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outandaboutlive.co.uk
For 2015, premium A-class manufacturer,
Niesmann + Bischoff has carried out a
major makeover of its Flair, as this N+B liner
class range now gets a family face in the
shape of the stylish nose similar to its Arto.
Flanks and rear panel are changed too, with
high side skirts designed to break up any
slab-like looks. The rear gets a sculpted
treatment for the same reason.
But there’s more to the new Flair than
merely cosmetics, as the latest heavy duty
Iveco chassis underpins a ground-up rebuild.
A deeper double floor improves storage
space and includes thicker insulation, while
the deeper side skirts hinge up to allow
easier access to the space.
In the cab, the Iveco provides a new dash,
and in December we’ll see the introduction
of an eight-speed torque converter-based
gearbox to replace the Agile auto-changing
manual.
Living areas remain styled the same as
new furniture was launched last year.
There are still eight models on offer, but
the range is revised with 870 E – single beds,
and 920 F – island double, the newbies.
Meanwhile, Arto buyers now get the
option to not only mix and match their
interiors but also the exterior, with coloured
detailing added to front and rear valances,
side skirts and mirrors. Red, green, blue, or
orange can be had.
Base vehicle changes are around the
facelifted Fiat Ducato – new dials on the
dash add car-like style, while ESP, Traction+
and Hill Holder are standard-fit on all new
Artos.
There are 16 Arto models for 2015
with three deleted and two new layouts
introduced, the bar-version 83 B and the
88 F. The 88 F is the most interesting and
notable for a simple, but surprising feature.
There’s a large lounge up
front and island bed in the
rear, but it’s in the kitchen where
things get interesting. A good size of
worktop is very surprising in a Continental,
and this ’van probably has more kitchen
surface that any other. A decent lounge and a
spacious kitchen? This will do well here.
For 2015 it’s all about choice, but without
confusion from Pilote: simply choose an
A-class or a low-profile. Then choose
traditional or contemporary furniture style.
Finally you order from three spec levels:
Essentiel, Sensation or Emotion. Whichever
trim level you choose, the layout and the
construction remain the same.
Enhancements as you upgrade stretch
right through the vehicle, from external
graphics to washroom accessories. The
Essentiel spec has all the kit you need, even
down to Fiat’s new captain’s cab chairs.
Meanwhile, Emotion goes for a full set
of toys, including leather steering wheel,
reversing camera, extra interior lighting,
full-height bathroom mirrors and shower
duckboards, electrically adjustable bed
heads and even carpet trim on the ceiling.
Mercedes-based motorhomes no longer
feature, so everything is now
Fiat-based. All coachbuilts
come with Fiat’s new optional
composite rear suspension.
While low-profiles sit on the
lowline Fiat camping-car
base. Al-Ko chassis versions
of Galaxy A-classes are also offered. These
Galaxy models come in 7.40m to 7.80m
lengths and have a double floor.
Look out for the Galaxy 781 – this A-class
comes with a large L-shaped lounge, entirely
separate toilet and shower areas, and
around a tonne of payload on Fiat’s heavy
single-rear-axle Al-Ko chassis.
Also new is the 700LC (pictured), which
has a true island bed layout in a 7m body
(either low-profile or A-class).
All A-class Pilotes also get a new
dashboard with revised construction
below to reduce noise and improve
demisting.
Drop-down beds no longer have plastic
trim underneath. Instead, wood and fabric
trim is used to reduce noise on the road.
A new kitchen design features in all
models over 7m with the option of separate
oven and grill with mains. Where a simpler
oven/grill is fitted, it is now low down.
Drawers replace doors in the galley too,
and a USB socket is a further addition. The
TV is now housed in a new height-adjustable
TV bracket just inside the habitation door.
Read more about Niesmann + Bischoff’s
range of exciting new 2015 motorhomes on
page 39
Niesmann + Bischoff’s premium Flair A-class liner
The all-new 700LC, which
has a true island bed in a 7m body
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