A campervan with an island bed and a fold-out table that is stowed under the hob is the main highlight from Rapido for the 2027 season.
The French manufacturer is also bringing out a new compact layout with fixed single beds and a parallel settee front lounge, both as an A-class and as a low-profile. There is also a new special edition Optimum Line available on select models that replaces last year’s Anniversary editions.
Island beds in campervans are a relatively rare phenomenon. (Rapido subsidiary WildAx has discontinued the Elara Mercedes-based island bed model it brought out at the end of the last decade.)
The new Rapido V64 is based on a 6.36m-long Fiat Ducato, which is one of the best vans for a camper conversion. Including an island bed measuring 1.95 x 1.4m in a relatively small space has been made possible by moving the side kitchen up so that it sits opposite the travel bench seat, which is accessible directly from the sliding door.
A table then folds out right across the front of the travel bench from a dedicated storage drawer the hob. This table can also be reached from the swivelled cab seats.
The headboard on the bed can also be lifted up to create a daybed and to provide more storage space at the back.
Rapido’s new compact models are the A-class C66i and low-profile C66. Both 6.99m in length, they both include a washroom spread across the centre of the vehicle with a separate shower. A front lounge has parallel seating, while the low-profiled C66 includes a large Skyview panoramic sunroof up front.
Both new models are also included in the list of ten models that are being included this season as Optimum Line special editions. These models comes with automatic transmission on a 140hp engine, 16-inch motorhome alloy wheels, an electric parking brake and steering wheel controls.
You also get a 150Ah lithium battery, a 150W solar panel and 2000W inverter with diesel heating and a compressor fridge. The 9-inch screen in the cab is part of a multimedia system that includes a reversing camera, and you also get Optimum Line-specific upholstery.
Along with the two new models, the other models included as Optimum Line are the C66, C86, V55, V62, 666F, 696F, 866F and 896F. Along with all the features already mentioned, the Optimum Line compact models and campervans also come with a roll-out awning.
Across the whole Rapido range, two new furniture finishes have been introduced that replace last year’s long-running Luceo and Nacarat finishes. Aurora is a light wood, while Palatina is much darker, almost verging on mahogany.
Finally, along with becoming an Optimum Line this season, the 666F now comes with height adjustable single beds in the rear as standard.
Another brand to be sharing new season news is Hymer. The German brand has announced it is upgrading its Mercedes-based B-ML and B-MC ranges for 2027, which includes adding a new layout to the latter.
Visitors to the upcoming Caravan Salon will also get to see the new modular units Volkswagen has designed with Stuff Bubble, which will include an inflatable kitchen and flexible bed, to provide the California Beach with more versatility.
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