Hobby launches new budget motorhome range and more

A new entry level range and a new island bed join the Hobby line-up for the coming year with a change of base vehicle for some models, too.

The new range, Optima On Tour, sits below the existing Optima Premium and Optima De Luxe models. Based on the Citroën Relay, you get the 2.2-litre 120 engine (with start stop technology) as standard, with four models to choose from. This includes the French bed T65 FL (also available as the HFL with drop down bed above the lounge), twin singles T65 GE and a new layout the T65 HKM offering bunks.

This family friendly layout features across-the-rear bunks, central kitchen and washroom and a full dinette (plus side sofa) lounge with a drop-down bed above. That means it is possible to sleep and travel up to six in this model.

The Optima On Tour starts at £49,995 OTR for theT65 FL or GE, with the T65 HFL costing £50,995 and the bunk bed T65 HKM coming in at £51,495. These prices include Truma Combi 6E heating with the CP Plus control panel, oven, heated waste tank, electric step, TV/aerial connections and awning light.

Look out for extended news and reports in our Essential Guide to 2020 Motorhomes & Campervans - a supplement FREE with the November 2019 issue of MMM magazine (out in stores from 17 October)

The other big news is the addition of an island bed layout to the On Tour Edition range. Launched in January, two models offered fixed French and single beds in a narrower low-profile body (2.16m wide). The new model, unusual in this compact field, has a half dinette lounge, compact kitchen, all-in-one washroom and an island bed that extends for night or pushes towards the wall (creating an angled backrest) during the day.

Optima Deluxe and Premium ranges are still based on the Fiat, but with the new engines, they now come with the 2.3-litre 140 unit offering 350Nm of torque. The overcab Siesta De Luxe has a 2.3-litre 120 engine as standard and can now be ordered as a 3.5-tonne model.

The company’s Vantana campervan models continue with three ranges, each with the same two layouts. Based on the Fiat, all three ranges get the new 2.3-litre engines (120 for On Tour and 140 for De Luxe and Premium). The On Tour gets a 75-litre fuel tank as standard, while the more expensive models get a 90-litre tank. While it’s a 70-litre compressor fridge in the On Tour, the De-Luxe gets a 90-litre version, while the Premium’s fridge can be controlled through the Hobbyconnect app.

There are several general changes. Pull-out gas locker shave been redesigned, the radio aerial has been improved and there are new Euro 6d engines in all models. Customers will also be able to order the nine-speed automatic. Bed ladders get dedicated storage, where applicable, while bed frames are slatted and the drop-down bed has a smoother action. Cab radios will be compatible with smartphones (offering Apple Car Play and Android Auto).

The new Optima On Tour Edition (V65 GQ) starts from £53,995 including delivery and on-the-road costs. All UK bound models see extra spec fitted as standard over and above the standard factory specification, while all coachbuilt models will be fitted with an oven also as standard. 

To read full details of all the new 2020 motorhomes and campervans, a special supplement will be available FREE with the November issue of MMM magazine, Britain's best-selling motorhome magazine. You can download a copy of MMM magazine here.

To view the latest Hobby motorhomes for sale, click here.