Challenger - closer than you think

In line with its philosophy, Challenger wants to offer campers with the best quality/equipment/price ratio. Additionally, it gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of available base vehicles - we can have a camper based on the Fiat Ducato or a similar model built on the Ford Transit chassis. Are semi-integrated models without a recess from this manufacturer worth considering?

Challenger is a French manufacturer that, although it has been operating since 1985 , still does not have an official representative office in Poland. However, to buy a vehicle of this brand, you do not have to go to France or Germany, because the Czech distributor is located only 100 km from Bielsko-Biała, in Międzyrzecz Wołoski. This means that for potential Polish customers the path to their own Challenger is not too far away - at least in the geographical sense.

The name depends on the equipment

The French brand's offer includes a full range of campers - both vehicles with an alcove and a low roof, as well as campers and integrated campers . Today let's take a look at models with a low roof (partially integrated) - these types of vehicles are currently particularly popular among customers.

If we look for French curiosities, we will find them at the name level. The model name placed on the car depends on the selected equipment variant. If we choose a more modest package, the camper will be called Genesis . If richer - Mageo .

It's a bit like, for example, a Volkswagen with basic equipment is called Golf, and the same model in a richer version is called Passat. Weird? Perhaps it will be better to focus on the numerical marking, because it actually allows you to distinguish between different car variants.

Small but original

Those who enjoy choosing will be pleased by the fact that the semi-integrated Challenger without a bay is available in as many as 18 basic variants . The smallest 170 model is 5.96 m (Fiat) or 5.99 m (Ford) .

This small camper has two double beds. One can be obtained by transforming the sofas in the living room, the other is suspended from the ceiling. There is also a slightly indented kitchen with a sink and three gas burners, and something more surprising - a quite spacious bathroom occupying the entire width of the vehicle (with a sink and a shower). There are also wardrobes in the bathroom (along the back wall of the camper). It must be admitted that this is quite an unusual arrangement.

The basic model is equipped with an extended wheelbase, a technical box with convenient access to on-board devices , two integrated USB sockets, LED lighting (including wardrobe and entrance lighting), seats with armrests, adjustable headrests, and a refrigerator. Optionally, we can order, for example, a panoramic roof window or a wooden floor in the shower cabin.

Price? In the Czech Republic , for a Fiat with a 130-horsepower engine (2.3 l capacity) we will pay CZK 1,146,813, which at the time of writing this text cost approximately PLN 188,904 .

Maximum space

At the opposite extreme, we find the 398 XLB model , which we present in the photos in the limited Graphite version. Here we are talking about a length of 7.46 m (Fiat) and 7.49 (Ford) . In the interior layout, a rather large table with a fold-out top, placed across the camper, may surprise you positively. The living area of this camper is very similar to the French Pilote P716 camper, which we tested in August - you can read the entire test here: Camper test: Pilote P716 Essentiel .

In addition to the drop-down bed at the front of the cabin, there is also a large bed (2 m x 1.6 m) in the rear of the vehicle, with convenient access from both sides. By raising the bed, we can enlarge the available garage area (the adjustment range is 30 cm).

The bathroom is divided into two parts - the shower cabin is not integrated with the toilet and sink. The bathroom area can be separated from the living room with a sliding door. The basic equipment of this model does not differ much from other variants, including the 170 model. The basic price of the 398 XLB model is PLN 209,731 (CZK 1,273,250).

Construction without compromise

It is worth adding that all Challenger campers are covered by a 7-year warranty on the structure , which is made of modern materials without the use of wood. The roof is made of 54.5 mm thick polyester and the floor is made of 63.5 mm thick GRP/GFK. XPS material was used to insulate the walls. Therefore, the manufacturer cannot be faulted here.

Similarly, there is no reason to complain about the interior design or practical solutions, most of which resemble those found in German campers. So maybe it's worth taking an interest in this little-known Frenchman, especially since we can meet him... just beyond the southern border.