Auto-Trail's new budget overcab coachbuilt is in a class of its own

[@alexkent2248]

I've got a twenty year old motorhome with this layout and I absolutely love it. Great to see they're making a comeback!

[@peterv3642]

Yes, it's a great layout. Pity more makers don't offer it

[@crivsmum4820]

This would tempt me back; we had an Autohome for 24 years which was very similar and don't really like the fancy modern designs ... this feels very familiar. We used the double lounge bed as a wide single and a narrow single to give my husband more space and leave the ladder out for the kids. The shower was over the basin so we still had space for a narrow wardrobe which was great. I hope the external access to underseat storage is lockable or that would be a way in!

[@katerinadicamella]

Most Japanese campervan use this type of layout, which is good for customer having the option to choose

[@thomaseriksson3182]

Nice new haircut!👍 Thanks for this review. Can you please do Itineo PF600?🌹

[@johnlong3214]

That is lovely, add a reversing camera and its a 10/10. Thank you 👍

[@SqwarkParrotSpittingFeathers]

The great thing, from my point of view, is that a couple does not need to use the over cab bed as a bed but it is a useful large space for extra storage. Interesting motorhome to consider.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes - just don't put anything heavy that high up!

[@thegrinch8161]

Very nice indeed, 🙏👍

[@stevies100a]

Another good review I was considering an Imala I currently have a 2015 Adria twin 600 my concern is build quality as seen (gas struts) water ingress and what about recent additions of 60 litre fuel tanks the panel vans have 90 and use less fuel you have to keep 10 litres as reserve so in reality you have 50 litres or 80 I prefer 80 see the queues at filling stations lately.

[@winkle1008]

Nothing wrong with the build quality, you need to bear in mind how many coachbuilt motorhomes Auto Trail actually sell in the U.K. then compare the percentage which may have issues, It's no worse than any other. Water ingress, again no worse than others. The 60 litre fuel tank has been fitted to motorhomes for nearly a decade now. I wouldn't let the name put you off as AT just like Adria are owned by Trigano and the factory in Grimsby convert panel vans for 3 or 4 other companies within the group.

[@alanmoore2197]

Surely the bed join down the middle can be improved just by cushion relocation? Biggest two cushions at the head end with the square ends together in the middle - backrest cushions at the foot end - placed similarly - square ends together. Yes the glass cover over sink is quite stupid! - it should be a chopping board that insets a little into the sink - then the space becomes useful for prep.

[@peterv3642]

You could, perhaps, arrange the cushions differently but there will always be joins and moving them will make the bed-making process longer

[@alanmoore2197]

@@peterv3642 I would! The point is having the main joins more flush (square ends) and placed in areas where you make little pressure contact. What was shown seems about the very worst possible - joints at shoulders & hips and using the rounded ends. It would really take no more time - just thought.

[@winkle1008]

Cheers Pete... Seems to be replacing the previous Tribute Fiat based coachbuilds now that the F line dropped the moniker for 2021. Very similar to the both the Tribby 620 & Imala 620. Come on Auto Trail with the work surface over the fridge why not turn the sink so the glass lid opens against the window, you'd still have the space for the triple pull up sockets and maintain the space for your kettle & toaster? Again for me the biggest issue is payload on these multi occupancy 3500kg motorhomes... more of a 2+2 rather than a 4 berth plus I'd like to see it as an entry level 2 berth with facing bench seats as an option to the Imala 615 and the previous Tracker EKS and save the 25kg travel seat weight. Great lounge area for relaxing and it's nice to see the passenger swivel seat is the same height as the nearside bench. Good addition to the AT stable.

