Franco-German co-operation takes many forms, of course, but the one perhaps most relevant to our market is Frankia.

This successful Germany-based but French-owned enterprise is one of Europe’s many premium motorhome brands and straddles three core market segments – low-profile, overcab coachbuilt and A-class.

A member of Groupe Pilote, Frankia converts on Fiat Ducato and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bases. With many of its buyers touring off grid, Frankia ’vans are highly customisable so buying one is like building your own bespoke vehicle from scratch.

The sole dealership entrusted with Frankia’s UK operation is SMC in Newark. As its biggest single export market, Frankia is well-focused on Blighty.

This translates into offering UK-friendly floor plans, as well as fitting domestic appliances that suit British tastes – multi-ring cookers above a separate oven and grill, for example.

One vehicle that should definitely find favour with domestic motorcaravanners is this, the F-Line I 640 SD, a 6.5m-long A-class with the comfort and refinement of an end washroom plus a stonking midships lounge that’ll be perfect to hide away in during bad weather.

As part of some portfolio housekeeping for the 2017 model year, ‘F-Line’ is a new designation and means the ’van is based on the Fiat Ducato (‘M-Line’ denotes a Mercedes base; ‘Selection’ is the entry-level offering).

Our test unit was supplied with the 2.3-litre, 150bhp Euro 6 turbodiesel (130bhp is the standard tune). The upgraded engine was part of the £2892 High Chassis Pack, which also includes cruise control, chrome instrument dials, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, and a 120-litre fuel tank.

The I 640 SD’s all-up weight is 3850kg, so buyers will need a driving licence with C1 entitlement (our test ’van had the £1783 Heavy chassis upgrade, to 4500kg).