Auto-Trail motorhomes - 2022 new models

About Auto-Trail

Based in Grimsby, and part of the French-owned Trigano Group, Auto-Trail built its first motorhome in 1982. Many of its early vehicles were based on the Mercedes-Benz chassis, but other base vehicles followed, including VWs, Talbots, Peugeots, Fords and Fiats, although the company has tended to focus on the luxury end of the coachbuilt motorhome market.

The company’s coachbuilt portfolio starts with the F-Line (previously called Tribute) on Ford and then rises through Fiat-based Imala, Tracker and Frontier to the new Grande Frontier, marking a return to the A-class sector.

It doesn’t just offer beds and belts for four as the lounge is more than big enough for the whole family to relax in after a day of adventures; the L-shaped sofa (which offers rear travel seats) combines with the long sofa opposite and swivel cab chairs.

Then, come bedtime, the sofas simply make into lengthways singles, and there’s a double bed over the cab, too.

At the back, you’ll find the kitchen – you get a three-burner hob, oven and grill along with a sink and plenty of storage, while the worktop above the fridge is ideal for food preparation.

Another boon for families is the shower for hosing off the kids after a day on the beach – you won’t have to spend time wiping down the toilet and sink area as this is a fully enclosed cubicle, not the all-in-one washrooms found in similar layouts.

In typical Auto-Trail fashion, although the L-shaped lounge is standard, you can opt to make this sofa a full dinette at no extra cost. And, although it’s an entry-level motorhome, you may not miss the bells and whistles from more expensive motorhomes. You still get LED lights, USB sockets, pleated blinds and gas/electric operation for the Truma Combi heating fitted as standard, plus many of the benefits that come with the latest Fiat chassis, including electric power steering and a new six-speed manual gearbox.

Plus, if you wanted, you can upgrade the engine to 160bhp or 180bhp or specify a nine-speed automatic gearbox, and the options list includes alloy wheels, an extra leisure battery and a double-DIN cab radio with Apple CarPlay.

Although F-Line models come pretty well equipped, you can upgrade to the 170bhp engine and/or the six-speed automatic, plus Auto-Trail has made the options list easy with a Driver’s Pack and a Lux Pack. It’s hard to imagine an F-Line without either of these packs as they include things like heated windscreen, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, motorhome-specific satellite-navigation and reversing camera.

The GF-88 comes with the 160bhp engine as standard but, if you did need more horses, then the 180bhp engine is an option, as is the automatic gearbox. You can also opt to have the roof-mounted satellite system fitted, but things like the reversing camera, motorhome sat-nav and 21.5in TV are all standard equipment in the Grande Frontier range.

Highlights of Auto-Trail 2022 coachbuilt motorhomes

• New range of Expedition entry-level coachbuilts with prices starting from £49,444 with four models.

• F-Line F68 joins the Ford-based line-up, with all models now based on the new EcoBlue Ford Transit with 130bhp engine and a choice of five colours.

• All Tracker models (excluding EKS) have a lower entrance step, making access easier.

• Motorhome WiFi internet systems now available as an option for F-Line, Imala and Tracker (systems are standard for Frontier and Grande Frontier).

• Frontier Delaware and Comanche island bed layouts can be specified with a high bed option, increasing the storage space underneath.

• New Whale Heat Air space heater and Expanse boiler are chassis mounted to improve storage and living area space within the vehicle itself for F-Line models.