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~ A personal take by Christopher Macgowan on tourism, travel and motorhomes.

MOTORHOMENEWS

Tag Archives: MMM

MMM Motorhome of the Year 2015

12 Friday Dec 2014

Posted by chrismacgowan in Motorhomes

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"Which Motorhome", Chausson, Christopher Macgowan, MMM, motorhome awards 2015, motorhomenews, motorhomenews.me, The Caravan Club

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In association withThe Caravan Club

And the winner is…
… the Chausson 610 Flash

In second place is…
… the Adria Matrix Supreme 687 SLT

And third place goes to…
… the Elddis Encore 255

Choosing our Motorhome of the Year is always a difficult task for the judges and the eight class winners left the NEC show – arriving at the Caravan Club’s Clumber Park site for final judging. Value is obviously important, but so is appeal as we, with our less predicable weather, have different requirements than our continental cousins with their nearly-always lovely summers. In the end it proved quite easy to come up with the winner as all the judges had, separately, been impressed with this particular motorhome at first sight – one at the press launch in France, the others at the biggest-in-Europe Dusseldorf show.

However after all the deliberation, our judges crowned the Chausson 610 Flash as the worthy winner of the Motorhome of the Year 2015. Coming in second was the Adria Matrix Supreme 687 SLT and picking up a creditable third was the Elddis Encore 255.

Our winner is Chausson’s Flash 610, A motorhome that takes a tried-and-tested concept and adds to it, producing a ‘van that’s comfortable, capable and versatile too.

The concept is a drop-down bed above the lounge, and here it’s applied in fine fashion, with a big, comfortable relaxing space that provides plenty of room for entertaining. Above, the electrically-operated bed can descend to two levels: the first allows the lounge below to be made into a second double bed, the second sees it arrive at sofa level, providing an easy-to-get-into double for the touring couple.

The kitchen is spacious, with big drawers and a fridge/freezer. The three-burner hob and sink – both with glass lids – take up quite a lot of the worktop, but you can always use that large lounge table.

Peter Vaughan, Which Motorhome Editor and MMM Group Road-Test Editor, said: “Taking the proven (and much-copied) layout of the original Flash 10 and adding a rear garage, the new 610 addresses the one downside of the earlier design – limited storage for bulky gear. Better still, the 610 remains relatively compact, while also being blessed with the superb on-road characteristics of the new Ford Transit.”

You can read the full road test of the Chausson 610 Flash in the January 2015 issue of Which Motorhome magazine.

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews

Manchester show Jan 15 to 18 2015

08 Saturday Nov 2014

Posted by chrismacgowan in Exhibitions and Shows

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Christopher Macgowan, Manchester, MMM, motorhome, motorhomenews, The Caravan Club

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New models unveiled at The Caravan & Motorhome Show

The Caravan & Motorhome Show will be pitching up at Manchester’s EventCity from 15th-18th January 2015, offering a huge choice of the latest models of touring caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes. There will be over 300 exhibitors showing new motorhomes from all the leading manufacturers. In 2015, the show will feature more product launches than ever before, with new layouts being exclusively unveiled by leading manufacturers Bailey and Swift.

Visitors can enjoy exclusive show-only offers, exciting new show attractions and stock up with all the holiday essentials at the Towsure Accessory Superstore, whilst browsing the latest models from leading brands including Swift, Bailey, Elddis, Lunar, Coachman, Adria, Compass, Xplore, Auto-Sleepers, Bürstner, Knaus, Chausson, Auto-Trail, Autocruise, Moto-Trek and many more.

The four-day event includes Great Days Out – showcasing leading tourist attractions and offering inspirational new ideas for fantastic UK places to visit. Plus, there will be discounted ticket offers that are exclusive to visitors of the show.

Confirmed for 2015 are a whole host of attractions to fill your next UK holiday with, including The National Football Museum, Wychwood Brewery, Gulliver’s Kingdom, Ullswater Steamers, Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Visit Ribble Valley and more.

Those new to touring can benefit from The Caravan Club who will be offering visitors the opportunity to have a go at one of their free taster sessions – choose from ‘Motorhome Manoeuvring’ or ‘Tow Car Try Before You Buy’.

After this, visitors can swing by The Food & Travel Stage to see Simon Reeve, Charley Boorman and Martin Dorey from ‘One Man and His Campervan’ cook up their favourite dishes and tell tales from their many adventures.

