Motorhomes have been becoming more car-like for years. But the trend has gone even further this year, as everyone will discover at the industry’s autumn showcase, the Caravan and Motorhome Show at Birmingham’s NEC from 14th -19th October. Two stars are likely to be Pulse, the exciting utility camper from Autocruise, and Excel, the striking new compact coachbuilt from AutoTrail.
In the Excel, AutoTrail are pursuing a line of smaller and attractively designed, but competitively priced compact low- profile coachbuilts for two or four people. Just under six metres in length, this sleekly styled vehicle has a compact body with the latest turbo diesel technology, includes cruise control as standard.
As much a family car as mini motorhome, Pulse will be a major step into a new market place for Autocruise, now part of the Swift Group. Based on the Fiat Scudo or Peugeot Partner, Pulse has a two-litre diesel engine, six gears, metallic silver paintwork and remote central locking, it will be as drivable as a car and its aerodynamic design will help keep fuel consumption frugal. An elevating roof, two beds (plus two optional roof beds for children), and a kitchen unit with hob, grill and fridge will add real pleasure to leisure time. And, say Autocruise, the price will be a lot lower than the competition.
Eco-motorhomes are on the way too as the leading manufacturers offer low energy lighting and the options of solar power to charge the leisure batteries. To make their Swift, Bessacarr and Ace ranges of coachbuilts greener, Swift has introduced 70 per cent more energy efficient LED lighting, solar panel plugs, thicker carpets as well as smart-energy fridge/freezers. AutoTrail offers solar panels as standard on their Frontier range and, as an option, on most other models while also including energy lean LED lighting across the board.
Not just green thinking prevails but more motorhome for the money as well. The top line Swift Kon-Tiki and Bessacarr E700 models have a host of new standard features including panoramic roof lights, cruise control, TV, GPS tracking system and a new compartment to carry two leisure batteries, which will increase independence even further. They are also fitted with water and waste water tank heaters to allow year-round travel.
AutoTrail have added two new models to their Apache range: the compact Apache 632. Autocruise has also restructured its coachbuilt ranges, now clearly divided into the Star, Star Plus and Driving ranges so customers can choose exactly what’s right for them. .
Two more leading UK manufacturers, Auto-Sleepers and the Explorer Group, are keeping their 2009 contenders secret until just before the Show but promise more innovation, style and value across their ranges.
With more motorhomes in use than ever before - there are over 160,000 motorhomes on the road today and both major clubs reporting more motorhomes users among their growing memberships - it’s probably one of the highest points for the industry, despite motorhome sales having slowed along with almost everything else. But the Motorhome Information Service (MIS) is optimistic. "That stoic British spirit to defy the weather and the double-C word is as strong as ever, with more people than ever enjoying the delights of motorhomes. There are some great new vehicle bargains out in the market right now and with the desire to own a motorhome still very strong," says MIS, "sharp buyers will know a good thing when they see it."
I have just returned form a great motorhoming holiday around Europe with the children courtesy of the Motorhome Information Service. It is certainly a liberating way to holiday. We used campsites from the Caravan Club who will advise you if the sites are equipped for motorhomes. You can plan your own route, stop when you want and no lengthy queues as seen in airports. That is unless you, like us, visit Eurodisney for three days that is more than enough. The best bit is because the motorhome was different from a normal car, not once did I hear those fateful words "Are we nearly there yet".
Anyone even vaguely interested in motorhomes, should make a date for this show
Contact The Motorhome Information Service on 01444 458889 or visit www.motorhomeinfo.co.uk or www.caravanclub.co.uk
Jackie Violet - Female First