New Pacific P696D is the highlight of Pilote's 2020 season range

It was clear at Pilote’s new season presentation that much of the excitement revolved around the addition of a new sub-7m low-profile, the Pacific P696D. The model designation comes from the body length (6.99m), with the second 6 indicating a drop-down bed and the ‘D’ standing from dressing, a term previously used by the French group to refer to a large rear washroom and changing area.

Based on the latest Fiat Ducato, the P696D adopts a layout already seen in 2019 models from Bürstner and Chausson, but which a company spokesman said took the best features of both those models onboard. The theme is a large front lounge with side-facing sofas, a full-width across-the-stern washroom and a rear garage.

Up front, the newcomer has long side settees and a fixed central table with a top that can fold in half. Above is an electric drop-down double bed of especially generous proportions (manufacturer’s figures are 2.00m by 1.60m) and which, crucially, comes right down to just above seat height.

Alternatively, however, the bed can be positioned higher and, as an option, the lounge seats can be reconfigured into a second transverse bed underneath. Backing up this four-berth potential is the standard feature of settees that can be turned into a pair of face-forward rear passenger seats.

The P696D also comes with a wide habitation door, facing a kitchen which will be fitted with an oven/grill in UK models. Opposite is a 160-litre fridge/freezer.

The rear washroom has a separate shower on the nearside, a Dometic cassette toilet and a huge wardrobe area behind sliding doors. Beneath this is internal access to the garage, which boasts an internal height of 1.20m and also features two external loading doors.

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.

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