Chausson simplifies coachbuilt range for 2019

Chausson is following a record year in 2018 with a simplified 2019 coachbuilt range that is easier to understand.

Trigano VDL (which makes Chausson and its sister marque, Challenger – not sold in the UK) built 9,000 ’vans in the ‘18 season and its growth is set to continue with an expansion of the factory in Tournon-sur-Rhone and 80 more staff from September.

The 2019 line-up includes Flash, Welcome and Titanium models – each with its own furniture finish. Flash is now a very simple entry-level product with just five layouts (one overcab on Ford, one overcab on Fiat and three low-profiles on Ford). All are classic floorplans except the brand-new 634 – more on which later. Prices start at £41,400 with a £1,300 VIP Pack available on every model.

Welcome is where more choice comes in, including Chausson’s usual option of Ford or Fiat base vehicles. Layouts include fixed single beds (627GA, 767GA), island beds (628, 708, 738XLB, 758) and Maxi Lounge non-fixed bed layouts (530, 610, 630, 640), as well as the drop-down bunk bed 716 introduced last year.

New floorplans such as the 708, 627GA and 767GA show the increasing popularity of Chausson’s Smart Lounge which cleverly adapts from side-facing settees on site to a pair of forward-facing chairs for travel. In addition to the VIP Pack (primarily added base vehicle spec, as on the Flash, at £1,300), Welcome models can now be upgraded to Welcome Premium (featuring a long list of items from an external shower to a reversing camera, from extra LED lighting to cab blinds) for an additional £2,800. Welcome prices start at £43,100 (530 on Ford) and rise to £49,280 (757, 747GA and 738XLB on Fiat).

Then comes Titanium, a new line-up that is exclusively based on the 170bhp Ford Transit with the superb automatic gearbox as standard. Introduced due to the success of this concept in France in the spring, the Titanium ’vans are instantly recognisable thanks to their grey coachbuilt bodywork. These models also get automatic lights and wipers, a heated windscreen, the VIP Pack, alloy wheels, reversing camera and more. The only option is a Hideaway bed (drop-down over the lounge, except on the 640 where it is the main bed). Five Titanium models are available. Island bed and single bed floorplans are offered in compact and mid-sized versions, while the 640 majors on its Maxi Lounge and huge rear washroom (plus garage).

Titanium prices start at £50,100.

It wouldn’t be a new season of Chaussons without a new and totally innovative layout, however, and this year the unique offering is the 634 Flash. This five-berth motorhome (with five travel seats) is just 6.39m long but feels remarkably spacious. It has a conventional front lounge but above this is Chausson’s Duo Bed system – first seen in the 716 – which electrically lowers bunk beds into the space at night.

Kitchen and washroom hold few surprises (bar a new 146-litre compressor fridge) in the middle of the vehicle, but at the rear the 634 introduces the new Easy Box system with 300 litres of storage in top-loading lockers ranged around a kids-sized second dinette. These storage areas can be raised up to increase space in the externally accessed garage, while at night a full-sized double bed lowers from the ceiling and the mini-dinette can be made into a fifth berth.

It’s yet another indication of Chausson’s designers thinking outside of the box, as well as being another well-priced motorhome – from £41,400 on Ford Transit with 130bhp motor.