For UK buyers there’s a clear standout model in the new range
THROUGHOUT the motorhome market, chassis deliveries have caused production delays, such that Rapido is not alone in still satisfying 2022 and 2023-season orders. However, this leading French company says there is light at the end of the tunnel and it expects 2025 to represent a normal season once again. In the meantime, there are some new models and some updates to whet your appetite for a new ’van.
The 2024-season collection includes three campervans, eight low-profiles and 13 A-classes (including two recently added C Series compact models, which are now offered optionally without the drop-down cab bed). All except the flagship M Series (on Mercedes Sprinter) use Stellantis (Fiat or Peugeot) base vehicles.
Models with minor modifications are the C55 compact single bed low-profile and the 854F rear lounge A-class. The former gets a larger compressor fridge (now 140 litres), while the latter gets a wider rear garage to easily accommodate two bikes (and gains 275mm in overall length in the process).
In the campervan range, the V65 XL returns (having last been seen in the 2022 collection). This model is based on the longest, tallest derivative of the Ducato panel van (L4H3) and has four adult berths, thanks to a transverse double at the rear and a lengthways drop-down bed over the front lounge. It also has a 146-litre AES fridge and Rapido’s clever Modul’Space washroom with rotating wardrobe and separate shower.
SMALL C
The baby of the Rapido range was previously the C56, with a French bed, but that model drops out of the brochure in 2024 and is replaced by the slightly longer C03. Still only 2.17m wide, this new addition to the C Series compact low-profile line-up is now the company’s most petite coachbuilt, at a modest 6.19m long.
Featuring a rear transverse double bed (2.02m by 1.49m max, accessed by fixed steps) over a garage, this popular continental floorplan is often seen in 5.99m models. Here, however, Rapido sees the extra length giving the C03 a competitive advantage, with extra living space. It also has a 140-litre slim fridge, a Duo’Space washroom with swing-wall shower and an extra foldaway jump seat by the door.
The C03 is based on a 140bhp Peugeot Boxer (or Fiat automatic) and comes with a choice of Luceo or Nacarat furniture.
F FOR FACELIFT
The 6F Series low-profiles are a key focus for 2024, featuring a new overcab moulding with larger Skyview sunroof, which is now glass and fitted with an electric defrosting system. At the rear, this range gets a complete redesig