[@peterv3642]

Payload is pretty good, at 570kg on a 3,500kg chassis. Thank the reduced spec for that! And you can upgrade to 3,650kg at no extra cost if your licence allows

[@winkle1008]

@@peterv3642 I agree Pete. AT have done really well with the payload and I think now that the F Line has more than creeped over the £60k price point with factory options plus seeing what Swift have done with the Escape and Bailey's overladen Adamo, the new coachbuilt Expedition range overall will prove popular. Still, I don't think it's out of place to remind excited prospective owners regarding the reality of what they can lug around. The up plating? Again fair enough. The kitchen sink in the example used in your vlog is in the wrong place. AT build production models with the sink on the right against the nearside wall plus all of the Expedition coachbuilds seem to be coming with a window and blind in the Hartal door. Keep 'em coming Pete, loving these vlogs mate... That Merc 4x4 what a beast!

[@SqwarkParrotSpittingFeathers]

Use the overhead bed space not as a bed but for storage? Then a good motorhome for a couple.

[@peterv3642]

Yes, I'm sure plenty of people will use it that way but remember not to store anything heavy up there (terrible for weight distribution) and you'll need to keep the bed base extended (so you'll stoop to go into the cab). And, if you only want a two-berth, there are alternatives such as the Elddis Autoquest 115 that are lower and on a lower chassis

[@SqwarkParrotSpittingFeathers]

@@peterv3642 thanks for your reply Peter: I'll shall check out your suggestions.

[@garethlewis3647]

Excellent review again. I'd purchase on your recommendation without seeing it i'm that impressed

[@TheMilford99]

Are you a dealer

[@stevepanter6024]

Very comprehensive review as usual. I am considering changing my Ford based van to a different motorhome manufacturer which employs the new Fiat cab and chassis. I like the Ford driving position and softer ride. Is the latest Fiat different to the last, would you say, in terms of driving position and ride, or would you need to experience a lower wider track chassis to judge? Thank you Peter.

[@peterv3642]

The 'new' Fiat is very much like the old one unless you get a high spec cab with all the new options, which will probably be a rare sight on motorhomes. The driving position is unchanged and the steering wheel still doesn't adjust for rake, so the Ford is still a better cab IMO. Why do you want to change from Ford?

[@stevepanter6024]

@@peterv3642 Thanks Peter. It isn't the Ford I want to change, more the MH build quality and unfortunately, the German, Adria, Rapido brands offer mainly Fiat and to a lesser degree, Mercedes, the latter being a tad expensive! So while I would like to stick with Ford and its 'car like' driving position and ergonomics, it isn't a base used by the makers of motorhomes regarded as having the better build quality, unfortunately. Sigh...!

[@winkle1008]

@@stevepanter6024 The FWD Mercedes is basically a Renault Master under the skin with 3 silver arrows on the grille. I wouldn't have another Fiat unless they decided to invest a lot more in their Ducato and their chassis. The Transit mk8 is a far superior base vehicle with their motorhome specific ladder chassis plus their power units are better. The torque figures advertised by Fiat are for when their new engines are mated to the 9 speed auto, which is a £3000 cost option, they drop considerably with the manual box. In this configuration the 180ps offers no more torque than the 160ps @ 380Nm which is less than Ford's Ecoblue 130ps which has 385Nm. Steve, interested to know which motorhome you have? Iain.

[@stevepanter6024]

@@winkle1008 Thanks for your informative contribution Iain. Yes, I'd been told by an Adria dealer that the Fiat manual was one to avoid in favour of the 9 speed auto which he believed greatly improved the ride but of course, came at an additional 3 grand. So I do prefer to stick with Ford (despite its now infamous injector failures) but it seems the only coachbuilt mfr. to use Ford is the Trigano group. Mine is a Trigano built Chausson 2018. Fine design but build quality not so - on my van at any rate. So after having scanned scores of motorhome owner forums over the past year I've decided my next van will be German, possibly Adria or Rapido, but all are on Fiat or Mercedes. Same applies to most A class. I might switch to a narrow boat!

