Chausson Flash 530 - Practical Motorhome

Compact touring doesn't have to mean compromising on style or equipment – find out what the Chausson Flash 530 fits into a sub-6m, 3500kg MTPLM package

Verdict

The Chausson Flash 530 is a good-looking low-profile motorhome which has a raft of standard features that would be extras on many other manufacturer’s models.

It offers very comfortable travel and accommodation for two. In fact, four people are not going to feel overly cramped, despite its modest footprint. The size of the end washroom is particularly impressive.

Chausson has squeezed a lot into this sub-6m ’van, while keeping the MTPLM at 3500kg and ensuring a healthy payload of 712kg.

And to see other Chausson motorhomes for sale, click here.

Pros

It has a stylish, contemporary interior
The heating system is powerful
There’s a good sense of space inside, especially in the washroom
The externally accessed storage and service points are useful
You can have it on the Ford Transit (as tested) or the Fiat Ducato

Cons

A pretty monochrome interior might have limited appeal and the pale carpet will show the dirt
It’s a bit of a squeeze between the entrance and the drop-down bed when the latter is lowered
The kitchen is very compact

Chausson has done a fine job of cramming a lot into a relatively small and stylish space with the Flash 530. Plus, you get a good range of standard equipment, given the price.

This includes basic features such as the ‘IRP’ structure (improved ‘insulation’, better ‘resistance’ to wear and more ‘protection’ through the GRP outer covering, rot-resistant materials and glued rather than drilled aluminium profiles).

And that’s not all. You also get those little things that simply make life easier, such as a dual USB port above the cab and 100 per cent LED lighting, both inside and out.

Add to that a quite racy appearance including alloy wheels as standard, and the Chausson Flash 530 is quite a funky little unit, standing out on the motorhomes for sale pages.

The lounge is far more spacious than you might expect in a motorhome that's under 6m long

Living

The lounge is far more spacious than you might expect in a motorhome that’s under 6m long.

You’ll comfortably seat four or five adults around the two parallel settees and one side seat which surround the folding table. Need yet more room? Swivel the captain’s seats.

There’s excellent lighting from the LED ceiling lights, along with atmospheric blue LED floor lighting.

Kitchen

Continental kitchens aren’t known for ticking all the boxes for British buyers, but the Chausson Flash 530 doesn’t do too badly, especially considering the kitchen’s compact dimensions.

The three-burner gas hob, a grill, a circular sink and a skinny fridge/freezer can all be accessed easily from the area’s central point. It also has plenty of storage space – and that fridge even has a dedicated wine bottle holder.

Work space is a tad limited, it has to be said, although it shouldn’t be an issue for a well-organised chef. And it is nice to be able to chat to guests in the adjacent lounge as you prepare dinner.

Washroom

The separate washroom and shower offer plenty of space, a swivel loo and sink on one side, the fully lined shower cubicle opposite.

These two discrete areas are split by a large three-quarter length mirror, behind which lies a double wardrobe with a sliding clothes rail that helps make the most of the space.

The washroom of this Chausson motorhome is light and airy with a contemporary design. You also get plenty of storage space for potions and lotions both above and below the rectangular sink.

The opaque window behind the loo lets a good amount of light in, plus it opens for ventilation

Beds

The drop-down double bed is operated electrically, and a ladder is provided to help you clamber into it.

If you’re accommodating four people, the second sleeping area is made up from the lounge sofas. Which means that if four beds are required, you’ll also need to be organised, since you’re effectively using ‘bunks’, albeit very comfortable ones.

One minor gripe? When the drop-down double bed is lowered, it’s a fairly tight squeeze between the bed and the entrance door.

Storage

In addition to the washroom wardrobe, there’s storage space beneath the lounge seating and a decent mix of drawers either side of the kitchen. You’ll also find a large storage area over the cab.

One feature that really impressed us was the externally accessed storage space on the back panel. Gas struts hold the door open for you, the space is lit and heated, plus it’s a flexible space, thanks to a pair of fold-down shelves.