Full review

For the 2017 season Rapido did a thorough revamp of its interior designs and décor, so a new look for the exterior styling of its motorhomes makes sense for the 2018 model year. The change is most noticeable on the company’s 8-Series (Fiat) and 80-Series (Fiat Al-Ko) A-classes, which make up almost half the model range

The new front end design is much bolder and heaps more modern than its forebear, but it’s still recognisably a Rapido. This is a good-looking ’van and you’d never guess it was the first step on the company’s A-class ladder – 80-Series adds a double floor, while Distinction has a look of its own.

Flush-fitting side windows are just one of the upmarket features here. Bus-style, twin-lens mirrors give a good view for the driver, while entrance via the 540mm-wide living area door is made easy by the electric step.

At the rear, the garage is served by a full door on the offside and a smaller hatch on the nearside. UK spec includes a height-adjustable bed above, thus maximising storage potential, while loading here is limited to 150kg. Lighting, heating and tie-down hooks are included in the garage.

The real USP of this model, however, will be the lounge. Such was the success of Rapido’s anniversary models in 2017 that the lounge design that they featured has been copied for a broader line-up of layouts this year. That means side-facing sofas and a fold-in-half central table to facilitate a wide gangway from cab to living area. With the L-shaped kitchen reversed to face the lounge, the 896F feels very open plan and spacious.

The usual downside of this type of floorplan has also been addressed. Here, the seats can quickly be reconfigured into a pair of individual forward-facing chairs. Some cushions are left over after the conversion and, although the seats are quite upright, they offer good visibility and adequate legroom.

On site, the captain’s chairs in the cab spin right around to allow feet-up lounging, while the very sturdy tabletop measures a whopping 820 by 850mm for mealtimes. Seen here is the unusual, pinky hued Verone upholstery – one of seven options – which we rather like.

At the back of the 896F the bedroom has cleverly angled wardrobes on each side of the bed to allow a wider mattress, the bed measures a generous 1.95m by 1.58m according to our trusty tape. It’s comfy, too, and there’s just enough room to get around the foot of the bed.

More bedroom pluses are the art deco reading lights and the recesses alongside the head of the bed, on each side, that are ideal for bedtime reading material, specs, etc.

The layout is completed by excellent en suite facilities, which can be closed off from the lounge and the bedroom with solid doors, and a kitchen with 149-litre fridge/freezer.

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