The box office is now open and tickets are available at caravanshows.com or by calling 0844 873 7349 where a booking transaction fee applies. Advance booking closes 9pm Wednesday 14th January. Standard advance ticket £8.00; on-the-door £9.50.

The Show is being held at EventCity, Phoenix Way, Off Barton Dock Road, Manchester, M17 8AS and opens on 10am Thursday, 15 January 2015, closing at 5.30pm Sunday, 18 January.

Read the latest show news in the digital version of MMM magazine.

Source: MMM

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews

New campervan magazine launched.

22 Saturday Mar 2014

Posted by chrismacgowan in General

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camper van, campervan, campervan magazine, Christopher Macgowan, MMM, motorhomenews, Warners

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Warners Group Publications plc, publishers of the market-leading motorhome magazine, Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly (MMM) and many other outdoor leisure publications are proud to announce the arrival of new magazine Campervan.

Campervan is an aspirational title that aims to highlight the lifestyle benefits of a campervan and how it can enhance your leisure time. It covers all brands of campervans from Fiat to Volkswagen and all types of build – from professional conversions to self-builds. Everything from a Mazda Bongo to a £80K Ducato will be included.

Rather than just being a magazine about buying campervans, it takes the next step and shows people how to best enjoy their campervans and the lifestyle benefits.

Key ingredients to the title are reader-owned campervans – who better to share their camping experiences than fellow readers who have spent their own money on a vehicle to enhance their outdoor leisure time? Reader’s vehicles include everything from a kite surfer’s Toyota Granvia conversion to a keen cyclist’s £71,000 VW T5.

Written by passionate campervan-owning journalists, this title aims to highlight the advantages of downsizing to a campervan.

The magazine has features on touring Cornwall by campervan, 15 great activities to enjoy around the UK (and where to stay nearby) and campervan hire.

New models tested include Westfalia Amunsden, Globecar Globescout, Wild Ax Cutie, Kingston Snowdonia Curve, Romahome R30, Lunar Vacanza and many more.

For those looking to buy their first campervan, the magazine also includes essential buying advice and tips, together with features highlighting the type of conversions available – from basic kitchen pods to campervan conversions purpose-designed for a specific hobby.

The first issue of Campervan is on sale on 17 April and is priced at £3.75. It is available from WHSmith’s, or it can be ordered directly HERE

Editor – and campervan owner – Peter Rosenthal commented: “It’s really exciting to be able to produce a magazine dedicated to the freedom and fun of campervans. No matter what your interests or hobbies, a go-anywhere campervan will enhance your leisure time. You can’t beat waking up in an amazing part of the countryside in your own home-on-wheels and then sticking the kettle on!”

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews

MMM Warners Shows 2014

30 Saturday Nov 2013

Posted by chrismacgowan in Exhibitions and Shows

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Christopher Macgowan, MMM, Warners

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After a fantastic year of shows in 2013, featuring product launches from Europe’s biggest and brightest, seminars on motorhome related topics, comedians, singers, bands, dancers, food, camping and more, MMM is looking forward to the prospect of more to come in the new year!

You can enjoy a weekend at one of our shows from just £8.75 per night across some of the most beautiful locations our country has to offer. You’ll also get to experience the unmissable atmosphere on sites, surrounded by hundreds of like-minded motorhomers who are happy to give tips to newcomers.

You’ll also be able to access our facilities on-site at no extra cost – all our show camping is on-site, within easy reach of our exhibition areas, food courts and entertainment venues. What’s more, you’ll have access to water, elsan points and toilet and shower facilities all included in your pitch price.

The confirmed shows for next year are as follows:

The Great Yorkshire Motorhome and Caravan Sale – Harrogate – 28-30 March
The National Motorhome Show – Peterborough – 25-27 April
The Southern Motorcaravan Show – Newbury Showground – 16-18 May
The Midland Motorhome Sale – Stafford – 11-13 July
The Western Motorhome Show – Malvern – 15-17 August
The Motorhome Show, Season Finale – Lincoln – 26-28 September

Don’t forget too, if you’re a subscriber to MMM or Which Motorhome, you can save £5 on any events at which camping is available, or £2 if you can’t stay the night. The £2 discount* is however, only available to MMM subscribers.

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews

Motorhome Awards 2014 shortlist announced.

