New-for-2018 Auto-Trail motorhomes

Auto-Trail’s 2018 season marks the end of an instantly recognisable body shape.

But there’s also the introduction of two new models aimed at bringing existing luxurious layouts within a slightly keener price point, plus a range of exciting new options packs.

The headlines

The main body change comes in Auto-Trail’s van conversions.

The Grimsby-based company has abandoned the V-Line Sport range with its distinctive coachbuilt roof that it introduced only a few seasons ago. It claims it is no longer cost-effective to make.

Instead, the ‘Sport’ label is retained within a special £1795 ‘Sports’ pack, which you can add to any of the models within the conventional V-Line SE range except the shortest, the 5.41m-long 540. The main exterior change this pack brings is a boot with handy gas struts.

Two new island-bed models have also been introduced, one each in the Imala and Tracker ranges, based partly on existing layouts in pricier portfolios.

In addition, a number of new media packs are now available across all ranges.

The changes

Along with the boot, the ‘Sports’ pack includes a U-shaped rear lounge, bow-fronted locker doors, flush-fitting side windows, exclusive soft furnishings (Vienna instead of Victoria), an external shower point and a gas barbecue point within the boot, and a tripod table base.

A new media pack is also being made available for both conventional V-Line SE and V-Line Sport models. This includes an 18.5in Avtex TV/DVD player positioned over the aisle in the cab, a colour DAB radio/CD player with Western European sat-nav plus USB and Bluetooth connectivity, a colour reversing camera fitted to the windscreen, steering-wheel controls, and a Status TV aerial. All that will set you back £1149.

Among the coachbuilts, the big change in the Imala range is the new Imala 732, a 7.26m-long model with a transverse island bed in the rear that brings the Imala tally up to eight.

The new ’van has a layout you previously only had in the more expensive Tracker range. It is available as a high-line or lo-line, so it can sleep up to six.

It also includes a central washroom and kitchen, as well as twin facing settees, although you do get the option of two travel seats in here.

The 2018 Imala range as a whole features a new rear panel and light cluster. Inside you’ll find improved LED lighting and a new Isabel upholstery scheme featuring grey and purple crushed velvet, with a green fern pattern adorning the curtains, cushions and headboards.

New Tracker revealed

There’s a new model in the more upmarket Tracker portfolio, too – the fifth member of the range.

The Auto-Trail Tracker LB is a 7.6m-long, rear-island-bed model with an MTPLM of 4250kg – so it’s only for those with C1 entitlement on their driving licence.

As with the Imala 732, this layout has previously only been available in the more expensive Frontier range, as the 8.04m-long Delaware.

Again available as a six-berth high-line or four-berth lo-line, the Tracker LB also includes a central L-shaped kitchen with a slim-line fridge and a central washroom, and twin facing settees in the front dinette which again can include two travel seats.

Trackers this season feature Talia soft furnishings – this is the same purple crushed velvet as in the Imalas, but with a plaid pattern on the curtains and headboards.

The 2018-season Auto-Trail Apache range continues with three models, featuring new Adena soft furnishings in grey and green.

Meanwhile, the Frontier line-up remains seven-strong, with Fawn upholstery and new metal doors to the skirting lockers.

The same £1149 media pack as you get in the V-Lines is also available with all new Auto-Trail coachbuilt motorhomes.

And for a further £1999 you can get the Media Plus Pack, which essentially consists of one 65cm folding, remote control, self-seeking satellite system fitted on the roof.

The coachbuilt models also now come with a slidable and lockable cover to the exterior Whale water filler. This includes a 12V socket for a water pump on Frontier and Apache models.

In other news

All 2018 Auto-Trail motorhomes come with a new PSU that takes up less power and is capable of handling up to 200W of solar power.

The new unit has improved smart charging capabilities, too, as it defaults to the vehicle battery on shutdown. It includes an AC current ammeter, and is easier to update as there is a programming socket under the fuse flap.

A clearer and brighter 7-inch touchscreen control panel has also been fitted.

And a quick word on Roller Team

Also on display at the Auto-Trail launch was the new-look Roller Team Pegaso 740, complete with a cab door on the correct side for UK touring.

Unlike any other current A-class manufacturer, the Italian brand has seen fit to ‘flip’ the layout of the Pegaso, to make it more appealing to the British market.

This model, which is likely to have an OTR price around £63,000, includes an in-line island bed at the back, and a central washroom and L-shaped kitchen.

