EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW - See the new Auto-Trail Excel compact motorhome range here first

Peter Vaughan gets an exclusive first look at all four models in Auto-Trail's all-new compact range for 2024. Reintroducing the Excel name, these Ford-based low-profiles include rear double bed, rear single bed, end washroom and rear lounge layouts in lengths from 6.20m to 6.90m.
If you would like to see more videos like this you can help and support us by giving us a thumbs up, leaving a comment or subscribing to our channel.
◼️ REVIEWED BY: Peter Vaughan, Group Motorhome Road Test Editor for MMM magazine and What Motorhome magazine Editor. Peter has been writing about motorhomes since the age of 14, has a love of touring France and is mad about old Italian sports cars.
◼️ ANY QUESTIONS? We love reading your comments so don't forget to leave a comment and we will do our best to answer your questions.
◼️ VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.outandabou... for the latest on motorhomes and campervans and how to get the very best from your life on the open road.
◼️ MMM MAGAZINE motorhome.ma/m... This video is by MMM magazine, which has been Britain's best-selling motorhome magazine for every one of the past 53 years! To find out more about this fantastic magazine, which is packed every month with motorhome reviews, inspiring motorhome and campervan tours in the UK, Europe and the rest of the world, all the latest motorhome news, technical tips and DIY projects to improve your ’van and the latest buying advice and tips just follow the link above.
◼️ WHAT MOTORHOME MAGAZINE motorhome.ma/w... Our team of experts also produce What Motorhome magazine, which is packed every month with detailed information on new motorhomes and campervans, as well as expert buying advice and tips to help you find the right motorhome for you.
◼️ CAMPERVAN MAGAZINE motorhome.ma/c... We also create Campervan magazine each month, which is for those who enjoy life on the road in a more compact home from home. Each month Campervan magazine features superb tours, campervan reviews, the latest camper news and views and top technical and buying tips.
◼️ MORE INSPIRATION Join in the motorhome chat on our social channels too / motorhomemags / mmm_magazine

[@johnlong3214]

I love a big washroom👍

[@TimmysFavs]

Thanks for the review of these new Excel models, I've been eagerly awaiting for you to do this review. My favourite is the 690T, we favour the German layout & it's very refreshing that a British manufacturer has produced one at last. I particularly like the interior decor choice of colour and fabrics, also it was nice to see that both cupboards under the single beds are illuminated. Also a choice of exterior cab colour is a nice touch rather than the standard white! Overall these will be very popular & there's surely a model for everyone, so well done Auto-trail 👏

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

A fuller review of the 690L will follow

[@TimmysFavs]

@@MotorhomeCampervan I know this layout is popular with caravan owners who are looking to upgrade to a motorhome.

[@peterhobbs7609]

A great review Peter, that looks like a really nice range of models

[@philipellis7039]

I have had a big motorhome and now have a van conversion. But on longer trips it is becoming a bit cramped. So, slimline coach built with fixed German layout is on the horizon. Very few if any on the market from U.K. builders. So the 690T is a pleasant surprise. Lots of garage space too. Don’t need the third bed and it doesn’t look great but who knows maybe if we have to accommodate a grandchild further down the line (or just want to really spoil the dog). Seen good things said about the new Transits as well. Downsides: that half dinette looks back breaking, bloody shower curtain (there are better bathroom designs out there) and still sticking a gas cooker from 1974 in the kitchen. However, diesel heating (I think you said?) so gas is just for cooking and the fridge which is helpful for longer trips across The Channel without having to pay for a refillable system.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Heating is Whale gas or 230V

[@jeffshaw4553]

Love the new auto trail they look very stylish and well thought about Peter 👍🏽👍🏽

[@savingelectric]

Thought I'd have a look at their website, but couldn't find any info on the Excel range, as your other viewer commented, no French bed. We like our French bed with a decent bathroom alongside. Maybe go for Swift again.....

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Sorry, no French bed in the Excel range. In fact, very few French beds left in 2024 season

[@garybird8646]

Thinking of going back to a coach built and like the look of the 620G, I don't think the price is too bad either.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

There are some packs to add but the price is pretty good. Take a look at the Rapido C03 as well. And the Bailey Alora 69-4S if you don't mind going longer.

[@birkatron1]

Would like to see the rear lounge in the 6.2m version. (Removing the dinette)

[@grahamhughes5450]

The U shape lounge, but with the separate shower 😊

[@MichaelSimmons-k2v]

It would be the 675b for me if it had a drop down bed. I do not understand why they have not put this option in, we would would have bought this if it had been available.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Agreed. Seems like an obvious omission

[@johnkellett7797]

Are there any motorhomes built on the e-transit platform with a 60 or 90 kW battery?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Bürstner is developing one but it's not on sale yet - EV campervans are very much in their infancy. We did a full report on EV campers in the February issue of What Motorhome, which you can purchase here - www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/store/back-issues/what-motorhome/

[@tonysutton6559]

It would be the 620 for me and even with the 2 extra packs its good value.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes, it's well priced

[@stevekeren21]

We have a 2010 670b. These new layouts are,as so many, not designed for comfort. The thought of climbing up into a high bed, or having to make up a mosaic of cushions is just awful. Carry less "stuff". We'll keep our two long sofas and french bed. Also.....the intrusion of a wheel arch into an otherwise flat shower floor is just a disaster waiting to happen. Not very impressed. However, seeing that the spotlights have usb ports is going to improve our Excel as Ill be fitting them over the bed.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Interestingly, the French bed has rather gone out of fashion, although side sofas have made a comeback. The Swift Voyager 564 is one of the few current models that has both.

[@bryantwalker822]

To bad it’s not made for U.S and no air conditioner

[@shaunmarston7168]

It’s a pitty there on ford chassis never again I hope there not wet belt engines

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

All the Transits have wet belt engines but with the right maintenance we don't expect major issues