straps.

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