[@winkle1008]

@@stevepanter6024 Steve I'm a moderator on a closed Facebook group, the Auto Trail F series Owners. I know the F line is a bit of a mongrel, cues from Roller Team, Benimar & Chausson/Challenger, but none of the members mention anything about build quality issues, yes there's design idiosyncrasies which make you ask why?... but, so far, no one has asked to join and then gone on to complain. AT have struck gold with them and the best selling point is that if ordering, you don't have to have the L shaped dinette or dropdown as they're options. Don't forget that Adria are Trigano now too and have been since 2017. Iain.

[@gasgas2689]

A year later . . . . . . £64k. That's an enormous fresh water tank, enough for two people for three weeks.

[@36moto]

47 thousand pounds and the Radio is extra..... what is happening to us...

[@peterv3642]

There aren't many motorhomes available brand-new for under £50k now... I applaud Auto-Trail for trying to keep prices down

[@36moto]

@@peterv3642 ti Peter, in many ways that's the irony, forty-seven thousand pounds is regarded as a bargain entry level unit... along with many others i would love a new Camper/motorhome but the price of them... phew. Keep up the good work Peter, great reviews like yours are a grest source of info....

[@GameslordXY]

135 litres of fresh water? Seen much bigger and a whole lot more expensive models with just 85 or so. Well if this one can have 135,they can 200 minimum space wise. Price wise 300+ and its not like there isn't enough space in them. Just sacrifices some storage area. As much as I like plenty of storage,they tend to have enough storage for dozen+ people even when they are meant for 4 tops.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

A 3,500kg motorhome simply won't have the space - or payload - for 300 litres (300kg) of water. Here, 135 litres is excellent and plenty.

[@CustomiZe_]

Definitely doesn't seem like a 4 birth, 2 birth definitely and potentially 1 child, shame about the rising prices and lack of equipment, will have a look at the other layouts but doubt I will be buying one....shame. Anyway still a good review peter 👍

[@tanvanle4126]

Can I park this motorhome at my house or by law I have to park it at a campsite I wonder? Someone please help.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

You can keep it at home, unless there's a covenant on the property preventing you from keeping a motorhome there (mostly more recently built houses)

[@jacko8022]

why the sink cover goes that way it just does not make sense the only thing to do is replace it with a wooden one that you just lift off

[@franhiatt1]

If people are looking to finance a similar type of used motorhome, which are at a premium at the moment, it may be worth their while extending the payments and finance period and consider buying something like this as a new purchase instead. Given the number of years a family would use its motorhome, it probably does makes economic sense. It's certainly going to last a lot longer, be more reliable and depreciate far less than the £25K to £35K second-hand unit, which may have quite a few miles under its belt and has already been subjected to the rigours of family motorhoming. You do get some exceptional used motorhomes, but in today's market there doesn't seem much difference between the price of this new one and a good second-hand one. It amazes me that people are still willing to part with £20K+ for a 25 year old Auto Sleepers model or similar; effectively a quarter of a century old commercial vehicle.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Another big plus is the latest emissions standards, so you're much less likely to be restricted by low emissions zones

[@tomolitravels2276]

Just like my Imala 615 but without the trimmings....

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes, that's exactly what they've done. There's a big price difference now, though

[@Alan-x8h]

Sutton-on-Sea is in the East Lindsey district of Lincolnshire. It’s about 70 miles south east of North Lincolnshire 🤦‍♂️

[@peterv3642]

It might not technically be North Lincolnshire but it's only 33 miles from the Auto-Trail factory (in North Lincs) to Sutton-on-Sea. I live at the other end of Lincs, so both are north to me!

[@Alan-x8h]

@@peterv3642 The Auto-Trail factory is north of Grimsby. That’s North East Links 🤦‍♂️. I live in Lincoln is that still north 😂

[@giantputt7066]

Drum Brakes?

[@AB-bf9ne]

No chance of getting one though as they have a backlog of over a year and no delivery dates are given. Might get mine in 2023 but no guarantee.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

It's the same with most motorhomes currently - chassis availability (esp Fiat) is a HUGE problem.

