Concept
The Camping version of the Ford Transit Custom is a bit in the shadow of the real stars in this category, namely the Mercedes Marco Polo and the Volkswagen California.However, the arrival of the nugget was a big step for Ford.Mainly because it was the first time that the manufacturer himself was responsible for marketing his motorhome.This step towards the unknown has obviously been from the taste of the Blue Oval brand, because the nugget is now also available in the form of the nugget more.The additional centimeters of the body are used to integrate an additional sink as well as a real toilet (in the normal nugget, it is a much smaller chemical toilet which must be slipped into a storage compartment).
With a length of 5.30 meters - 36.7 centimeters more than the average nugget - and a width of 2 meters, the most also holds (just) in a normal parking space.In other words, it makes the Ford van just as usable on a daily basis as the classic variants of transit and custom turno.By the way, it is precisely these small external dimensions that made us adore the California and the Marco Polo mentioned above - which are interchangeable with the Nugget transit, with the exception of their length.The amount of practical comfort that Volkswagen and Mercedes managed to bring into a large "monovolume" borders on the fool.
Ford only knows how to increase this astonishment.The Nugget starts from a totally different approach from the other two, the biggest difference being the positioning of the kitchen - with sink, two gas cooking platforms and a 40 -liter refrigerator - and toilets.At Ford, they were placed behind the bench (and not against the side).This suddenly explains why the point of articulation of the lifting roof is at the front (and not at the back as in Mercedes and VW).
An approach for which there is in fact a lot to say.To start, the Ford allows three passengers to sit in the second row (against two for competition).It is only an advantage if you plan to use the nugget as a family car, because the additional seat does not translate into an additional bed.If you also want to camp with the whole family in your nugget, then number five will have to plant their tent outside.In this case, we also advise you to send passengers 3 and 4.It is possible, camping four in the nugget, but it is a big concern.Holding each time transforming the sitting area into a bed, with the fiddling of bodies and sheets that goes with it, is not really conducive to a good atmosphere and a warm atmosphere.
For us, the real added value has been the additional practical comfort generated by the L -layout of the kitchen area.We are talking about the storage volume - cupboards in space behind and under the bench, it's almost incredible everything you can store in the nugget - but also the use of the top berth.The comfortable double bed - the sofa bed is much harder - which unfolds there over 1.80 m per 1.38 m, is accessible via a ladder with a stop at the kitchen block stop.We can assure you: it is much easier than having to get into bed in the evening passing by the front seats.
At least as practical is the plastic exhibitor of the Plus, namely an integrated Theford toilet.The perfect throne for any self -respecting king's king, suddenly delivered with all the necessary forms of intimacy: you can block the rear view with the curtains, while you can save your travel companions with a drop -down screen (which you fixin the kitchen cupboard).As we mentioned, the additional sink located in front of these toilets is also one of the extras of the most.Just look at the folding tray in the area like a bathroom.In this same corner, there is also a connection for an outdoor shower.Both can provide hot water, provided you also order the optional boiler.The tanks - one for clean water and one for gray waters - remain unchanged: 42 liters.It's not huge, but if you are a little economical with that (don't forget that the toilet sink is also powered by the tank), you can easily fill a (long) weekend with that.
Conduct
For all these practical aspects, Ford offers a competitive price: from 48.145 €, you can park a custom nugget plus transit in your aisle.It is associated with a two -liter diesel engine developing 130 hp and 385 nm.Do you prefer your a little more spicy diesel?Ford also offers the same four -cylinder with 185 hp and 415 Nm.A six -speed automatic transmission is available as an option, while the four -wheel drive transmission is not available.At least not for the moment.
We led the most powerful version coupled with the six -speed automatic transmission, a combination that we particularly liked.Nugget Plus has an empty weight of almost 3 tonnes (2961 kg), which gives it a little more punch.However, we would not say that it is a necessity: we have always had the feeling of having a surplus, and we suspect that the least powerful of the two liters will do the trick as well.Speed is not a problem for this type of car anyway.After all, the concept of motorhome advocates relaxation, even if the sound of driving which increases exponentially as soon as the 130 km/h limit is also a natural brake.
Which brings us to another point of difference compared to these two other motorhomes: unlike Marco Polo and California, Ford never completely gets rid of the utility base.This ranges from the dashboard coating - which consists in unison with hard plastics - with rolling and driving noises which are not sufficiently insulated.The same goes for additional luxuries, or at least their operating mode.From seats heating to Sync 3 infotainment system, including adaptive cruise control, everything can be added to the nugget more.However, compared to their competitors Mercedes and Volkswagen, these devices often have a slightly simpler or less intelligence for their (electronic) functionalities (electronic).
Verdict
The Ford motorhome seems a little more rudimentary than its two supposed rivals, the Mercedes Marco Polo and the Volkswagen California.But you have to be right: after this test, we will think twice before sending our order form to Stuttgart or Wolfsburg blindly blindly.Now that we have got to know this Ford, it is impossible to ignore this nugget.Its comfort - in this long version more in every sense of the word - is simply too well thought out for that.
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