All-new Now has the wow factor!
Frankia Now
THIS is a Frankia motorhome like no other. Its aim is threefold: to provide a spacious feeling inside, to introduce clever multifunctional features, and to have a sense of Scandinavian style. All this with the high quality that this premium German brand is known for.
But Frankia is also known for large A-class motorhomes (up to almost 9m in length) and, more often than not, the rear-wheel drive Mercedes Sprinter chassis. This is neither. It is a low-profile model built on the ubiquitous Fiat Ducato. Which also makes it Frankia’s entry-level motorhome, starting (in Germany) at €83,990, although the show model’s multiplicity of optional extras pushed that up to around €110k. But then nothing – nothing at all – about this motorhome feels in the slightest bit entry-level. Nor has it been palmed off to another Pilote Group factory; Now will be built by Frankia in Germany, although not now, you’ll have to wait until spring for production to commence.
The outside could have been a touch ordinary; there is nothing unusual about the shape. However, with a black cab and simple black geometric graphics, the Now looks appropriately contemporary. What makes it stand out is the yellow striping. This is called the ‘brass’ colour scheme (in production the graphics will better reflect the title) and it has matching interior fabrics. As-yet-unnamed alternatives will be a silvery blue and a pale rose.
So, it looks good with its alloy wheels and flush, framed habitation windows, while the black awning matches the overall scheme. But so far, it’s unremarkable.
One of the few true surprise launches at this year’s Caravan Salon Düsseldorf, the Now was making its world premiere and attracting plenty of attention. What made you come back for a second look was the interior.
Frankia hasn’t reinvented the wheel, but think of it as polished alloys in a world of steel rims. There’s still a typical 7m motorhome layout with half-dinette lounge, central kitchen and washroom and rear twin beds mounted over the garage. But instead of conservative Teutonic design, the Now feels special from the moment you open the habitation door – it’s windowless so there’s no ugly plastic trim inside, nothing to disrupt the lines and the acoustics are better, too. Then grab hold of a real wood handle to help yourself aboard; that first touch is important!
Immediately, you’ll see the mix of Scandi modernity and 1920s Art Deco, with velour cord textiles in
