The campervan/motorhome crossover gets a garage
THERE’S little doubt that Chausson got a lot absolutely spot on when it launched its first ‘X’ model, the X550. Here was the (almost) perfect mix of campervan dimensions with motorhome comforts (coachbuilt insulation, flat sides for interior space, a large drop-down bed, a generous washroom, etc). It was, in fact, too successful for its own good – launched in 2021, it dipped out of the French company’s range in 2023 as this Trigano brand struggled to catch up with orders (and to get enough Fiat cabs to meet the customer demand).
Our own YouTube channel (Motorhome Campervan) backs up the sense that Chausson had hit the bull’s-eye. Few other models have come close to the 767,000 views recorded by this ’van in just two years, but throughout the 669 comments (so far), there has been one constant criticism – the lack of a lounge window on the offside.
There were technical issues to overcome, we understand, so the X550 had a circular pinboard and mirror in its place, rather than just a blank wall. Just one of the concerns was that the depth of a blind and flyscreen would reduce the size of the drop-down bed that would have to clear this as it was lowered; and bed size is important when you’re sleeping across the width of a slimline motorhome. However, it was enough for many viewers to be put off what was otherwise such an excellent all-rounder.
Well, for 2024, the X550 is back in the range – and back with that extra, much needed, window in the lounge. It has a blind, but not the usual cassette type, rather one that rolls up by hand. And the same lounge and the same extra window – and much else, too – can be found in Chausson’s latest newcomer, the slightly longer X650.
While the original X550, at 5.99m long, aimed to match the size of a long-wheelbase Fiat campervan (and is just a whisker wider, at 2.10m), the new X650 copies the length of the extra-long Ducato – 6.36m – and has a longer wheelbase. It also shares the same striking black and white colour scheme of its little brother; you won’t mistake an ‘X’ for anything else! The ‘X’ models are especially eye-catching at the rear, where the design has an off-road vibe to it.
There’s no 4x4 option, though, so to drive, the X650 will feel much like any Fiat-based van conversion – a well-equipped one, too, as the ‘X’ models come only in Exclusive Line spec.
In standard form, you get the 140bhp engine and manual gearbox, twin airbags, cruise control, Traction+, front fog lamps, the Eco Pack, a leather steering wheel, 16in all
