By William Coleman
Just one week before the February Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC Bailey of Bristol have publicly announced a brand new layout for their best selling 8ft wide Alicanto Grande range.
When Bailey first announced that they were going to be releasing an 8ft wide model, followed by many other manufacturers, I was unsure how the market would respond. Here we are well over 18 months later and it seems the caravan word love the larger vans, so much so that Bailey are adding more to their line up.
Proving that bigger is better Bailey saw a sales boost when they introduced their new 8ft wide range this autumn. Models from this ‘Luxurious and limitless’ range have topped the Bailey best-sellers list since their introduction, appealing to customers either as a touring or seasonal use vehicle.
Once the vans hit the market they were met with an enormously positive reaction from the public which had led to Bailey adding a new fourth layout to the already impressive range.
The Alicanto Grande Faro is the new 4-berth twin axle model is going to be on display next week at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2020. I know there are a lot who would never consider an 8ft van but I urge all of you to find one and spend some time aboard, those extra few inches make such a difference to the entire van.
The Faro is a brand new lay out for Bailey which features a comfortable transverse rear double island bed, no arguing in the morning when someone wakes up early, and a central nearside en-suite washroom that sits opposite a well-appointed dressing area.
Moving further forward, into the living area, you’ll find the signature Alicanto offside L-shaped kitchen and a large parallel seat front lounge which converts into either twin singles or a large double bed at night. It was when me and a member of the team sat opposite each other on board an 8ft van and really felt the difference in space you get.
The exterior skin of than van is a stunning ‘Polar White’ GRP body shell which has been very well complimented by the ‘Metallic Bronze’ coordinating graphics scheme, which together with new Diamond Cut style TUV tested alloy wheels and the signature Bailey ‘room with a view’ vertical front skylight announce that Alicanto owners travel and arrive in style.
In addition to looking good, the Faro also comes with a host of practical exterior features including a Truma 100 watt solar panel, an external satellite connection, a gas BBQ point and a 230v.
As you’d expect from all of Bailey’s vehicles the Faro is using their patented Alu-Tech construction technology, cloaked in a GRP outer skin, making them more robust and more durable, yet lighter than those manufactured using conventional methods, offering greater protection against the elements to keep you comfortable, safe and secure all year round.
To date approaching 65,000 Bailey leisure vehicles have been built with this ground-breaking technology, and are currently being used and enjoyed around the world. We have taken them all over Europe and they performed excellently in staggering temperatures in Turkey and horrifically cold weather in the Arctic.
To ensure that this eye-catching investment remains safe on the road and secure on site it is fitted with the all latest safety and security equipment, including the AL-KO ATC Trailer Control System, TyrePal TPMS, AL-KO Secure wheel lock (two on twin axle models), and a TRACKER Monitor Stolen Vehicle Recovery System with an integral intruder alarm, all as standard specification.
Alicanto models are fitted with a fully specified Alde programmable radiator heating system which allows you to holiday no matter the time of year. Combined with the market-leading thermal characteristics of the Alu-Tech body shell, this makes the Alicanto Grande a genuine all-weather vehicle, a fact confirmed with the achievement of the highest rating for thermal performance (Grade III Classification of EN1656-I) in rigorous cold chamber testing.
Moving on to the inside you’ll see just how spacious these 8ft vans are and you won’t be unimpressed with the level of finish bailey put into them. This new van features the new ‘Mendip Ash’ furniture that has a new curved dual finish Italian design overhead locker doors with black chrome handles. Upgraded LED task and mood lighting throughout gives Alicanto that unmistakable touch of class.
Lounging comfort is guaranteed by new fully sprung base cushions and curved corner backrests with headrests, in a choice of either standard ‘Farringdon’ or optional ‘Portobello’ soft furnishings. The same is true in the bedrooms where larger beds with new memory foam topped mattresses promise a good night’s rest.
Feature kitchens provide up to 25% more work surface plus 30% more cupboard storage capacity thanks to their new L-shaped design. New features such as a large circular sink with concealed fixings, plus Perspex splashbacks and glass splash guards, are both stylish and practical. The headline act in a very impressive list of branded kitchen appliances, is the new Dometic 10-series 153 litre electronic fridge freezer with a universal handed door mechanism.
Commenting on the expansion of the Alicanto Grande range Bailey Managing Director Nick Howard said:
“The Alicanto Grande is our most luxurious caravan range yet. With everything you need to get the most out of every holiday, it’s been designed and built with our customers’ needs in mind, further establishing our place as The Nation’s Favourite. Models provide more space, more style, more comfort and more practicality, and give people more reason than ever to Go Bailey!”
“The only thing not included is the view,” he added.
All four models of the new Alicanto Grande range will be on display at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2020 on stand 3020 from 18th to 23rd February.
To get a sneaky look at the new van and it’s layout you can view a gallery on our Facebook page.
