They’re back! The all-grey slimline models return…
CHAUSSON’Srange of ‘S’ model low-profiles has had a bit of an odd history in the marketplace. Launched for the 2022 season, two layouts arrived in budget spec First Line trim (with prices back then starting at under £45k). Then, a year later, they were joined by Sport Line versions with more spec – these were easily identified by their all-grey bodywork (rather than all white). But, at the 2024 season preview, the French company announced that the UK wouldn’t be getting any ‘S’ models for the year ahead as Ford couldn’t supply sufficient chassis. In the home market, the ‘S’ would swap onto the Renault Master cab but none of those would be coming here…
At the February NEC show, however, both ‘S’ layouts were back on the stand. Clearly, Ford had found a few extra Transits down the back of the sofa (or perhaps they’s speeded up the Turkish factory) and, with slimline models seeming very much en vogue at the moment, it has wisely reintroduced them here.
These compact motorhomes are based on the Ford Transit with the top-of-the-range 170hp engine and six-speed automatic gearbox as standard. Even in the slimline class, they’re narrow – just 2.10m wide – making them barely wider than a panel van and great for exploring towns and venturing to off-the-beaten-track locations.
The entry-level First Line versions haven’t reappeared but the Sport Lines are so distinctive, with Ford’s Grey Matter paint all over – actually, that’s not quite true as the plastic parts have the colour impregnated, not sprayed. The roof remains white, too, to reflect heat in the summer sun and this 2024 edition comes with a redesigned overcab pod that now includes an opening sunroof for more daylight and ventilation up front.
With its bold colour and small size, the ‘S’ models are intended to compete with campervans (but not wanting to miss out on any sales, Chausson has a new panel van range this year, too – see page 16). This S697 model is only 6.59m long, while the alternative S514 is a whisker less than six metres. The pair differ only in their rear bedroom format; the longer ’van replacing a transverse double bed with lengthways singles. In other words, these are typical floorplans both for compact low-profiles and continental campervans.
Externally, the S697’s unusual colour is made even more eye-catching with bright green graphics, 16in black alloy wheels and the Trailspec black grille with ‘FORD’ emblazoned
