Still a high-spec Platin but a little smaller and more affordable
ALL things are relative in the world of A-class motorhomes. This new Platin Pure is hardly compact, at 7.76m long, nor is it entry-level, with a total cost as shown here of £176,950. But it’s still a Platin, which means a very high spec and a rear-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz chassis with 5,500kg maximum gross weight.
Previously, Frankia’s range-topping Platin was only available as a 7900 model (8.07m long) or an even bigger 8400 (8.61m). If you wanted something a tad more manoeuvrable, then the 7400 layouts could be ordered in the M-Line range but, by the time you’d added all the extras to bring these up to Platin spec, you’d exceeded the price point of a larger ’van.
This anomaly is something that sole UK Frankia agent, SMC Motorhomes in Newark, has wanted to address previously but only now (mid-season in 2024) are the Pure versions being launched. You can choose from the rear lounge Plus model seen here or the GD with twin single beds over a rear garage. Both are unique in the market in using the rear-wheel drive Sprinter chassis-cowl (rivals all use the front-drive version with an Al-Ko chassis), which has the huge traction advantage on slippery surfaces of twin rear wheels. It also has the 190hp engine and nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard (FWD Sprinters offer only 170hp) and boasts a payload of considerably over a tonne as well as a towing capacity of up to two tonnes (subject to a maximum gross train weight of 7,000kg). This is a vehicle in which you’ll not have to worry about emptying the fresh water tank (150 litres) before setting off.
The Pure is not quite as highly spec’d as a regular Platin but it still impresses with its kit count. Here, for once, is a luxury German motorhome in which the luxury bit isn’t accounted for by a lengthy list of optional extras and packs. The only extra-cost items on this show model were the second Heki 3 sunroof over the lounge (£1,195) which makes this space even more light and spacious, the foldaway rear travel seats (£2,825), external barbecue and shower points (£255 and £310) and additional power sockets (£370). Roof air-conditioning and a heat exchanger are also extra-cost items and will be specified for SMC’s stock vehicles.
Externally, the Pure is only available in white (‘full fat’ Platins are available in silver), but a 5.5m Thule awning is standard and so are the alloy wheels. The Platin’s satellite dish has been deleted and replaced by an on-bo