The designers have given the interior a completely revised modern look, complete with new storage areas in the cab and widespread use of mirrors.

A soft furnishings scheme with mainly brown rather than white cushions will also be available for UK models.

Auto-Trail, which distributes Roller Team here in Britain says it expects to see two new Roller Team A-classes arriving on UK shores in time for the February NEC show.

2018 Auto-Trail motorhomes at-a-glance

Van conversions:

Auto-Trail V-Line 540 SE – 2 berths, 2 travel seats, rear lounge, 5.41m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail V-Line 610 SE – 2 berths, 2 travel seats, rear lounge, 5.99m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail V-Line 635 SE – 2 berths, 2 travel seats, rear lounge, 6.36m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail V-Line 636 SE – 2 berths, 4 travel seats, rear lounge, 6.36m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail V-Line 610 Sport – 2 berths, 2 travel seats, rear U-shaped lounge, 5.99m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail V-Line 635 Sport – 2 berths, 2 travel seats, rear U-shaped lounge, 6.36m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail V-Line 636 Sport – 2 berths, 4 travel seats, rear U-shaped lounge, 6.36m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato

Coachbuilts:

Auto-Trail Imala 615 – 2-4 berths, 2 travel seats, end kitchen, 6.34m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Imala 620 – 2-4 berths, 4 travel seats, end kitchen, 6.34m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Imala 625 – 2-4 berths, 2 travel seats, rear U-shaped lounge, 6.34m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Imala 715 – 4-6 berths, 2-4 travel seats, rear French bed, 7.06m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Imala 720 – 4-6 berths, 4 travel seats, twin lounge, 7.06m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Imala 730 – 4-6 berths, 2-4 travel seats, rear in-line island bed, 7.26m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
NEW! Auto-Trail Imala 732 – 4-6 berths, 2-4 travel seats, rear transverse island bed, 7.26m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Imala 734 – 4-6 berths, 2-4 travel seats, fixed twin single beds, 7.26m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Tracker EKS – 2-4 berths, 2 travel seats, end kitchen, 6.44m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Tracker RS – 2-4 berths, 2-4 travel seats, end washroom, 6.93m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Tracker FB – 4-6 berths, 2-4 travel seats, French bed, 7.13m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Tracker RB – 4-6 berths, 2-4 travel seats, rear transverse island bed, 7.6m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
NEW! Auto-Trail Tracker LB – 4-6 berths, 2-4 travel seats, rear in-line island bed, 7.6m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Apache 632 – 4-6 berths, 2-4 travel seats, rear transverse bed, 7.36m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Apache 634 – 2-4 berths, 2 travel seats, rear U-shaped lounge, 7.36m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Apache 700 – 4-6 berths, 4-6 travel seats, rear U-shaped lounge, 7.54m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Frontier Dakota – 4-6 berths, 2-4 travel seats, French bed, rear washroom, 7.65m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Frontier Delaware – 4-6 berths, 2-4 travel seats, rear in-line island bed, 8.04m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Frontier Serrano – 2-4 berths, 2 travel seats, rear transverse bed, 8.04m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Frontier Delaware S – 4-6 berths, 2-4 travel seats, fixed twin single beds, 8.04m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Frontier Scout – 4-6 berths, 4-6 travel seats, rear lounge, 8.05m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Frontier Comanche – 4-6 berths, 2-6 travel seats, rear in-line island bed, 8.77m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato
Auto-Trail Frontier Comanche S – 4-6 berths, 2-6 travel seats, fixed twin single beds, 8.77m long, 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato

The new Imala 732 is a 7.26m-long model with a rear transverse island bed

PeterBaber

Peter Baber is Reviews Editor of both Practical Motorhome and Practical Caravan. He has been reviewing motorhomes for the best part of a decade now. His first caravan reviews date back to the early 1990s when he first worked on Practical Caravan, before he embarked on a 20-year career in business journalism which saw him edit a wide variety of magazines, and launch a few too, including one that won an award. Although he enjoyed that, he always knew he wanted to come back. Peter reports on all the new models that make it to dealer forecourts each season, giving his judgement online and in magazine reviews. He has twice been shortlisted for a Caravan Writers Guild award. When he is not working, apart from going on motorhome trips himself (mostly local to where he lives in West Yorkshire, but also last year right across France) he likes trying to write novels, cooking, throwing the odd pot, and has just taken up tennis.