Pilote Vega V600G X Edition - Practical Motorhome

Small but perfectly formed, the Pilote Vega V600G X Edition is ideal for motorhomers who like to travel light, says Peter Baber

Verdict

It’s good to find the ‘What you see is what you get’ philosophy extended to Pilote’s van conversions. I think this is a really comfortable, cosy little vehicle.

The washroom is very practical, the kitchen has loads of storage, and the bed is almost queen size. You’d just need to be quite careful about how much clothing you pack for your tours. All in all, though, this is a worthy winner of our best two berth motorhome category at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2024.

Pros

Good washroom
Great kitchen storage
Comfortable

Cons

Limited clothes storage

I thought the transverse-bed Pilote Vega V600G X Edition was a compelling proposition to view at the French manufacturer’s launch last summer.

After all, the van conversion range from the motorhome manufacturer has been through a fair number of name changes in the past few years. Not so long ago they were Foxy Vans. Now after a period of being just plain Vans, the range is known as Vega.

The line-up has also been given its own ‘take it or leave it’ special edition, similar to the Evidence editions for the company’s coachbuilt motorhomes.

Together with a new-look kitchen that all Vegas are fitted with this season, these X Editions have been kitted out with the most popular extras for a set price. They run on a Citroën Relay, unlike the Pilote V633M, which features in our best campervan guide and is Fiat Ducato-based.

Rear of V600G X Edition — Striking red graphics let you know that this is an X Edition

The Citroën Relay is still part of the Sevel group of vehicles produced by Stellantis, of course, but my test model came without those central drinks that holders you might be used to.

I prefer this, because not having that console means more space to store all those items you need to take with you, such as a bag for an awning (see: the best motorhome awnings), but you don’t really need once you are on site.

In addition to the swivelling cab seats, there are two travel seats in the front lounge. All four sit around a table that can easily be extended. Two heating vents under this table should make what can be a cold spot nice and toasty, and there are two more vents facing down the aisle.

Lounge table — Table in the lounge extends to seat four easily at mealtimes

You don’t get a sunroof, but a large Heki lets in all the light you could need from up top, while at night you have a striplight under the locker, four LEDs either side of the Heki, and a reading light next to each cab seat.

TV sockets are set in the wooden panel above, so any motorhome TV positioned here could be seen easily by people sitting in the cab seats. There are two handy USB ports under the table, too.

The table can also be unclipped and fastened to a rail on the outer edge of the kitchen peninsula, whenever you fancy eating outside.

The new kitchen is very impressive indeed, mainly because of the huge set of drawers the designers have managed to include under the inline two-burner hob and sink.

Kitchen inline sink and hob — Kitchen is fitted with inline sink and two-burner hob, but there’s no oven

I don’t think I have ever seen such extensive kitchen storage in a van conversion of this size, one of the features that saw it shortlisted for the motorhome under 6m category at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2024. There is an overhead locker, too, and the designers have even included a tall slimline fridge, so you don’t necessarily have to bend down awkwardly to open it.

A pull-out extension flap expands what would otherwise be limited workspace. OK, so there’s no room for an oven. But do you really need one?

The washroom includes a foldaway basin below a large mirror that cleverly slides to reveal more shelving.

The toilet also slides away, to make more room for the shower tray (which only has one plughole). But there is loads of light in here, thanks to there being both a rooflight and a window.

At bedtime, if there are more than two of you, it is fairly easy to make the optional double bed out of the seats and the table in the lounge. All the cushions fit snugly, so you don’t need an infill. Whoever sleeps here can use the spotlight by the cab seat for reading.

Optional double in lounge — No infills needed for optional double in lounge

The rear bed is extra comfortable, and at 150cm, it’s wider than before, thanks to the removal of a wardrobe that used to be included here.

But therein lies the one snag in this ’van: clothes storage isn’t great. There are four overhead lockers, and a bit of space under the bed. But there is no real hanging space, and if there are four of you, you would probably need to keep clothes to a minimum.

Storage for bulkier items when you are on the move, however, is up to standard. That transverse bed folds neatly with seatbelt clasps, to leave plenty of room for a bicycle.

Alternatives to consider

At exactly 6m, the Swift Carrera 144 offers plenty of clever storage and an impressive washroom. Another option to consider at the top end of the market is the luxurious Auto-Sleeper M-Star, a two-berth model that exudes class and has an excellent level of kit.

Technical spec of the Pilote Vega V600G X Edition

Price: £71,220
Sleeps: 2 (4 optional)
Belts: 4
Base vehicle: Citroën Relay
Engine 2.2-litre, 150bhp
Length/width/height: 5.99/2.05/2.67m (19’7”/6’7”/8’8”)
MTPLM: 3500kg
MiRO: 2850kg
Payload: 650kg
Water (fresh/waste): 110/90 litres
Leisure battery: 105Ah
Gas: 2 x 13kg

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