Verdict
With some carefully selected cost options added, you could still get on the road with the 2016 Rapido 8066df for under £63,000. Considering there are various UK- and Continental-built low-profiles for this kind of money, the 8066df seems like an ideal route to affordable A-class motorhome ownership.
The ’van looks great inside and out, and there’s a pleasing vibe inside. C1 licence holders will find no disincentive not to up-plate to 3700kg, bringing up to 200kg of extra payload with it. And to see other Rapido motorhomes for sale, click here.
Pros
Good value for money
The specification includes plenty of desirable items
It has a pleasing interior atmosphere
There are several thoughtful touches throughout including bottle holders in the under-sink storage, a drying line in the shower compartment, and central locking for the kitchen units
Cons
The habitation door is on the UK offside
To make the most of the rear garage and other storage locations, buyers will have to specify the 3700kg chassis upgrade (free of charge), which will require C1 driving licence entitlement
Rapido motorhomes clearly hit the spot with UK buyers, as shown by the company’s recent chart-topping performance in our 2016 Owner Satisfaction Awards. The Mayenne-based producer collected the gong for highest-scoring manufacturer of pre-owned ’vans, beating off strong competition from leading domestic and German brands.
It capped off a strong season for Rapido, which took its stand at the NEC in October having sold out its entire production run for the 2016 model year, at the leading Continental shows. Little wonder: the company’s focus on innovation, specification and comfort has won it many fans.
With many sharp offerings at a variety of price points, Rapido’s appeal stretches right across the market with, in our view, particularly good value to be had at the affordable end of the A-class segment. Three new models were launched in the 80df (double floor) series for 2016: two carrying island beds (the 8080df and 8090df), and one with fixed twin singles – the 8066df, on test here.
With the wraparound windscreen and side windows, visibility from the Rapido 8066df’s cab is excellent
Living
Entering through the offside habitation door, the 8066df follows the standard Continental layout of half-dinette and L-shaped kitchen. The comfortable seating feels high quality, and with two side settees, plus the rotating cab seats, up to six people will be able to lounge and dine in comfort. The table can be moved laterally and, as part of the UK Pack, is thoughtfully hinged in the middle to lift up and permit easy access to the cab.
Kitchen
Subtle touches in the galley confirm its French-designed origins. The three gas burners are arranged in a line for ease of use, and a smart mixer tap dispenses into a round stainless steel sink. A reasonable amount of preparation space is available with the cooker and sink lids closed, although the lounge table is close at hand for backup.
A curved storage unit under the sink will appeal to bon viveurs, with three built-in receivers for wine bottles, while a combination oven and grill (part of the UK Pack) will feed the needs of British cooks.
Other kitchen equipment includes a 160-litre fridge with separate freezer compartment, and – fitted as part of the Rapido Pack (£249), a cooker hood fan. Less tech-driven but still very practical are two other details: a spice rack and kitchen roll holder. The units have central locking.
Washroom
This layout uses the split washroom configuration to save demands on body length: the toilet and vanity unit are both on the UK offside, across the gangway from the shower compartment.
The vanity unit area’s door latches in two positions: to close off that section, or when opened to separate the front and rear sections of the motorhome for privacy. The vanity unit area’s wall cupboard has a clever mirrored door that slides across to where it’s required.
Opposite, the moulded plastic shower compartment has a bi-fold door, plus a retractable clothes line for hanging up wet items for drying.
Beds
In the rear master bedroom, the popular fixed twin single beds take care of sleeping provision, accessed via three central steps. Bultex density foam mattresses and a padded headboard with reading lights head a list of comfort features, which also includes cassette blinds and decorative nets to the side windows.
Another two berths are available at the front of the ’van, where a pull-down double is on hand for guests. The bed assembly and folding mechanism feels reassuringly solid, but not too onerous in use, and access to the sleeping space is via an aluminium ladder.
Storage
With raised single beds up above, the large rear garage offers a substantial 130cm headroom for bulky items like bikes, scooters or other outdoors kit, and is accessible from both sides of the ’van. Inside, a blown air vent for drying damp items, a light and tie-down brackets all feature.
Other storage highlights in the 8066df include a ‘pass-through’ compartment between the axles that runs across the width of the ’van’s double floor. A useful place for long items like skis, it can also be loaded from both sides.
Owners of the 8066df can also choose from a wet locker, two compartments in the habitation’s double floor, wardrobes under both fixed beds and nine overhead lockers to accommodate their user payload.
Technical Specifications
| Payload | 360 kg |
| MTPLM | 3500 kg |
| Shipping Length | 7.39 m |
| Width | 2.35 m |
