Chausson 630 Flash

Berths: 3 Travel seats: 4 Base vehicle: Ford Transit Gross weight: 3,500kg Payload: 426kg

Chausson has been at the forefront of drop-down bed low-profile motorhomes since the 2009 launch of its Suite, gradually refining and improving the idea, until its current range of models offers unmatched choice for those seeking a ’van in which the main bed (or beds) takes up no floorspace in the day, but requires no cushion shuffling at night, either.

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The new 630, tested here, is just the latest in a successful line where the lack of a conventional fixed bed allows a surfeit of living space in a reasonably compact bodyshell. Despite a sub-7m overall length, this model comes with a really generous washroom, a spacious lounge and a huge garage.

While the habitation door is on the continental side, few imported models come with side settees like this and it’s not hard to be won over by the open-plan nature of this layout. Or the room for at least six people to relax.

With two flexible-wand reading lamps, spotlights in the ceiling (or rather the bed bases that form the ceiling), large skylights over the cab (optional, but essential) and kitchen and swivel cab seats, this is a light and airy place to unwind.

The first stage of converting the lounge for night is, probably, to lower the table, which whirs down electrically on the twist of a key. Table lowered, you need that key again to bring down the twin beds, one at a time. There’s no rejigging of the lounge seats required and the cab seats can face any which way.

With both beds down, the two mattresses are almost touching at shoulder level, but, as they taper at the foot, access is easy, as long as you’re reasonably long in the leg. In their lowest position, they are 82cm (32in) off the floor, so the less lanky might want to carry a small step.

The beds are generously wide and a good length and there are useful shelves on the adjacent walls for bedtime reading, which is well catered for by those bendy lights.

If you need a third berth, it’s possible to add a bridging cushion between the settees to create a transverse single that’s commendably flat. Then you need to have the drop-down beds in a partially lowered position and use the ladder provided for access. In this mode there’s still well over two foot of headroom for both upper and lower sleepers, so no one should feel claustrophobic.

This Chausson has four forward-facing travel seats, although that’s not immediately obvious. Remove the squab cushions from the settees and you can see the backrests of the travel seats (complete with automotive-style head restraints) folded flat. Raise these seat backs, rearrange the base cushions and you have, quite simply, the best settee-to-travel-seat conversion system we’ve come across. Best of all, back seat passengers get reclining chairs!

Here, the 630 is tested in entry-level Flash form but, if you want a bit more luxury, the Welcome version adds extra spec – reversing sensors, panoramic rooflight, lighting in the wardrobe, a duckboard in the shower, luxury mattresses, an illuminated kitchen splashback, different furniture and fabrics, an optional metallic-coloured cab, etc.

As far as the base vehicle is concerned, both the Ducato and Transit are used in motorhome-specific derivatives with lowered chassis for better handling. Here, it’s the Ford, which, once again, is the lower priced alternative.

Combined with the more absorbent ride of the Ford and the fact that an auto is now available, this is a ’van with plenty of driver appeal; the only fly in the ointment being a few rattles from the living area.

Alongside the sink is a three-burner hob with different-sized rings in a line. That frees up a bit of workspace in front, while a flip-up panel alongside means there’s a decent amount of preparation space in total. Storage is pretty good, too, both at high and low level, but Flash spec means you only get a grill, not an oven – so that could be the biggest single reason to upgrade to a Welcome. In daylight, the galley area is well lit but, at night, you’ll rue the omission of any ceiling lamp here.

The end washroom layout seen here is nothing new, but, even a couple of seasons on, it still has a wow factor. The shower is a really good size and looks very ‘boutique hotel’ with its dark tinted doors, but the Velcro straps to secure these (and the main, sliding bathroom entrance) aren’t likely to last the course. There’s more than adequate space to use the loo and basin, sited on the opposite side of the ’van to the shower, but what’s in between is the biggest wardrobe you’re likely to find in any motorhome, concealed by huge double mirrored doors, which sometimes create a confusing image for the driver when seen in the cab’s centre mirror.

There’s no access through the wardrobe to the garage beyond, but you do get three external doors into this capacious (full-width space with 1.25m headroom) void at the stern.

The Technibox provides convenient access to your fresh water tank and winter drain valve, plus fuses and RCD, via a single external hatch. And, last but not least, the body construction boasts a 63.5mm-thick floor (compare that with rivals), XPS insulation and a GRP exterior skin (including under the floor). It’s backed up by a seven-year water ingress warranty.

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

You can get a digital version of this latest issue of MMM magazine here.

Is this the best variation yet on the drop-down bed theme in a motorhome? Add in a great bathroom, huge garage, fine-driving Ford cab, four travel seats and a keen price tag and it’s no wonder these new Chausson 630 motorhomes are selling like the proverbial gateaux chaud