THE SUCCESS OF last year’s Pacific 696D model, with its large end washroom/dressing room and a drop-down bed, has led Pilote to repeat the layout in the shorter Pacific 626D.
At just 6.26m long, this gives you the same spacious interior in a length that is shorter than many van conversions. You also get two foldout travel seats, a kitchen that shares the rear with the washroom, and access to the garage.
For those who prefer a bit more length, the Galaxy 690D offers the same layout in an A-class, this time with a longitudinal drop-down bed.
Pilote has simplified spec this year by dropping the top-notch Emotion level (Allure in sibling brand Bavaria).
For 2021 there will just be Essentiel (Style in Bavaria). Even in Essentiel you still get a 140bhp Fiat engine and a chassis pack that includes ESP Traction+ and cruise control. Extras on Sensation include alloys and a leather steering wheel.
This season also sees the launch of the Evidence, a special edition of the five best-selling Pilote low-profile and A-class models – the Pacific 626D and 696D, plus the 650C and 740C, and the Galaxy 740FC. Extras include black alloys, the chassis pack, a media pack including rear-view camera, an energy pack, cab blinds and a door flyscreen.
Van conversions, meanwhile, are back under the Pilote name – last year they were branded as Danbury. The new washroom has a sliding partition and retractable toilet, allowing for a spacious shower cubicle in the V600G, V630J and V600J.
The special-edition-only version of the V63LG includes the Media 8 pack, Energy Pack, Internal Lux Pack and Leisure Pack (that gets you an awning and cycle rack), as well as alloys and a door on the correct side for the UK.
Pilote: A quick history
Founded as a caravan manufacturer in La Limouzinière, near Nantes, by Andre Padiou in 1962, Pilote moved into motorhome production in 1978, with his brother Philippe in charge. It has since grown to become one of France’s largest motorhome manufacturers, working across more than one site. It has spread its wings by acquisition, too, taking over Germany’s Frankia in 1990 (and greatly helping to promote that company’s innovation of the double floor) and Le Voyageur and RMB 10 years later.
Its Bavaria brand was launched by Frankia but is now mirrored on Pilote’s A-class Galaxy and low-profile Pacific ranges (rather as Compass currently is with Elddis in the UK), but with different interiors. More recently, the company has also taken over Danbury in the UK.
Practical Motorhome will be chatting to Martin Storey, UK agent for Pilote & Le Voyageur on Wednesday 14th October at 10am, and throughout the remainder of Van Live!, in the Event Theatre, Hall 6. Don’t miss the New ‘Van Launch of the Pilote 626D Evidence at 10am on Friday 16th October, also in the Event Theatre.
You’re in Hall 2 Continental Manufacturers at Van Live! See who else is exhibiting in this hall, or take me to the Show Guide.
This season sees the launch of the Evidence, a special edition of the five best-selling Pilote low-profile and A-class models
