Full review

Words & photos: Peter Vaughan

The Le Voyageur Eterna LV7.8GJF

For 2024, Le Voyageur has replaced its Classic range with the new Eterna – a range of Fiat-based A-classes ranging from 6.80m to 8.55m in length. 

All use a new lower Al-Ko STC chassis that has allowed a deeper double floor and a lower centre of gravity to improve the vehicles’ handling. 

The French company, part of Groupe Pilote, has also worked on reducing these motorhomes’ weight, so the  smaller models (up to 7.25m) can be on 3,500kg chassis and the longer ’vans (7.55m upwards) can benefit from increased payload – or more options can be fitted, as most customers want a high-spec vehicle. 

This LV7.8GJF model – the longest version to have a single rear axle – has a payload in standard form of 860kg.

An example of this development is that the Eterna uses the same roof design as the Mercedes-based Héritage (launched in 2021), saving 50kg in the process. 

The newcomer is also designed to have a closer family resemblance to the Merc range, with a new front panel featuring a black band between the new LED headlamps. 

The exterior

Externally, this is a handsome vehicle with an exclusive domed roof designed to eliminate water retention and provide hail protection. 

Naturally, at this level  of the market, there’s a heated double floor, which is 35cm deep to provide generous additional storage. Aluminium walls are used for optimal heat distribution (said to be 30% better than plywood walls) and an external hatch provides access to all the habitation electrics in a new central location. 

Another hatch gives access to the Alde heating and a built-in hose to fill the inboard 200-litre fresh water tank (the grey tank has a  120-litre capacity). 

Of course, the Eterna also has a large rear garage, claimed to be 2,800 litres in size, and this  is where you’ll discover the exterior shower fitting and the mains cable, which is built in on a reel.

The interior

Inside, you know you’re in a Le Voyageur, rather than one of its German rivals, and the face-to-face seating will appeal to UK buyers, especially as the fold-in-half table increases the feeling of space. 

With the captain’s chairs swivelled, there’s easily room for six people here, and the optional leather upholstery (fabric or faux leather are also offered), reading lights, downlighters and net curtains all assist with the premium feel of the vehicle. 

Foldaway travel seats below the settees allow the Eterna to be used as a four-berth, too.

The kitchen 

The Eterna also has a completely new design for the kitchen, where clean lines, white finish and drawer-based storage dominate. 

A two-ring hob might disappoint but the volume of stowage space won’t – especially as it incorporates a pull-out bottle rack at low level and a slide-out pantry for packet foods at eye level. 

However, some of this space will be lost if you specify the oven, which is mounted in the centre of the main galley unit below the hob. Opposite is the large AES fridge/freezer.

The bedroom

The GJF designation here denotes rear single beds (there’s also a CF model with an island bed in the same-size body). Each has a choice of Dune furniture (shown) or the darker Riviera alternative. 

Two bed heights can be selected at time of ordering and tip-up head sections allow a chaise longue position. More novel, though, is that the beds can slide together electrically to form a double.

The options

As ever, you’ll need to consult the options list. The Media Pack adds the automatic air-con, 10in touchscreen on the dashboard, sat-nav and digital instrumentation. 

Then the Luxury Pack adds a whole host of kit, including the 180hp engine, automatic gearbox, the unusual lengthways drop-down bed in the cab (much easier for access without disturbing your partner), an electric cab blind, twin solar panels, a 22in TV, ceramic toilet with SOG vent, 210Ah lithium battery, 1,800W inverter, an electric awning, a satellite dish and more.

There’s even an electric grey water valve and camera system so you can see to drive exactly over the campsite emptying point! 

Fully loaded, expect the price to top £170k.

Where to buy

Once represented by a sole UK dealer, Le Voyageur has three outlets in England and one in Northern Ireland. 

These are Pullingers Leisure Vehicles in Essex, Signature Motorhomes & Leisure in Preston and  Alan Kerr in Paignton, Devon.

Then, across the Irish Sea, the dealer is Camper NI.