01 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by chrismacgowan in Marketing

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"Out and About Live", awards, Christopher Macgowan, MMM, motorhome, motorhomenews, The Caravan Club

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The hotly anticipated shortlist for the prestigious Motorhome Awards 2014 has been announced. Expertly judged by the UK’s leading motorhome magazines, MMM and Which Motorhome, The Motorhome Awards are the industry’s most coveted accolades. The judges have assessed every new motorhome and campervan that was launched or significantly modified this year to come up with a shortlist of contenders.

The shortlist, which is presented in association with The Caravan Club, is:

Campervan of the Year
Bilbo’s Space
HymerCar Sydney
Rolling Homes Livingstone
Wellhouse Ford Terrier

High-Top Van Conversion of the Year
Auto-Sleeper Kingham
Auto-Trail V-Line 600
Hillside Buxton
IH N-Class 630 SL

Compact Motorhome of the Year
Dethleffs Evan I 560 D
Elddis Accordo 125
Pilote Aventura G600LA
Rapido 600 FF

Family Motorhome of the Year
Bailey Approach Autograph 765
Chausson Suite Family
Escape 644
Sun Living Lido A 43 DK

Fixed Double Bed Motorhome of the Year
Elddis Autoquest 155
Laika Kreos 3008
Moto-Trek Euro-Treka 1
Rapido 640

Fixed Single Bed Motorhome of the Year
Adria Coral Axess S670 SLT
Bürstner Nexxo T 690 G “fifty-five”
Hymer Exsis-t 588
Sun Living Lido S 42 SL

Non-Fixed Bed Motorhome of the Year
Bailey Approach Autograph 625
Bürstner Viseo i 700
Bürstner Brevio t645/Hymer Compact 478
Pilote Référence G690LR

Luxury Motorhome of the Year
Dethleffs Magic Edition I1 DBM Black
Frankia Platinum Edition
Niesmann+Bischoff Arto 88E
Pilote Explorateur Diamond Edition G742LCE

The winners will be announced on December 13 on Out and About Live and will be covered extensively in the February 2014 issue of MMM magazine, which is on sale 9 January 2014.

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews

Which Motorhome completes biggest ever VW test.

31 Thursday Oct 2013

Posted by chrismacgowan in Motorhomes

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"Which Motorhome", Christopher Macgowan, MMM, motorhomenews, VW Camper

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Which Motorhome, the UK’s number one magazine for motorhome testing, has just completed its biggest ever group test of 11 VW campervans. Exclusively featured is the first UK appearance of the German-built Volkswagen HymerCar Cape Town, the first Hymer on a VW and the first of a whole new range of HymerCar van conversions. Hymer has even set up a separate brand to market these.

Compared with the Hymer are 10 UK-manufactured campers, all on the VW T5 in either short or long-wheelbase format. These were all variants that eschew the most common side kitchen style of layouts.

Vans tested were the Autohaus Quinte – with a high-top and unique rear lounge layout, Auto-Sleeper Topaz – a long–established model from the UK’s oldest converter, Bilbo’s Lezan and Nexa – from current holder of our Campervan of the Year title, CMC Reimo MultiStyle – a past Campervan of the Year winner, Danbury Active and Doubleback – the Doubleback is the only VW with a slide-out, almost doubling its interior floor space on site, Hillside Doveridge – an unusual SWB high-top with a toilet area, Jerba Sanna – from this high-quality Scottish converter and Rolling Homes Livingstone – with its all real wood cabinets.

All the campers were tested by Which Motorhome’s highly experienced road testers, who found a surprising variation between them. The results of this test, along with the winner are published in the December issue of Which Motorhome, on sale on 14th November.

Which Motorhome was established in 1986 and is widely recognised as the leading magazine for those looking to buy their first motorhome or upgrade their existing motorhome to a new model.

Every issue of Which Motorhome includes a vast number of tests and the magazine is often first to test new motorhomes as they are launched. Which Motorhome covers everything from new A-classes to luxury low-profiles and secondhand bargains, so there is something to suit all budgets!

Editor, Peter Vaughan said: “The VW camper market has been enjoying a real boom in sales over the last couple of years and we couldn’t wait to see how Hymer’s entry into this highly competitive market would fare against established UK players.”

Managing Editor, Daniel Attwood, added: “Which Motorhome magazine does it again with a massive test of some of the most exciting VW campervans currently on the market. Some of these campers are built in Britain while others are built by continental converters, but they all have one thing in common – that very desirable VW badge on the front. Read which our expert team judged to be the best in this issue of Which Motorhome magazine.”

Which Motorhome

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews

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