New for the 2021-22 season, French brand Chausson has launched the X550 Combo.
Built as a response to the trend for vehicles to be smaller and lighter, the Combo will suit the large numbers of newbies that are taking up motorcaravanning who have expressed a preference for a more manageable vehicle size.
The ambition is to combine the best features of a van conversion with the advantages of a motorhome. This compact yet innovative design maximises space while maintaining a small footprint.
The vehicle comes on a Fiat Ducato chassis with 2.3L engine and costs £57,690.
Dimensions are close to that of a van conversion while internal accommodation is more in keeping with that of a motorhome. The Combo measures 2.1m wide, 2.75m high with an internal height of 1.98m and a length under 6m at 5.99m – all very compact! Yet, inside there are five dining seats, four sleeping berths and the bed comes in at sizeable 140 by 190cm.
The X550 has been two years in development and has undergone 100,000km of testing. Features include storage accessible from inside and out, a smart lounge with four belted seats and five dining seats and a lift-up wash basin with invisible drain. The washroom runs across the entire width of the van and there is a 134-litre fridge, flat floor and four sleeping berths. Cabin seat covers match the living area which comes in premium furniture and fabrics. Standard engine power is 140 HP-kW.
Three packs are available:
• Connect (free), which is 5kg and includes DAB / Bluetooth with touchscreen, steering wheel controls, reversing camera.
• Safety (£1,341), which is 1kg and includes anti-collision alert, rain and light sensor, automatic high beam management, recognition of traffic signs, lane change alert.
• Automatic (£4,491), which is 39kg and includes engine power Fiat Euro 6D 160 HP-117 kW engine, Fiat 9-speed automatic gearbox+ Eco pack: Stop & Start, intelligent alternator, electronically controlled fuel pump.
Innovation comes in several areas including the robust aerodynamic roof which has been built in one piece using PDCPD, a strong polymer plastic material; the smart lounge that measures only 2.1m yet seats five diners on benches and converts to belted seats; streamline and hidden external fixings; and a hideaway bed measuring 140 by 190cm that is driven by cables and an aluminium frame to reduce ceiling height.
Other neat design features include the specially developed ceiling light, the LED reading lights, adjustable seat covers and the use of fabrics that exclusive to the automobile industry.
Customers can expect deliveries by the end of 2021. The vehicles will be available to see at roadshows between March and May 2021.
You’re in Hall 6 Advice Lounge & Event Theatre at Van Live! See what else is happening on stage, take me to the Show Guide, or visit the Chausson stand in Hall 2.
The X550 has been two years in development and has undergone 100,000km of testing