Pilote P650C Évidence

The smaller of two island bed Évidence models packs a lot into only 6.49m long

Extra kit for this island bed low-profile

THE P650C is one of four low-profile models (plus a single A- class) in Pilote’s new Évidence range. Simply taking best- selling layouts and adding all the spec that UK buyers usually want, then wrapping it all up with a super-keen price tag sounds like a recipe for success, especially as the P650C was already a model that we’re big fans of at What Motorhome. Few rivals come close to offering such a practical island bed layout in such a compact ’van.

Évidence spec is certainly comprehensive, starting with a 140bhp Fiat base vehicle with the nine-speed automatic transmission (often a £3k option elsewhere) and 16in alloy wheels. The cab also gets a leather steering wheel, chrome ringed instruments and aluminiumstyle fascia trim, as well as cab airconditioning, passenger airbag, cruise control, etc. Then there’s a standard Media Pack with DAB radio featuring an 8in touchscreen, rear speakers and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. A reversing camera is fitted, too.

On the outside, the neat compact body comes with an overcab Skydome rooflight, flush habitation windows, a 100W solar panel and a roll- out awning, as well as a useful slideout storage drawer in the nearside skirt – ideal

FACT FILE

Fiat Ducato

for mains lead, levelling wedges, etc. The habitation door is linked to the remote central locking and has a flyscreen and an electric step. At the rear, doors on either side open onto a heated, full-width locker with around 820mm headroom. It’s not quite a bikeswallowing garage ( unless you have Bromptons, or similar), but it’ll be ideal for outdoor chairs, etc.

The island bed itself is a sensible 1.88m long by 1.48m wide and has perfectly placed reading lamps, as well as rear speakers. There are suspended wardrobes on each side of the bed, leaving room for super- sized bedside

BUY A PILOTE FROM… This French brand is well represented around the UK, from Dicksons of Perth in Scotland down to Wilmoths in the far south (with branches in Guildford and Southampton). In Northern Ireland, Pilote has a dealer, too – Camper NI (in Hillsborough). In Wales, there’s Clwyd Caravans and Tenby Tourers. Then, there’s Signature Motorhomes in the northwest, SMC (Newark) and Hayes Leisure (Birmingham) in the Midlands, Pullingers in East Anglia and Davan Caravans in the southwest, as well as AMC Motorhomes in East Sussex.