The Motorhome & Caravan Show, the biggest indoor consumer show of its type, runs from 15-20 October at Birmingham NEC.
We’ve already previewed many of next season’s new caravans and motorhomes in our launch season round-up feature:
However, there are a number of new models and innovations we’ve not yet reported on that visitors to the show should take a look at. Here are just some of the highlights:
Ford Nugget campervan
Ford launched its Transit Custom-based Nugget campervan to the UK market, which it has developed with specialist convertor Westfalia. It sleeps up to four people, with one double bed that folds out in the roof space and a second in the living area.
The cab features driver tech such as the 8-inch touch screen nav and entertainment system, and it’s powered by Ford’s 2.0 litre EcoBlue engine.
With the front-hinged roof raised, occupants can stand comfortably in the rear L-kitchenette, with decent living and dining areas in the centre.
It comes with diesel-fired heating, a two-burner gas hob and steel sink, a 40-litre compressor fridge, and 42-litre onboard fresh and waste water tanks.
It also comes with a fold-out table, two chairs and a retractable awning for al fresco dining.
Options include a rack for bikes and sports equipment.
The Nuggat will be sold via Ford’s flagship FordStore dealer network and prices start from £56,273.
Coachman vans
As well as a new 8ft wide twin-axle Acadia, the 860 priced at £27,925 OTR, taking its public bow at the show, Coachman features two Ford Transit Custom campervans on its stand. Each has rear-hinged elevating roofs, rear seat benches mounted on rails, driver-side kitchenettes and roll out awnings (a £600 cost option). With four sleeping berths and five belted seats, and onboard 42-litre fresh and waste water tanks, prices start from £51,995.
Vanworx MaxTraxx
VW campervan specialist Vanworx has launched its first Crafter-based campervan at the show. The MaxTraxx comes with a bathroom, and based on the medium wheelbase, 2.0TDi 140PS engine and 4MOTION all-wheel drive, prices start from £70,400 (inc VAT). However, the prototype version featured at the show is loaded to the gunwhales with accessories that turn it into a true all terrain vehicle, including roof rack and rear ladder, Warn winch, Seikel suspension with under-body protection and snorkel, 18in Delta wheels with BF Goodrich tyres, leather upholstery and more, with a retail price of £100,700.
Etrusco motorhomes
Part of the Erwin Hymer Group, these Italian coachbuilts are produced in the same factory as Laika motorhomes. While they share their DNA with Hymer Group’s other budget brands, such as Sunlight and Carado, they’re distinctively Italian in their styling.
Hobby Optima Ontour
This budget range from the German caravan and motorhome giant is new for 2020, and we particularly like the six-berth T65 HKM model. It’s based on the Citroen Jumper chassis cab, has a licence-friendly 3,500kg max weight, and features rear bunked buds, a double dinette upfront and a manually operated drop down bed over the front lounge area. The start price is a shade under £50,000.
Chausson 778
Surely one of the most innovative new layouts for 2020, this low profile motorhome features a massive rear ensuite washroom, with toilet and shower split either side of the van, but also includes two wash basins against the rear wall, surrounded by storage space. At night, the area transforms by lowering an electrically operated island bed.
IH Motorhomes 600 RD S4
This premium converter of high top panel vans has introduced two new models at the show, the 600 and 630, both of which include rear passenger seats for the first time. But not content with simply adding a seat bench, IH has made them fully adjustable like cabin seats – they can slide forwards and sideways, and you can also adjust their rake for comfort.
Adria
Slovenian manufacturer Adria has introduced the new Astella on its stand, set to come soon to the UK. It’s a range of three giant tourers, each 2.52m wide, designed to be used as a holiday home on a seasonal pitch for example. At this size, they can only be towed by a commercial vehicle over 3,500kg.
They’re very stylish, featuring panoramic double doors and windows, Alde underfloor heating and open plan layouts.