​Such a true statement. We absolutely love our Le Voyageur Motorhomes and the introduction of the Heritage Range in 2022 was a full success. In 2024 the Le Voyageur Eterna Range will replace the Classic and that comes with a few changes to the design and build of the motorhome. We are anticipating the arrival of new Eterna's for the upcoming season and can't wait to premier the first one in New Zealand.

​ALKO Chassis Update (ALKO STC Chassis): The new chassis will be completely flat, and the stringers will be lowered from 215mm to 122mm aligning them with the rest of the platform. This will result in a 90mm gain in the double floor storage, allow for more storage, and create a better driving comfort due to the lower center of gravity.

Exterior:

​Le Voyageur is also updating the rear side, introducing new skirt lines and fog lights, updating the front side and bonnet design, and removing the curved dome roof to align the design with the Heritage model.

Interior:

The LV Eterna showcases the same level of quality finish whilst the design has been updated to a clean and simple approach. It will be interesting to see which one people prefer.

​Technology is an ever-advancing minefield and seems to change and update quicker than anyone can keep up with. Last year the Fiat cab had a major update and Pilote has started to use a new Pioneer Head Unit. I personally fell in love with how easy and simple the system is however it looks like a slightly different version of the unit is being fitted to our brand-new campers. Watch this space!!!

​This year’s NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan and Leisure Show in Hamilton was a lot of fun. None of us really knew what to expect considering current uncertainties in business and the economy. However, we were pleasantly surprised with Friday’s turnout and the general positive vibe from visitors.

The show started with a strong first day and numbers slowly declined towards the end of the event. The general consensus is that the event went well, and exhibitors had a great time, however we did see visitor levels and sales drop back down to pre-Covid levels.

​It will be very interesting to see how our much-loved RV industry develops in the near future and we can't wait to be part of it all!!!

​"Discover the latest Pilote motorhome, specially designed for modern adventurers. With its unique adventurous look, this compact vehicle on a Ford Transit chassis offers the perfect combination of style and performance. Ready to take on any terrain, it will allow you to set off on your adventure with confidence, giving you the comfort and freedom you need to explore new horizons. Whether you're a keen hiker or a wilderness explorer, the Pilote motorhome is your ideal companion for unforgettable adventures."

We are anticipating the arrival of the first Atlas Motorhome in 2024 and are excited to see a modern Pilote motorhome based on a Ford platform. I recently came across a German review of the 2023/2024 Pilote Atlas A696G and I am stoked to share some detailed information with you as we will be importing this exact model.

​I believe that the specifications will be very similar to the NZ model however please be aware that specifications may vary and are subject to change. Enjoy the read and please feel free to email me if you have any further questions!!!

"Upscale amenities at no additional cost"

The series is based on the Transit Trail, whose radiator grille with massive Ford lettering indicates the automatic limited-slip differential. Black aluminum rims and an awning in the same color are available as standard - like so many other things, from the solar system to the satellite system. This puts the targeted price into perspective, especially since the basic vehicle equipment with numerous extras, reversing camera and 170hp engine including automatic transmission is impressive.

​Length:  6.98m Long - 2.20m Wide - 2.88m High
GVM:      3550KG
Berths:  4

Above: The comfortable seating area has benches measuring 1.0m and 1.54m in length. The table is stable and is sufficiently large at 90 x 82 cm.

Headroom under the fold-down bed: 1.93m.

​You enter the living room via the electric step through a comparatively narrow door (50 cm). To the right of it is the large seating area with two longitudinal benches. They come in lengths of 1.0m and 1.54m and so four people can sit comfortably at the large, stable table without turning the driver's cab seats. The solid furniture construction in light colors with dark upholstery as a contrast, in addition to the good headroom - 2.08m, 1.93m under the fold-down bed - ensures an airy feeling of space in the Atlas. Large campers still have to be careful, as there are open shelves at the bottom of the fold-down bed right next to the body door; It's easy to hit your head when you close the door from the inside.

Above: The 1.90 m x 1.40 m fold-down bed can be electrically lowered to 81 cm. The mattress lies on slatted frames.

​The drop down bed over the lounge is a handy additional sleeping space and would suit young families.

Above: Discover the well-equipped kitchen of the A696G Pilote camping car, designed to satisfy all food lovers on the go. With its spacious 133 litre refrigerator, you can easily store your fresh food and favorite beverages. The multiple intelligent storage options provide a practical solution to organise your cooking utensils and supplies, making it easy to prepare delicious meals with ease.

​Behind the kitchen is the bathroom, which has a step leading up to it. This means that the headroom in the sanitary area is limited to 1.91 m (shower 1.92 m). The reason for the floor platform is, among other things, the waste water tank, which is installed underneath in a frost-proof manner and whose wide-mouth opening can be reached through a floor flap in the bathroom. The equipment is complete and easy to use. Light and air can reach the sanitary area via two roof hoods. The bathroom can be separated from the living room with a door. There is no separation from the rear bed.

​The rear bed is reached via a step in the narrow, 66 centimeter wide entrance. The transverse double bed is impressive with a length of 2.10m, but the mattress stored on slatted frames is only 1.31m wide - that's more like campervan level . The large rear window provides unusual views. The roller curtain hanging in front of it can also be used as a privacy screen instead of the folding blind. This is particularly practical when the outside temperature is warm, as a draft can still blow through the vehicle when the window is open.

With a width of 85cm and a height of 1.11m, it is suitable for two standard bicycles. Two garage doors are standard and two car-wide lashing rails with sliding eyelets are used to secure loads. On the right side of the garage there is also an outdoor shower with cold and hot water, which is also included in the basic price.

Specifications:

Permanent East-West Bed with Drop Down Double, 4 Berth, Separate Shower and Toilet, 2 Gas Hobbs with Oven, Automatic Fridge/Freezer, Truma Combi 4KW Heating and Hot Water, 130l Fresh and 90l Grey Water Tanks, Space for 2x 9KG Gas Bottles, 6.98m Long - 2.20m Wide - 2.88m High, 3.95m Wheelbase, 3550KG GVM, 170HP Turbo Diesel Engine, Cruise Control, 2x 100w Solar Panels, Outdoor Shower, Frost Proof Waste Water Tank, Awning, Reversing Camera, Multimedia Screen, Crash Sensitive Truma Regulator, Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Black Aluminum Rims

​22nd December 2023 - 3rd January 2024
Christmas Holidays - Deluxe RV Group Office Closed

22nd December 2023 - 08th January 2024
Christmas Holidays - Deluxe RV Group Workshop Closed