What’s new for 2018 from Coachman?

Coachman’s VIP range has been redesigned for 2018 and a new five-berth model is to be introduced in October.

Words by Val Chapman
Photos by Richard Chapman

Coachman has redesigned the VIP range for 2018, with new-shaped front panels and a unique new gas bottle entrance system.

There are changes inside, too; the VIP range has new-style lounges, with lower settees which have no knee rolls, and lower windowsills.

The gas bottle storage configuration has been redesigned, introducing two separate storage lockers, each with a door – one for gas cylinders, the other for storage.

The construction of the lounge double beds alters throughout Coachman’s ranges for 2018, returning to the pull-out slat system. The webbing linked slats are housed within the centre-front unit, between the drawer and a drop-down-front cabinet.

The lower windowsill enables chest of drawers to be positioned further to the front into the bulkhead which therefore means there is a larger seating area; up to 30 cm longer (depending on the model) because the settees extend into the recesses at each side of the windowsill.

The lower level means there is only one drawer, rather than the previous two. The extending coffee-snacks table comes flush with the windowsill, creating a large area. Soft-close top locker doors are introduced, and the doors have a new cranked shape.

The Laser range is now incorporated into VIP range. Lasers and VIP shared the same spec level; the distinction is the Lasers are twin-axle model. Now the two ranges are merged, so there will be a total of nine VIP models. And a new bunk-bed VIP 570 will be launched at the NEC show in October. The layout will provide bunk beds plus a dining area in a rear family room.

Vision

Above: Coachman Vision 630

Panoramic sunroofs have been introduced as standard to the Vision range; this feature was previously an option.

The 2018 fabric scheme revolves around greys, fawns and blue, with plaid-inspired cushions to bring in an element of classical style.

Pull-out, webbing linked slats now form the central section of the lounge bed base; this is the same structure as in the VIP and Pastiche ranges. Formerly all Coachman ranges had bed bases which pulled out from under the offside settee.

Above: Coachman Vision 580

Bespoke drainers have been introduced to both the Vision and Pastiche ranges.

The Tracker Retrieve satellite tracking system is now available as an optional extra on Visions.

Front windows have been redesigned with a smoother line following the front contour of the caravans.

Pastiche

Above: Coachman Pastiche 565

Styling differences for the new model year include matt cream worktops, cranked head-height lockers and matt brown surrounds for the sunroof, with inset lighting. Plain cream seating upholstery is teamed with dark burgundy, edging curtain ties and bordering soft, suede-effect backrest tops.

The same rich colour makes the cushions a salient feature of the total look, with a nod to plaid tradition for the smaller cushions and bold swirls on the larger cushions. The reverse side of all four cushions is plain cream, so you can change the look of your Pastiche by turning the cushions over.

VIP

Above: Coachman VIP 675

The high shoulder lines that have defined the VIP and Laser ranges over the past couple of years are gone, towards smoother lines.

The single-axle VIP line-up will consist of an end-shower room two-berth, the 460, the three-berth side dining area 520, the rear island bed 545, the twin bed 565, the bunk-bed 570, the side island bed 575, plus the new 570. The twin-axle VIPs are the 620, with a side dining area, the 650 with a rear island bed and the 675, a stretched version of the 575, with a side island bed.

A new-style toilet is introduced, with more square lines. VIP buyers now have the option of getting an air conditioning system (£1600). It fits in place of the Omnivent extractor fan.