French brand Pilote is still finalising the details of its 2020 line-up, but much of what is promised could be of particular interest to the UK market, so watch this space. In the meantime, we can reveal general changes across Pilote itself and its Le Voyageur and Danbury offshoots.

Seeing the wood

Much of the focus in the main Pilote range is on wood. A darker ‘Aspen’ wood, with a textured surface, is available as an option on all models. With that option, you get high-gloss white locker doors.

An alternative, the smooth-finish ‘Country’ wood, with matching plain locker doors, is also available. Lockers and drawers also have new handles, designed to be more user-friendly.

The Experience touchscreen panels, which were introduced last year to help control systems within the motorhome, have been more smoothly integrated into the wall by the habitation door.

Pilote has also changed its model numbering, to reflect the particular vehicle’s length. As a result, models previously described as 700 will use the 690 badge for the new season.

The company has opted to use the 120bhp version of the new Fiat Euro 6d-TEMP engine as standard, with optional upgrades. Pilote is also making the nine-speed automatic gearbox an optional extra.

Pour les Anglais

Le Voyageur promises a new model at the NEC that should really appeal to UK buyers. The 7.8LU will feature a U-shaped rear lounge to seat seven.

Le Voyageur is also introducing ‘Dune’, a mellower wood tone, and an electronic drop-down bed in its Classic and Signature ranges.

Premium all the way

The Fiat-based Avenir models that Pilote supplies to its UK subsidiary Danbury will now be available in more sporty Premium spec only. But this interior has been updated, with soft-close doors, new headboards and a bigger oven.

The ‘TW’ (twin-beds) layout is now available as on the long-wheelbase 5.99m Fiat, and is known as the 60TW. But the front dinette has been shortened to squeeze in the beds.

Our pick: Danbury Avenir 63LG

With a sliding door on the correct side for UK drivers, a sleek washroom and a snazzy lounge, this van conversion really looks the part. But that washroom, behind the driving seat, might restrict legroom for some.