CONTINENTAL MANUFACTURERS
In spite of the unusual year, there are plenty of new products launching across the Continent, many of them with interesting innovation and superb design features.
■ For 2021, Adria UK has a new look for its Matrix (1) and Coral low-profile ranges. In Supreme and Plus spec, both Matrix and Coral now have a more aerodynamic profile, with a 15% larger sunroof. On Matrix models, which are fitted with drop-down beds over the lounge, this can be opened, while on the Coral, it remains sealed – because the large rooflight over the front lounge can be opened.
Axess-spec models, meanwhile, remain as they were last season, as do the company’s A-class Sonic ’vans.
The Compact range has a new SC layout, featuring an island bed and a partition that curves around to shut off not just the bedroom, but the Vario washroom, too.
■ Benimar was reintroduced to the UK by another Trigano subsidiary, Marquis Leisure, five years ago. The tie-up proved so successful, the firm has since started importing Mobilvetta motorhomes as well.
Benimar produces three ranges (2), almost all low-profiles. Owing to the lockdown, any changes the company is making this year will be limited to minor cosmetic details.
The USP with all of these models is that despite being built in Spain, they have habitation doors on the ‘correct’ side for the UK. And apart from the powerful engines, they also come with a long list of UK-specific extras.
■ For 2021, French manufacturer Chausson (3) has come up with a slimmed-down range of 10 models – eight low-profiles and two van conversions. It has also dispensed with the Flash and Welcome spec levels that have been a regular feature in its ranges for many seasons.
This year, there is the entry-level First Line, which is only available on the Ford Transit. Higher-spec models are split between Titanium VIP, on the Fiat Ducato, and Titanium Premium, on the Ford Transit.
The firm has lived up to its reputation for innovation by including four new models in its 2021 low-profile line-up.
■ Le Voyageur is 40 years old this year, and to celebrate that fact, it is following the example of many other brands in recent times and launching an anniversary special edition.
Available on 7.8 and 8.5 range models only, the anniversary editions come with exclusive embroidered leather upholstery. You also get an elegant gift pack, consisting of an embossed leather folder, a bottle cooler, a plaid rug, two bath towels, a bath mat and additional velvet scatter cushions.
■ This year, Auto-Sleepers is introducing a sixth layout for its popular Fusion range, manufactured exclusively for the firm by McLouis in Italy. Built like the other models on the Fiat Ducato and measuring 6.6m, the McLouis Fusion 330 features a really spacious rear lounge.
■ Italian brand Mobilvetta is one of two Continentals currently imported into the UK exclusively by Marquis Leisure (the other being Benimar). The firm’s K-Yacht Tekno Line is a range of A-classes and there are three models in the line-up: the 6.99m-long K-Yacht Tekno Line 80, with a transverse bed at the rear, and two 7.44m-long models, the Tekno Line 79, with an island bed, and the K-Yacht 85, with two fixed singles.
■ The success of last year’s Pacific 696D, with its generous end washroom/dressing room and a drop-down bed, has led Pilote to repeat the layout in the shorter Pacific 626D.
For those who prefer a bit more length, the Galaxy 690D offers the same layout in an A-class, but this time with a longitudinal drop-down bed.
This season also sees the launch of the Evidence, a special edition of the five best-selling Pilote low-profile and A-class models – the Pacific 626D and 696D, plus the 650C and 740C, and the Galaxy 740FC. Extras include black alloys, the chassis pack, a media pack including rear-view camera, an energy pack, cab blinds and a door flyscreen.
■ Check out Hall 2 to see the full list of Continental manufacturers with virtual stands.