Full review

THIS time last year I was reporting that Chausson were to have 10 models in the UK for 2007; for 2008 you can change that to 14.

While there has been some updating to existing models, the Welcome and Allegro ranges each sport two newcomers.

Improvements across the range include flyscreens as standard, polyester caravan bodywork, and glass topped sink and cooker covers with laminated work surfaces.

In bathrooms great emphasis has been given to blending style with functionality including toughened glass washbasins with stainless steel fittings.

I have always admired Chausson’s excellent showers with their moulded seat and circular door ensuring no compromise is made to the shower floor space. I am pleased to report this is still the case; there are some things that simply do not need changing.

In the living quarters new wood-effect cabinetwork provides a more natural look than in previous years, and there is a choice of four styles of upholstery.

The provision of a flatscreen TV cupboard on all but the Flash models is a real space saver, and thoughtful inclusions such as fire-resistant textiles and a sloping ladder to the overcab have been added to increase safety.

Exterior design remains largely the same, with the exception of the overcab pod which has been rounded to improve aesthetics and to help rainwater dissipate off the roof.

The Flash range will offer five models, four of which are based on the updated Ford Transit chassis, with the fifth coupled to the new Fiat.

Aimed at families, three of the Fords have overcab beds and rear bunk beds and clipping the lower bunk bed to the vertical position creates space to store a couple of cycles.

Engine sizes for the Ford Transit TDCi Flash range start at the 110bhp 2.2-litre, rising through four stages to the 140bhp 2.4-litre unit.

I have recently driven a vehicle with the latter engine and, believe me, it is exceptionally smooth and powerful, and is allied to a gearbox where sixth gear is usable from around 40mph upwards.

Incidentally, the Flash is now made in Peniscola on Spain’s Mediterranean coast where several years ago I stood watching Benimar motorhomes (now also part of the Trigano empire), newly bound for the UK, rolling off the production line. 

Changes to the Flash range include on-road heating to the habitation area, easier access to the cab from the living quarters, a 175-litre fridge on models over 6.5m long.

The Flash 09 also sports Truma’s C6002 EH gas/electric combi heating system. In the low-profile Flash 08 more storage space has been provided under the rear fixed bed by the inclusion of the smaller but equally effective Truma Combi 6 dual-fuel heater.

From the point of view of chassis, the Welcome series is the reverse of the Flash group and utilises a Ford for its existing 7.07m overcab six-berth, while Fiat underpinnings are used on the remaining four models, two of which are the newly named Welcome Top 57 and 58.

The 57 (pictured bwlow) is 6.69m in length with five sleeping berths consisting of two rear bunk beds, an overcab double, and a single made from the dinette seats.



There are sufficient dining seats in the front L-shaped lounge for up to five, and in the kitchen the inset three-burner hob and circular sink are a standard feature throughout the Chausson range. Both Welcome Top motorhomes have a separate gas oven and grill.

On the Welcome 58 the rear bunk beds are replaced by a transverse double bed, and although the overcab and combined dining/lounge/spare bedroom enjoy a similar configuration, the 57’s kitchen and washroom have been relocated to the nearside of the motorhome.

To accommodate the extra space needed to make this set-up comfortable the 58 extends to 7.23m in length with the option to upgrade its chassis to a maximum 4,000kg, which also includes cab air-con as standard.

Last, but not least in Chausson’s family tree is the Allegro low-profile range. Since last year the Allegro 93 which sleeps four and Allegro 94 which sleeps three, (yes, I know, but I didn’t name them), have benefited from this year’s safety and cosmetic improvements.

They are joined by two new models, the 96 and 97, both of which are 270mm longer than their siblings.

Unfortunately, the Allegro 96 was not on show but sneaking a glance at the plans revealed a full-width rear washroom and separate front to back single beds, with another double available in the lounge/dining area. However the Allegro 97 was the star of this particular show.

Someone in Chausson’s design department has been sniffing around the odd American RV as the transverse rear island bed and the inclusion of the washbasin in the bedroom, separate from the bathroom is a set up I have seen many times in this genre. 

The mattress comes in two sections each with its own electric foot/head control. The bedroom and bathroom can be closed off from the rest of the motorhome with solid doors.

New models:

* Welcome Top 57
Overcab coachbuilt with rear bunk beds.

* Welcome Top 58
Overcab coachbuilt/rear transverse double.

* Allegro 96
Low-profile with full-width rear washroom and fixed single beds.

* Allegro 97
Low-profile with transverse island bed with individual electrical adjustment.


•    This model preview complete with interior photos appears in the September 2007 issue of Which Motorcaravan. To subscribe, click here.