This is a trend that is gaining more and more followers in France: “Van life”. You know, this is the practice of going on a trip, on holidays or on weekends, aboard a converted van. More easily maneuverable and less fuel efficient than classic homes on wheels (Caroline, low-profile or integral), they offer, depending on the selected model, several beds of a compact format. But also the ease of use of this type of vehicle, for example storage, kitchenette and possibly plumbing. In the past, mainly specialist coachbuilders (Chausson, Pilote, Adria, etc.) converted production vans into recreational models. But today traditional producers are also on this wavehope to get your share of the pie…

Volkswagen, Renault, Mercedes-Benz and Ford

Unquestionably the leader Volkswagen, whose “Westfalia” Combi has been filling the roads of the world for several decades. The line, now called California, includes the Transporter (California) van and the larger Crafter (Grand California). A success that gave ideas to others… This is how Renault sells its own SpaceNomad trafficAND Mercedes-Benz is his Marcopolobased on the Vito. At Ford, it’s the Transit Nugget who has this role! Based on the Transit Custom, the mid-range van in the range, it has been updated today in an entirely new generation. This follows an update to the van that arrived in France last spring. The first noticeable development is the platform and chassis, which have been completely revised. Adoption of independent rear suspension contributes to the comfort of depreciationand in general to a reduction of noise pollution aboard.

full of ingenuity

In the passenger compartment, the upscaling compared to the previous generation is obvious. The instrument panel is new, the furniture and walls are decorated with more luxurious materials. Above all, this new Nugget is full of ingenuity. The sliding roof makes it possible to place two beds, as well as to stand in the living space. This includes functional mini-kitchenwhich offers a fridge, sink with hot water supply system (standard), and integrated plates. Behind, the tailgate accommodates a shower, which can be supplemented with an additional “privacy wall”. The trunk also has space for storing a table and folding chairs. AND The 7-inch touch screen allows you to adjust the temperature, lighting and water level. Multiple charging ports are available, and sun roof offered as an option. It will be available at Diesel 170 horsepowerbut also, and for the first time, in the version Hybrid with a capacity of 232 horsepower. So this new Nugget has everything a motorhome is like, but in a smaller and smarter format!

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