COMFORT PLUS

Every year, Frankia ups its game – but with the Platin i8400 Plus’s sumptuous lounge, enormous dropdown and impressive electronics, the German manufacturer has outdone itself, says Bill Savidan

The Frankia Platin i8400 Plus

From the very early days of motorhoming in New Zealand, Kiwis have gravitated towards motorhome layouts with a large rear lounge surrounded by windows. It is synonymous with Kiwi RV travel, and in Australia this layout is referred to as the ‘Kiwi lounge’. So it was disconcerting for me when I climbed aboard this latest offering from German manufacturer, Frankia, the Platin i8400 Plus motorhome, to find it had a Kiwi lounge. And it was done in style; large, semicircular, sumptuous seating for eight on the most comfortable seats you could wish for. Talk about a point of difference. So the ‘Plus’ in the name designates this large rear lounge. Next question was where to put the main bed. Frankia’s answer: create an upmarket version of the dropdown bed over the cab.

INTERIOR LAYOUT

Upfront is the bedroom and next door is the washroom – shower stall on the left and the toilet/vanity on the right. Then we have the entry on the left and the kitchen on the right and, at the back, the C-shaped (rather than U-shaped) lounge.

LOUNGE

Throughout the Platin you get a wonderful sense of space. Particularly so when seated on the white leather upholstered lounge settee. The seating lies across the vehicle, with the open end towards the driver’s side. Small corner cocktail cabinets add a homely touch. A metal wall track leads to a cabinet housing a 32-inch TV that slides along the track for viewing. Centrally mounted, the table lowers to become a coffee table or a bed base when the settees convert into a very large bed.

In the ceiling, two roof hatches side by side provide lots of air and light. Eight overhead lockers give ample stowage space. Cold weather comfort is provided by the Alde heating system with its wall-mounted radiators. It also heats the space in the double floor, ensuring pipes don’t freeze and equipment functions correctly. On top of all that, the floor is well insulated.

The decor is invitingly comfortable with a dark timber finish contrasting with gloss white laminate locker doors, and walls and

Always evolving, this year’s improvements include upgraded electronics and impressive exterior styling