outandaboutlive.co.uk
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Rapido has launched 13 new models – van
conversions, low-profiles and A-class – with
no startling new layouts, but some very new
design ideas.
First is its new two-model range – the
Distinction – aimed at buyers at the high end
of the A-class market.
The new range offers two 7.39-metre
models with new exteriors. The two layouts
have island beds, one washbasin at the foot
of the bed, the other with ablutions standing
either side of the aisle.
The Distinction is only equipped with a
services-containing ‘technical’ double floor
rather than the deeper ‘storage’ variety that’s
common in the more expensive A-class
models from other makers.
Rapido has stopped building on Mercedes
Sprinters for 2015, meaning all Rapidos will
now be on Fiat’s Ducato.
Coachbuilts get GRP-skinned underfloors,
while quite a few have adjustable-height
double beds.
Details include flat floors through
living areas and new (checked)
fabric options, Oxford and Bergen.
Van conversions, low-profiles and
A-class all continue, and offer just
about all fixed bed layouts.
Rapido’s innovative new designs for
2015 apply unique ideas, adding space,
unexpected facilities, and versatility.
The first is in the 9060df Mobily, an
A-class with front lounge, centre kitchen
and rear bedroom. Move into the
bedroom and an island bed layout
is in place – lockers above, his
‘n’ hers wardrobes on either
side. All standard stuff. However,
the bed is split lengthways and
the sections slide apart, creating
an alternative pair of single beds.
Wardrobes and overhead lockers slide too.
The system also makes a corner double bed.
The idea is to create versatility so friends or
family can use the ’van.
Meanwhile, Rapido has also been
improving its van conversion range and the
V55 high-top is one of the most popular:
long wheelbase (5.99m) with transverse
double bed in the rear, half-dinette-based
lounge up front. Innovation lives amidships,
where the wardrobe lives in a separate
shower compartment, swinging out and over
the bed when the shower is needed.
The Zefiro range leads the way for Roller
Team in 2015 as it’s built on the latest Ford
Transit chassis – one of the few coachbuilts
to use this impressive new base vehicle.
The Ford-based Zefiro continues with two
models with generous overcab beds and
Pullman dinettes.
The 675 has transverse bunks, the 690
a double bed above a garage. Ford’s new
Transit comes with a completely new cab
and engines come with either 125 and
155bhp outputs.
While the cab’s external decor isn’t seen
as very good looking by many, the interior is
terrific and akin to Ford’s Focus car with high
quality plastics and features.
The cab’s seats are low and the car-like
driving position should also suit shorter
people. This new Zefiro drives beautifully
too, with great ride, good acceleration and
handling and a feel of solidity.
The Zefiro’s extras now include the Lux
Pack, offering a reversing camera, a larger
capacity leisure battery, 100-watt solar panel, a
four-bike rack and an entrance door flyscreen.
The T-Line also gets one new model and
one that’s had its layout revamped. The new
T-Line model, the 785, sports twin
single beds above a garage. Its
beds are impressively big – the
shortest is two metres long and
800mm wide.
The T-Line range is further
enhanced inside for 2015, with
new kitchen design, additional and
efficient LED lighting and new curtains/
blinds.
Other news includes improvements to
construction methods, while decor changes
arrive too.
Roller Team is also on a mission to
remove wood from its motorhomes
construction and ExPS (Extreme
Protection System) is the system
it uses.
2015 sees ExPS improved with
the introduction of the latest version,
known as EVO Technology, that uses
extruded plastic structural inserts and
superior styrofoam insulation.
Roller Team also uses GRP skins on
the exterior walls and the upper and lower
surfaces of the floor.
Roller Team’s new Zefiro is based
on the all-new Ford Transit
The new Rapido Distinction A-class
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