by Joe Jeffrey
Bailey of Bristol have just unveiled their latest offering for 2017 – the new second generation Autograph motorhome range, and it looks like next season just got that much better
Upon launch of the Approach Autograph in 2013, Bailey firmly established themselves as one of the leading mainstream motorhome manufacturers. It could also be said that the Autograph’s unique combination of quality, style and value certainly appealed to the general public, so much so that the motorhome range remains one of the most popular on the market – and on the road – today. Now, for 2017, Bailey seem to have done it again with the launch of the all new second generation Autograph Motorhome range.
Building upon the success of the original Autograph range and listening to customer feedback, it seems as though Bailey have gone back to basics, resulting in the delivery of a motorhome that surpasses the original to appeal to new and existing customers alike – something Bailey anticipates to be their best and most popular motorhome yet. Having seen the Autograph range in the flesh, we’d be pretty inclined to agree.
Priced between £50,995 and £55,490 OTR, the new Bailey Autograph is the result of one of the most comprehensive and rigorous design reviews of its kind – with 28 people working a total of 13,500 man hours and generating 126,000 3-D CAD computer files. By fine-tuning every single detail, the Bailey team have managed to create the next generation of motorhome, designed to make travel and holidaying a pleasure.
Bailey of Bristol concept designer, Claire Schofield said of the second generation Autograph’s design: “We really listened to what our dealers and consumers want from their motorhomes, including conducting a series of focus reviews.
“We’ve focused on providing some brilliant layouts for the second generation Autograph in order to meet the demand for the market and appeal to families and couples, making this a motorhome range for everyone. It’s everything you could ever want when on the road.”
Comfort
Starting with the all-important comfort factor, an all-new Peugeot Euro 6 Boxer Cab powered by a 160 BHP engine with six-speed manual gearbox and featuring ESP electronic stability control makes the Autograph easier to drive than ever before, while new fully adjustable seats enhance the comfort to make every journey a pleasure for both drivers and passengers alike. From the concertina windscreen blinds to the twin cup holders, the variable power steering to the cab air conditioning, every detail seems to have been carefully thought about to create an attractive and comfortable space for driver and passengers alike.
The fully specified cab is matched with an ultra-low profile lightweight AL-KO AMC chassis. Design elements incorporated into the new Autograph also provide for a lower centre of gravity, thus improving road holding and braking efficiency by providing a balanced weight distribution. A low-level entrance step also makes it easy for anyone to get in and out of the vehicle.
It goes without saying that any Bailey offering would not be complete without the company’s patented Alu-Tech construction system, and the second generation Autograph range is no different. Complete with GRP outer skin and under floor protection, Bailey’s Alu-Tech system creating a robust and durable vehicle providing for one of the lightest motorhomes on the road today, without compromising on resistance to the elements and ensuring the Autograph is truly a top quality range for all seasons.
Style
Bailey’s designers have added a number of new exterior features to enhance the smooth and aero-dynamic looks of the Autograph range, resulting in a motorhome which will undoubtedly turn heads as soon as it hits the road. With an all-new graphic scheme, re-designed back panel incorporating recessed LED exterior lighting and new Aero Style wheel arches, side skirts and flush fit double glazing throughout, every model in the range looks stylish and contemporary on the road.
Further new features also enhance the functionality of the Autograph. These include the factory fit Fiamma awning and exterior gas BBQ point – perfect for the summer sun and alfresco dining. For those colder months, the BBQ can be safely stowed in any one of the new storage options with both under-bed and through-boot storage areas (model specific) with great ease.
Relaxation
Stepping inside the new Autograph, the décor has been expertly refined for 2017. New cabinetry features, including a ‘Mendip Ash’ finish, create a clean and contemporary look while premium quality fixtures and fittings in a brushed steel finish are standard throughout the kitchen, bathroom and living areas, complementing the design elements throughout. An overhead locker system with split level storage provides the ideal solution for keeping essential items stored away but within easy reach.
Venturing into the kitchen area, a new basalt stone finish ‘self-healing’ worktop adds a sophisticated yet practical touch, while new kitchen units with heavy duty drawers make the most of the space to make cooking and food preparation easier. A new Thetford Duplex combined oven and grill, along with a dual-fuel hob with electric hotplate and three gas burners will be sure to give users the opportunity to cook up a real feast. When it’s time to nominate who does the washing up, a new stainless steel square kitchen sink with swan-neck mixer tap is sure to make light work of what can sometimes be an arduous task.
As you’d expect in a motorhome of this quality, Bailey has fitted the Alde radiator heating system as standard and by working closely with the manufacturer we’ve enhanced its performance still further to make it the most effective to date. New look washrooms now contains a single piece fully sealed shower cubicle with a concertina partition door, along with a pedestal hand basin with ceramic ball mixer tap.
Just like the kitchen and washroom, the living area has been redesigned to introduce even more comfort. For the first time ever in a motorhome, we’ve included the Dreamsleep soft furnishing system. Featuring a domestic style cushion construction, with multi-layered base cushions and shaped back rests, it is built using breathable fabrics and a solid foam core to providing customers something much more akin to what they would find in the lounge of their own home. Add to this the fact that the cushions are lighter than those manufactured in a conventional manner and form part of an innovative bed-make up system you begin to see why ‘DreamSleep’ represents such a major step forward in soft furnishing design.
To ensure these stunning new motorhomes look every bit as good by night as by day Bailey have introduced new 12 voltage lighting, ambient lights and low-level task lighting bringing users more control than ever before, while a new Truma 100-watt solar panel provides a constant source of electricity to keep everything running smoothly.
Customers can create their own individual look for their Autograph, choosing either Berkeley or Grosvenor soft furnishings with two scatter cushions. Both styles come with matching window panels and roman blinds to create an integrated look that makes any model a real home from home.
Safety
Perhaps one of the most integral parts of any motorhome is safety for both drivers and passengers alike. Bailey haven’t scrimped here either and many safety features come as standard following rigorous testing via Bailey’s pioneering crash test research at the Millbrook Proving Ground. Bailey say these learnings not only reassure customers that all eventualities have been considered, but they have also led to the development of ergonomically shaped rear designated travel seats for increased safety and comfort.
Discerning motorhome users can choose to personalise their Autograph thanks to a range of new optional extras, including 15″ or 16″ graphite alloy wheels, leather upholstery and all-new factory fitted media packs featuring Waeco reversing cameras and screens.
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Upon launch, six models within the Autograph range will be available, namely the four berth Autograph 75-2, Autograph 75-4, Autograph 79-4, and Autograph 79-4T, as well as two six berth options by way of the Autograph 79-6 and Autograph 79-6G. Prices range, rather competitively, between £50,995 and £55,490.
The Autograph 75-2, 75-4, 79-4, 79-4T & 79-6 models will be arriving at approved Bailey retailers from early August onwards. The Autograph 79-6G will make its first appearance at the Motorhome & Caravan Show, NEC Birmingham in October.
For more on what each range offers, and a detailed description of each layout, click here.
What do you think of the new range unveiled by Bailey of Bristol today? Will one of these be on your wish list? Let us know in the comments below.
