French manufacturer Pilote is introducing another rear lounge model for the 2025 season.
Last season saw the launch of the 696U, with a rear lounge and washroom up front behind the cab. This season we now have the 720U, 20cm longer at 7.25m.
The new van has a similar rear lounge, which in the UK is one of the most popular motorhome layouts. It also has a larger washroom upfront opposite a second externally accessed storage space beneath a large wardrobe.
Elsewhere, much of the focus for Pilote this year has come in replacing materials used in interiors with more lightweight alternatives. Washrooms have been redesigned and come with a new door. And because the company was so unimpressed with the white front facade on the new Fiat Ducato, all Pilote vans will come with customised black front corners.
Panel vans have also been streamlined so that they now come as either Evidence (the “take or leave it” special editions that now account for 90% of sales) or Expression models (which you can tailor more easily.) Last season’s X Edition special editions have been discontinued, including the Pilote Vega V600G X Edition.
The fridge on the 540G and 600J models has been replaced with a drawer fridge.
Pilote has unveiled its new plans just as rival Rapido brings out more Mercedes-based vans. Another brand to be bringing out a rear-lounge ‘van is Laika, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a new addition to the Kosmo range.
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