By William Coleman
Last week the CaravanTimes team were invited to have a sneak preview of their all new 2020 line up. From new Ford based motohomes to a stunning new camper van it seems the guys at Auto-Trail have done their homework for 2020.
I was quite impressed with some of the decisions that Auto-Trail had made for this year’s new stock, mainly the choices on vehicle colour. Most manufacturers are not too keen on moving away from your traditional colours for the body of the van, yes now and then you’ll see some different decals but not much that really goes against the grain.This year Auto-Trail really have raided the colour palette, and I’m a fan!
Ford Tribute Coachbuilt
The decision to bring back the Ford is a welcome one for me as I have found that the Ford engines do tend to drive quite well, not to mention being very well equipped for the touring lifestyle.
These new models come in ‘Blazer Blue’ as standard with 6 additional metallic colours to choose from; Chrome Blue, Agate Black, Magnetic Grey, Moondust, Diffused Silver and Kapoor Red.
The all new Tribute comes in 5 different models, F60,62,70 and 72. All of which are brand spanking new for 2020.
The F60 and 62 are 2 berth models where as the 70 and 72 are 4 berth. Each of the models has a 2 and 4 belted option.
All of the Tribute models come with a 130BHP engine but there is an option to up that to 170BHP for those who want a little more go in their engines. You can also choose from manual or automatic.
So what’s new in the Tribute range for 2020? Well, to put it bluntly, quite a lot has been added to this year’s models.
- 4 low-profile models based on the new Euro 6D Ford Transit Chassis
- Fully bonded construction
- Panoramic roof skylight with pleated blind and fly screen
- Wide camper rear axle
- Half dinette available as a cost option to add an extra 2 travelling seats
- Electric drop down bed available as a cost option
- 16″ Ford silver alloy wheels available as a cost option
- Light and modern Salinas Oak wood furniture
- New upholstery scheme
- Ford Lux pack to include cab and loose fit carpets
- Colour reversing camera
- USB socket added within the habitation area
- NEW Whale 4.7kw underfloor heating and 2.85kw underfloor hot water system
- Thule cycle rails as standard
- Auto-Trail Connect’ fitted as standard, with optional tracking subscription upgrade available
The Adventure Range
This camper van stuck out to me in particular, maybe because of the decision to use Abarth Grey or maybe because of the pop top roof bed. Either way this is a very stylish camper that will have heads turning.
This modern trendy van comes with a very long list of offerings which really will appeal to quite a wide market or touring folk. Both the Adventure 55 and 65 are 4 berth models with 4 belts and a 120BHP Euro 6D engine. Again you do have the option to soup up the engine to 140, 160 or 180BHP.
The Adventure lives up to its name as it makes for the perfect vehicles to go out on action adventure weekends and see more of those rural spots that may be tougher to get to in a full size motorhome.
The interior of this brand new compact is very smart indeed, much like the rest of Auto-Trail’s 2020 range. The Salinas Oak wood colour inside gives it more of a hotel feel than a camper.
The large double pop up roof bed really makes this stand out and with the LED reading light it makes for a very comfy and cozy hideaway.
New Fiat and Ford Engines
This year sees 4 new engine types and a 9 Speed Automatic Transmission gearbox, which is quite exciting.
120 Multijet Euro 6D 320 Nm @1400-2500 rpm- It offers the same torque as the former 130 Hp. It is dedicated to entry-level camping-cars as an attractive option for customers taking care of ecological themes, through engine downsizing and reduced emissions.
140 Multijet Euro 6D 350 Nm @1400-2500 rpm- Increased performances compared with the former Euro 6B engines, ensuring lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions either as an upgrade of the 130Hp or a more eco-sustainable alternative of the 150 Hp.
160 Multijet Euro 6D 380/400 Nm @1500-2750 rpm- High performance, respecting the environment. Improved performances compared with the former 150 Hp, same deriving behaviour as the former 180 Hp, with reduced consumption and emission.
180 Multijet Power Euro 6D 400/450 Nm @1500-3000 rpm- Always the Ducato flagship for high-end Motorhomes, satisfying the needs of the big vehicles, over 3.5 t. Top performances and absolute driving comfort, now even improved with the new full-automatic transmission.
2.0 TDI 130 bhp 385 Nm- The all-new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue 130 PS (96kW)/385Nm Euro6 diesel engine strikes a balance of delivering extra power and torque necessary to enhance Gross Train Mass (GTM) without compromising emissions.
2.0 TDI 170 bhp 405 Nm- The outstanding all-new 2.0 litre Ford EcoBlue 170 PS (125 kW) Euro6 diesel engine develops an extraordinary 405 Nm of torque. As the most powerful engine in the range, it’s hard-working character makes it the ideal choice for moving heavy loads and towing, while still delivering outstanding fuel efficiency.
6-Speed Automatic Transmission – Transit’s six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission delivers a smooth, relaxing driving experience, especially in busy stop-start traffic. The transmission allows you to change gear manually if you prefer, using the facia-mounted gear shift, and provides the ability to lockout gears in more challenging driving conditions, e.g. on slippery surfaces or steep gradients.
Across all of their ranges there have been upgrades and improvements that make these motorhomes really stand out. Keep an eye out at the NEC in October to see the full range of models in all their glory.
