Frankia Neo now also as an integrated up to 3.5 tons!
Premium segment manufacturers specializing in really large vehicles for demanding customers have been increasingly reaching for new pieces of the caravanning "cake" (read: market) for several years now, also trying to appeal to the tastes (and wallets) of fans of campers weighing up to 3.5 tons. Three years ago, Frankia presented its first semi-integrated design that was supposed to fight bravely in this weight class - Neo (that's the name it was decided to give this model series) turned out to be a bull's-eye. We wrote about the Frankia Neo semi-integrated car based on the Mercedes Sprinter here: Frankia NEO MT 7 BD - luxury in the 3.5-ton class .
The last two years have been a real boom and a surge in orders for everyone - including the Pilote group, to which Frankia belongs. However, the German manufacturer did not rest on its laurels and (although we do not know to what extent it was inspired by the moves of other manufacturers, such as Niesmann&Bischoff) set itself the goal of trying its hand at the market of integrated, lightweight premium campers.
Frankia NEO MI 7 – a light alternative for luxury lovers
The somewhat mysterious-sounding model designation hides two systems of fully integrated cars with a length of around 7 meters. The BD model is a version with a double bed placed transversely at the back (total length 688 cm), and the GDK model has separate beds placed longitudinally (total length 705 cm). The designers' goal was to create campers for 2-4 people (both models can be optionally equipped with foldable beds at the front), but within the weight class of up to 3.5 tons while maintaining the "real" load capacity. The total height of the vehicles is 296 cm, the width is 224 cm, and the interior clearance from floor to ceiling is 200 cm.
The ready-to-road weight of the NEO integrated system is 3,070 kg, and achieving this value despite the already large dimensions of the car was achieved by combining a simple, yet effective design and slimming construction solutions. Giving up the driver's door in the basic version, on the one hand, reduces the weight, allows you to exclude a thermal bridge, and also improves the "arrangement" of the living space. The volume inside, combined with bright accents and glazing, seems impressive. Additionally, giving up tall wardrobes enhances this effect.
When choosing a new Frankia integrated car, you must remember about the weight restrictions - if you decide on an optional drop-down bed at the front, an awning or roof air conditioning, the reserves will run out quite quickly.
The extremely well-thought-out and practical idea for the bathroom should be praised - the sliding toilet and washbasin allow you to create a fully functional, full-size shower cabin. Opposite the bathroom there is a kitchen block with a 2-burner gas stove and a sink. Although the worktop is not monstrous (and does not have a retractable top like its bigger brothers), there is space for food and kitchen "necessities" that need to be at hand on the countertop above the raised refrigerator.
Tailor-made bodywork
The basis for the new models is the Mercedes Benz Sprinter with 150 HP. Since the structure of the entire vehicle is significantly different from larger models, the entire front of the body is an original, dedicated solution. The design is attractive, and at the same time we managed to skillfully "hide" the sensor and support systems - we do not have to give up any amenities that the car under the star's sign optionally offers us.
Of course, we can also order and register a vehicle with an increased GVM of 4.5 tons - then the reserves in terms of load capacity will be greater. Taking into account the large trunk known from Frankia, which can be accessed from the side and rear, we have a lot of space for all kinds of luggage and equipment.
Many detailed technical data and detailed prices of versions and equipment will be known only after the fair in Düsseldorf, but the integrated Frankia NEO will certainly cause confusion on many European markets, following in the footsteps of its semi-integrated sister.
The official representative of the PILOTE group and the FRANKIA brand is the CarGO Camping Center! from Poznan.
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.