[@Ma-fh9on]

Made for the rental market mainly I'd be thinking

[@peterv3642]

Perhaps, but also serving those who would have bought a late used 'van, of which there is a massive shortage currently.

[@markbur1503]

Not a lot of good if you want to sit in the drivers seat and stretch your legs out on the front bench.. Whats going on with these 2022 Motorhomes? Looks like the manufactures are just throwing them together knowing that the demand might sell them. The bubble will burst nest year if you can holiday overseas again...

[@peterv3642]

You can sit on the L-sofa and put your feet up that way around instead. No sign of the bubble bursting - in fact, every manufacturer I know is expecting long-term growth. Covid isn't going away...

[@walthamwalker]

It's like the TARDIS Looks bigger inside than out

[@slomo7951]

These are going for closer to 52k.

[@peterv3642]

The larger C71, C72 and C73 models all start at £50,745 but this C63 is £46,995. The only extra fitted here was the radio, at £349

[@slomo7951]

@@peterv3642 Thank you Peter.

[@josh_bfc_2769]

You need a satellite TV installed and solar these days plus an awning and the reverse camera like you said. Probably another £5000 on tip of base price

[@peterv3642]

I'm not sure you "need" satellite TV, especially with smart TVs and streaming services. Solar - only if you're going off grid, I see this 'van mostly being used hooked-up on sites. Surely, just add the radio and reversing camera and spend the money saved on some nice sites and, maybe next year, ferries to the Continent?

[@peter.russell]

Think I slightly prefer the Mercedes version of the C63 😄

[@peterv3642]

I'm sure this one is quicker!!!

[@RiverDanube]

349 Pounds for a radio, wow.

[@peterv3642]

Motorhome options are rarely cheap. Just get a radio from Halfords instead...

[@paulruffy8389]

£47k for something already falling apart before it's first "expedition"... No thanks

[@beverleynorth4914]

Blimey, haven’t hairdressers reopened after COVID yet in Lincs !!!!!

[@peterv3642]

My hairdresser says it suits me longer but this is a motorhome channel, not fashion...

[@graemeroberts5730]

Too basic and typically shoddy workmanship.who designed that kitchen??Aaaargh……..

[@Ma-fh9on]

Ya agree think it's be thrown together for the rental market which has boomed over the pandemic if I had 46 grand to spend I'd rather buy a used bigger better machine

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

It looks dated before its time to me.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

You could be kinder and call it "traditional" - there are still (usually older) buyers for 'vans like this - especially at the price

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

@@MotorhomeCampervan I’m probably in that age group!

[@crivsmum4820]

@@MotorhomeCampervan my sons grew up holidaying in a van like this and they prefer this design to the new stuff

[@conlethoc]

I have a 2019 Imala, identical layout. I watched you lay that bed out and you glossed over the large hole in support when you move the frame in front of the travel seats. Absolutely horrible shoddy design by Autotrail but as an automotive design engineer, I've redesigned and rebuilt that area to be a easy-pull extending frame. I've always had the feeling of a half-finished design for this bed design, I didn't realise they were still flogging it. Dreadful. Their design team needs to go back to school.

[@mlk4life]

this guy looks like hes had those socks all his life.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Socks by M&S, less than a year old. Reviewer slightly older...

[@darrenpardoe]

Please dont say 46995 .. try telling it how it is! Your making a vast number come across as pocket money. Try saying "47 thousand pounds", and in reality by the time you have added all the missing stuff your well over 50 thousand pounds.

[@peterv3642]

£46,995 is the price - surely everyone can work out that's just another way of saying £47k or £47,000 or 47-grand? And all you really need to add to that is the radio. Bad news is that the price has gone up since we reviewed it, so it's closer to £50,000 now, sadly.

[@endercelik]

you need New socks

[@peterv3642]

Donations of new socks gratefully received...

[@cesarioarellanes6422]

I'm trying to watch his videos but the way he smacks his mouth is driving me mad it truly a shame