by Joe Jeffrey
New Bailey Approach Advance 2015 motorhome due for release this April
Bailey of Bristol has unveiled a new entry-level coachbuilt motorhome range for 2015.
The Approach Advance, which sees Bailey expand their choice of entry-level motorhomes for the new year, sees the same design as the award-winning Approach Autograph range, but at a lesser price and narrower body width (2.35 metres). Bailey has also kept weight to a minimum as well, with a maximum weight of 3.500kg – making the range an ideal choice for anyone with a full UK driving licence, with no B and E entitlement required.
As always with the manufacturer’s product offering, the Advance will come with Bailey’s lighter bodyshell and GRP outerskin as well as Alu-Tech construction system, set to protect the motorhome from the worst the UK weather has to throw at it thanks to its grade III insulation properties.
Better driving characteristics come by way of an “ultra-low profile” AL-KO AMC chassis and lower entry step, set to improve driving control owing to a lower centre of gravity.
A Peugeot Boxer 2.2 Hdi, 130bhp, Euro 5 engine and six-speed manual gearbox with a new-look cab in Bianco White with colour-coded bumpers will provide performance for the Advance and standard specifications include ABS braking, premium Michelin branded tyres with TPMS, driver airbag and fully upholstered driver and passenger seats. Peugeot’s three-year warranty is also thrown in for good measure.
Safety seems to have been the order of the day when it came to designing the new Advance for 2015, with extensive testing taking place at the world renowned Millbrook Proving Ground where the new motorhome was put through its paces during a crash-test simulation programme.
The Advance will also have the extra support of chassis outriggers to strengthened floors, stronger fittings for items such as ovens and fridges, plus steel-framed seat base supports for all designated travel seats and a steel-framed structural bulkhead to support rear-facing designated travel seats.
The interior looks set to provide the Advance with a more premium look and feel than usually seen in entry-level models, including ‘Mendip Ash’ furniture, Italian design overhead locker doors with a dual-finish and push-button catches, low-level courtesy lighting and premium ‘Pimlico’ upholstery fabric.
The motorhome range also comes with a Whalerapid heat hot water system and 4kw blown air heating system and in the kitchen there’s a Thetford three-burner gas hob and Duplex anti-rattle combination oven and grill, and 103 litre Dometic fridge (80 litre for the 615 model). The bathroom is comprised of a fully lined shower with Ecocamel showerhead.
For personal customisation, each Advance model will come with fixing points for an exterior ladder, roof rack and bike rack, and are also pre-wired for the fitting of a rear view camera, satellite dish or aerial. An optional premium pack will offer the added benefit of cab air conditioning, a passenger air bag, concertina windscreen blind, removable cab carpets and a DAB Radio with Bluetooth connectivity is bound to appeal to everybody.
As mentioned previously, the Approach Advance will come in four contrasting layouts, which are:
Approach Advance 615 – 2 berth, compact, low-line, end lounge
Approach Advance 635 – 2 berth, low-line, end washroom
Approach Advance 640 – 4 berth, low-line, end bedroom with fixed double bed
Approach Advance 665 – 6 berth, low-line, end lounge with drop down double bed & designated travelling seats
One innovative feature on the 665 model is Bailey’s longitudinal drop-down bed over the side dinette towards the front – last seen on the Autograph 765.
The new Approach Advance will be on sale from April 2015, but you don’t have to wait that long until you see it. Check out our exclusive pictures below and make sure you check it out at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 at the NEC in February.
