Full review

Words & photos: Peter Vaughan

The Chausson S697 Sport Line

Chausson’s range of ‘S’ model low-profiles has had a bit of an odd history in the marketplace. Launched for the  2022 season, two layouts arrived in budget spec First Line trim (with prices back then starting at under £45k).

Then, a year later, they were joined by Sport Line versions with more spec – these were easily identified by  their all-grey bodywork (rather than all white). 

But, at the 2024 season preview, the French company announced that the UK wouldn’t be getting any ‘S’ models for the year ahead as Ford couldn’t supply sufficient chassis. In the home market, the ‘S’ would swap onto the Renault Master cab but none of those would be coming here…

At the February NEC show, however, both ‘S’ layouts were back on the stand. Clearly, Ford had found a few extra Transits down the back of the sofa (or perhaps they’d speeded up the Turkish factory) and, with slimline models seeming very much en vogue at the moment, it has wisely reintroduced them here.

The details

These compact motorhomes are based on the Ford Transit with the top-of-the-range 170hp engine and six-speed automatic gearbox as standard. 

Even in the slimline class, they’re narrow – just 2.10m wide – making them barely wider than a panel van and great for exploring towns and venturing to off-the-beaten-track locations. 

The entry-level First Line versions haven’t reappeared but the Sport Lines are so distinctive, with Ford’s Grey Matter paint all over – actually, that’s not quite true as the plastic parts have the colour impregnated, not sprayed. 

The roof remains white, too, to reflect heat in the summer sun and this 2024 edition comes with a redesigned overcab pod that now includes an opening sunroof for more daylight and ventilation up front.

With its bold colour and small size, the ‘S’ models are intended to compete with campervans (but not wanting to miss out on any sales, Chausson has a new panel van range this year, too – see the review here). 

This S697 model is only 6.59m long, while the alternative S514 is a whisker less than six metres. 

The pair differ only in their rear bedroom format; the longer motorhome replacing a transverse double bed with lengthways singles. 

In other words, these are typical floorplans both for compact low-profiles and continental campervans.

The spec

Externally, the S697’s unusual colour is made even more eye-catching with bright green graphics, 16in black alloy wheels and the Trail-spec black grille with ‘FORD’ emblazoned across it. 

The cab’s kit list is likely to grab your attention, too, as it includes an electric parking brake, cruise control, ESP, start/stop, front fog lamps, automatic lights and wipers, a heated windscreen, lane keeping assistance and a  collision warning system. 

Then there’s the Connect Pack, which is also standard – that adds a DAB radio with Bluetooth, reversing camera and central touchscreen display.

The habitation body uses Chausson’s IRP structure with GRP on the floor, roof and sides. The floor is 64mm thick and 5.5kW diesel heating will keep you warm in winter. 

Framed habitation windows are a nice surprise on a relatively inexpensive motorhome.

The garage

And, of course, the rear garage is a key selling point. This area has twin loading doors (just a small one on the nearside), fixed lashing points, 12V and 230V sockets, and bike-friendly 1.05m headroom.

Unlike many larger motorhomes, there’s a very generous payload, too, so you can make full use of the storage on offer.

The interior

Inside, the half-dinette lounge is much as you’d expect but it has a different feel to a campervan as the  entrance is much narrower. On the offside, forward of the door, is a small jump seat (30cm deep) with a top-loading cupboard behind – it makes a great footrest for the swivelled driver’s seat. 

The forward-facing bench (with two seatbelts) is quite upright but fairly comfortable, as long as you’re  reasonably long in the legs. 

The most noticeable feature here is the automotive-style faux leather  upholstery. You’ll also notice a few black accessories (magazine holder, etc) with the ‘S’ logo.

The kitchen

The rather compact galley has a two-burner hob and an 87-litre fridge (a basic model with push-button ignition  for its gas function).

Worktop is also very limited until you deploy the flap at the forward end or add the loose cover over the sink. 

There is a cutlery drawer and a large low-level cupboard, but the most unusual feature – we’d go so far as to use the word ‘strange’ – is the location of the grill, added for the UK market to appease British culinary needs.

With limited space in the kitchen, this is positioned in a top locker above the half-dinette – don’t sit underneath when the cook is extracting something hot!

The washroom

So, the galley is campervan-esque (with an odd twist), but the washroom is a clear advantage over most van-based models. Here, a huge mirror increases the impression of space but it’s not found wanting in reality, especially when you swing the basin to the right to create a good-sized shower cubicle.

The only downside we spotted was the flimsy feel of the plastic catch that secures the moving wall.

The beds

The layout is completed by rear single beds measuring 1.98m long on the offside and 1.93m on the nearside. 

Overhead cupboards will stop you sitting up with a cuppa and there’s a slight cut-off to the end of the longer berth but more noteworthy is the huge wardrobe under this bed (there’s a shelved cupboard under its neighbour). 

If you want a simply huge double, there’s a neat lift-up-and-over panel that extends the centre portion of mattress to 1.70m long.

Summary

Much of the S697’s appeal will be on the road, where the automatic gearbox and potent motor, along with compact dimensions, will ensure that its quick and easy to drive. 

The layout is nothing new but the spec (including an awning and solar panel) is comprehensive, even if the price isn’t the bargain it once was. 

Still, sub-£70k keeps it in the entry-level sector in 2024…

Where to buy

Chausson has 14 dealers around the UK. In Northern Ireland it is represented by Central Motorhomes, while in Scotland the dealership is Knowepark Caravans.

In Wales, you’ll find Chaussons at 3 A’s Motorhomes in Carmarthenshire.

Then, in England, there are retailers as far north as Tyne Valley Motorhomes (Newcastle), as far southwest as Highbridge Caravan Centre in Newton Abbot, Devon, and down in the southeast at TC Motorhomes of Herne Bay. 

If you’re heading off on a grand tour, it’s reassuring to know that there are Chausson dealers as far afield as Bulgaria, Lithuania, Sweden and Greece.