Bailey Approach Autograph 740
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Description
Price from £45,960 Berths/travel seats: 4/2 Maximum weight 3500kg Payload 458kg
Key Features
Model Year
2014
Product Class
Low Profile
Product Model Base
Peugeot Boxer
Price from (£)
£45960
Length (m)
7.45
Berths
4
Belted seats
2
Main Layout
French Bed
Full Review
Bailey burst onto the motorhome scene two years ago with its five-model Approach range. A thousand happy customers later, Bailey is completely revamping its offering with the new Approach Autograph range.
The five-model line up adds two entirely new models to the range, the four-berth, end-bedroom 750 and the six-berth, end-lounge 765. The most popular layouts from the previous line up remain with the two-berth, end-lounge 625, the four-berth, fixed-double 745 and the four-berth 740 that we have here. Overcabs are out with the whole range now featuring smart, fresh, low-line coachwork.LAYOUT
Like its predecessor, the 740 is a four-berth with two travelling seats. On paper it’s an odd combination, but this is a very popular layout for couples. The potential for four berths allows for occasional sleepovers on site, but two travel seats means you don’t have to take anyone with you.
INTERIOR
While the 740’s layout hasn’t changed significantly, its presentation has. The upmarket caravan feel of the previous range has been replaced with a new range of fabrics and wood finishes that boast a modern European look. Kitchen cabinets contrast with the rest of the woodwork in a creamy, hessian-style finish and there’s a choice of materials for the soft furnishings.
A vast double-glazed opening skylight over the cab is another significant addition across the Approach Autograph range. The 740 has two further Heki roof lights, one over the lounge and kitchen and another over the rear fixed bed. The interior of the 740 has become a space flooded with natural light – old and new 740s may well share a similar layout but they feel entirely different from the inside.
CHASSIS
The brand new AL-KO ultra-low profile chassis (43mm lower than the previous Approach range and the lowest you are likely to find on any coachbuilt motorhome), gives the new Baileys more than just a lower entry step. A reduced floor level means the ceiling height goes up to 2.11m on some models (the 740 is 2.09m over the kitchen area) without breaking through the external 2.8m height barrier. But the chassis saves its trump card for that often-overlooked part of a motorhome – driving.
ON THE ROAD
The 130bhp 2.2-litre Peugeot Boxer Euro V engine is no stranger to motorhome lugging and its maximum torque of 320Nm coming in at just 2000rpm is good for getting you off the line without drama, and for tackling hills of all sizes. My test route threw in enough short, medium and grindingly-long gradients to prove this. This engine, and particularly the fine six-speed gearbox, are very well matched to the Bailey.
CONCLUSION
Bailey has built up huge momentum in the motorhome market in a very short space of time. The company’s caravan background, its wealth of market knowledge and a large customer base have all been a factor in this. But the key reason for Bailey’s success is simple: it makes extremely well-designed, well engineered motorhomes that people want to buy. The new Approach Autograph range is just a success story waiting to happen.
Read the full review in the September 2013 digital issue of Which Motorhome magazine
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Our Verdict
Bailey has built up huge momentum in the motorhome market in a very short space of time. The key reason for Bailey’s success is simple: it makes extremely well-designed, well engineered motorhomes that people want to buy.
Advantages
Great to drive
Much-improved interior
Much-improved exterior
Low entry step
More headroom
Disadvantages
Wide at 2.43 metres
