Chausson for families - modern Fiat and Ford alcoves
Looking at the premieres and improvements in the Chausson offer over the last two years, we can confidently say that the manufacturer is constantly confirming its affiliation to the top of the motorhome world. The new Chausson COMBO X550 , the new S series, changes in integrated and semi-integrated components - all this makes the "spirit of innovation" , as the name "Chausson" is translated by the brand's creators, eternally alive.
We have written extensively about most segments in the model portfolio over the past few months. In Poland, the core of Chausson's sales, for obvious (fiscal) reasons, has been semi-integrated based on Ford Transit for a long time and they collect great user reviews. Many models (e.g. integrated, campervans) are offered by the manufacturer only on the basis of Fiat Ducato.
In the range of alcove motorhomes , we will find a total of 3 proposals, of which we will present the two most compact ones in this material.
Chausson C514 - compact on Ford
The C514 is a car designed for a family of 4 and that's how many places to drive and sleep can be found inside. The motorhome built on the Ford measures 599 cm, has a width of 235 cm and a total height of 310 cm. The height inside is 204-212 cm - it's enough even for taller people.
As standard, the base vehicle is equipped with everything you need - a 2.0 l engine with 140 hp, 2 airbags, cruise control and speed limiter, DAB/MP3 radio with Bluetooth and automatically heated exterior mirrors. We have a large-sized garage under the rear bed - it's a practical convenience.
At the front of the living room we are greeted by a double sofa with a fold-out table placed in front of it. Comfortable, swivel driver's and passenger's seats are equipped with armrests and in combination with the seat located on the right from the entrance, they create a place for a meal or feast for a total of 5 people. Next we find a compact kitchen module equipped with a sink, a 2-burner stove and a fridge with a capacity of 87 liters. Opposite the kitchen, there is a sanitary module - an integrated shower cubicle with a wall on a rotating hinge also hides a washbasin and a toilet. This solution is quite often used in compact constructions.
The dimensions of the bed above the front driver's cab are 155x203 cm, and the rear sleeper placed transversely to the direction of travel measures 132x208 cm. The curb weight of the model in the ready-to-drive condition is 2768 kg, which with a GVW of 3500 kg leaves quite a lifetime loading reserve for a family.
Chausson C656 - holidays for up to 7 people!
The slightly larger brother measures 636 cm (width 235 cm, height 306 cm) and is powered as standard by the well-known Fiat engine from Stellantis / FCA with 120 hp at 2.2 liters of displacement. As standard, we get cruise control, Traction+ system, speed limiter and 2 airbags.
There are no "inventions" inside - the cab is clearly separated from the living area, and the passenger seats for driving are located in the living room on both sides of the table and on the side by a smaller table. Their arrangement is well thought out, and the way they are integrated with the buildings is very solid. Let's not kid ourselves - this vehicle is not intended for a group of friends wanting to explore Europe carelessly. The target group is families with children. It should be borne in mind that with the maximum permissible weight of up to 3500 kg and the planned trip for 7 people, we have to verify each kilogram of luggage and equipment quite meticulously. If we are planning a summer trip with a group of children and we focus on light equipment, this split may work, although it may turn out to be a (small) challenge.
Inside, despite the compact arrangement, we find several elements that make life easier for a mobile family - a large fridge with a capacity of 141 liters, a large wardrobe and a kitchen opposite it with two burners and a sink. Noteworthy is the sanitary part - the shower cabin is separated from the toilet and sink, which is the most convenient solution possible (we avoid a wet floor in the entire bathroom).
Both the lower and upper sleeping in the back are 80x211 cm, while the alcove is 155x203 cm. From the living room we can conjure up a 2-person bed measuring 131x167 cm and opposite, basically a cot 60x144 cm.
Chausson - a sure choice
Both models take 105 liters of clean water on board, and the gray water tank has a capacity of 100 liters. Heating is provided by a programmable diesel fuel system with a capacity of 4 kW (up to 5.5 kW as an option). This heating is safe and we can easily use it while driving.
The construction made of laminate and the floor thickness of up to 64 mm guarantee tightness and trouble-free operation for many years. The furniture is made carefully, and the fittings leave no wishes in terms of the quality of materials and assembly. The extensive list of accessories allows you to choose more powerful drive units, heated tanks, heated floors, solar installations and awnings - whatever your heart desires.
The authorized representative and service partner of the Chausson brand is TRANSA-M from Pszczyna - transa-m.pl .
Currently available dealer vehicles: https://transa-m.otomoto.pl/inventory
I feel best in the form of trade fairs and meetings with enthusiasts. Technical freak. In my life I have dismantled many motorhomes for the first time. Fan of large vehicles, mountain biking and traveling without weight and financial restrictions. At CampRest, I am responsible for all publications on automotive topics.