This French brand’s first Ford is for families
ITINEO is a brand that’s best known for its A-class motorhomes, as that was originally all it offered. More recently, though, it has moved into the mainstream low-profile motorhome market through being part of the Rapido Group; its Cozi range is actually manufactured at the Giottiline factory in Italy, rather than alongside Rapidos in Mayenne, France, like the A-classes.
Another speciality of this marque is family-friendly layouts, with the Famili Compact CS660 and the larger SB700 and SB740 all featuring bunk beds across the back. With that in mind, it’s surprising that only now is such a layout joining the company’s most affordable range.
But, while all of Itineo’s other motorhomes use sister Fiat and Peugeot cabs, the new PS700 is the brand’s first-ever model to be based on a Ford Transit. As standard, it comes with the 130PS engine and six-speed manual gearbox, but order the Elite Plus Pack and it’s upgraded to 170 horsepower, automatic transmission and 16in steel wheels. The cab’s Premium Pack comes as standard and includes the Trend dashboard, manual air-conditioning, electric/heated mirrors, front fog lights and colour-coded bumpers.
So, the exterior is all white, bar the geometric graphics and, here, the optional alloys. The construction uses a polyester outer skin for roof, walls and underside. The offside skirt dips low to make for an easy entrance at the side door (with window and two-point locking if the Elite Pack is specified). The habitation windows sit proud, caravan style, and the overcab has a distinct peak over the windscreen (where the Life Pack adds an opening sunroof).
In reality, UK buyers are sure to want both the Life and Elite packs, but it’s especially noteworthy that the latter includes a Sony multimedia unit with an 8.8in screen and a reversing camera. With or without the extras, though, the Urban interior is the same, heated by a Truma Combi 4 gas blown-air system (6 EH gas/electric is an option) and trimmed with Macadamia faux leather upholstery. Carpets are an extra-cost item, as is a sixth belted travel seat to match the six berths available. Isofix is standard.
Inside, it’s the spaciousness of the front lounge that makes a strong first impression, with a straight sofa on the offside and a longer L-settee on the nearside. There’s a small step up to the cab, where the swivel seats are in contrasting fabric. Net curtains cover the side windows, and the table, when unfolded, is absolutely huge – pity it was also rather wobbly on this early example at the launch.
Above is a
