PILOTE EXPLORATEUR G733 FJ A-Class

BIGGEST AND BEST OF THE PILOTE A-CLASS MOTORHOMES FOR 2007

Words and photos by John Page

From their location in the Loire Atlantic region of France, Pilote command a large chunk of the French market for motorhomes and have done so from the 1970s. They are independent while all around them are merging, absorbing and monopolising. However they have made several acquisitions along the way themselves including the excellent Frankia and Le Voyageur operations. Hayes Leisure of Birmingham are the loyal and enthusiastic importers of the marque who kindly made this all new 2007 Explorateur available to us for a full test with its extra ingredient of the latest Mercedes Sprinter Chassis cowl as the base vehicle. Daimler Chrysler have done their stuff with this vehicle all right so when you drive it quite a chunk of the machinery is identical to that used in some of the more expensive saloon cars sporting the Three Pointed Star. Chassis, motor and transmission are all state-of-the-art 2007 technology and a joy to drive but more of that later. A word or three of explanation is useful regarding Pilote’s system of classifying the various model ranges and types they manufacture, as it is not at first crystal clear. Trim and specification levels start with the Aventura modest price mix of Overcab, Profile and A-Class vehicles. Next is the Reference line-up of Profiles and A-Class, followed by the plush A-Class and Profiles in the Explorateur range, of which our G 733 FJ has the top price of £61,970 ready to hit the road. Now the prefix letters, with G for Galaxy to denote A-Class, P for Pacific that stands for Profile and A denoting Atlantis, Pilote speak for Overcab, aimed squarely at the family group. Chassis will be from Peugeot, Fiat, Renault or Mercedes. Our test G 733 FJ has a body length of 7.30m and a 2 + 2 configuration.

Construction

An unusual factor of the Explorateur construction is the inner framework of Duralinox, a material with re-formable characteristics that give the GRP body shell good resilience to exterior damage. With the exception of the aluminium skirts all other exterior surfaces are of GRP and insulation to the bonded cavities is of Styrofoam. The large radius overlap of the roof moulding and front cap are features that contribute to the integrity of the body shell and the concomitant of the five-year water ingress warranty. A generous 140-litre capacity freshwater tank is fitted inboard beneath the single bed to the nearside and the 130-litre wastewater tank slung behind the rear axle is heated and insulated against frost. Access to the Truma Combi space/water heater sited under the nearside single bed is good after removing the bed base and the inspection panel, while the drain tap for the system is just inside a hinged door at floor level. Double glazed Polyplastic cassette side windows were not only absolutely smooth acting; they would also be totally effective against any of the small flying insects of the biting kind.

Traction Avant Mercedes Style

Were we fortunate, first to lay hands on this delightful new Merc’ Sprinter based Explorateur motorhome? Pilote have done a great job with a body totally in rapport with New Sprinter, from its steep windscreen, the bulge concealing the motor and striking headlamp nacelles. The combination of 4325mm long wheelbase chassis cowl for a modest rear overhang, plus weight concentrated within that dimension helps to achieve a high degree of stability, put to the test effectively in mid December whilst we were on the move in some exceptionally windy conditions. Anti-roll bars front and rear contributed to the stiff ride.

In some sense the Sprinter defies the trendy in favour of the traditional – with motor in-line rather than transverse, rear wheel drive, leaf springs behind and a reversion to a true automatic transmission instead of an electronically managed manual transmission. There are of course sound reasons for all of these characteristics – such as the best possible long-term reliability, good traction out of slippery conditions and optimum fuel economy. However, don’t run away with the idea that there is anything old hat about this machine – it is in fact new technology at its ergonomic best. The  automatic gearbox smoother than anything I have ever tried and more user friendly; coupled to a ride quality and low noise level almost comparable to car standards.  180o driver visibility is an A-Class speciality, G 733 does it that little bit better due to the unusually slim corner pillars. So how did it all behave with 150bhp of 2.2-litre cdi motor and automatic transmission? Acceleration didn’t push us back into the seats and 60mph was reached in its own good time unless that is you were to decide on taking matters in hand and use the transmission manually by nudging the selector into a lower gear for more revs. Most remarkable given the low speed countryside dawdling essential to enjoying any motorhome, is the torque range of this engine that develops 330Nm from 1200rpm upwards. Also, considering the all-season use many of us now enjoy, the extra safety in poor road conditions from ABS, ESP and ASR are indeed welcome. Braking Traction and Skid programmes are all part of the Mercedes technology. A torque converter lockup clutch engaging in all forward gears is the device that helps to achieve the best possible mpg. Sat in the hot seat a small criticism concerns the admirably shaped steering wheel that does not tilt as high as I would have liked even with the seat set at its lowest level. Anyone of bigger girth might have a problem. That wheel though is a real safety factor in view of its multi operation and as an information supplier. It will tell you the engine temperature, engine oil level, total and trip mileages; operate the cruise control and a remote phone. The last point critical for all those who are still using a hand held phone, soon likely to be a dangerous driving offence. The rationale behind a new dashboard layout places the emphasis on clarity and easy familiarity without fuss no matter what is going on outside. Two large dials set the heat/ventilation levels, a push button changes the fan speed and operates the air con’ and the radio buttons are only a trifle fussy. Headlights on/off by dash’ switch, main beam, direction indicators and wiper/wash on steering column stalks. No doubt at all this is a cab that encourages its pilot to keep his or her cool.

Dine and Recline

Reconciling a fixed twin bed arrangement with a lounge that is genuinely able to seat, dine and sleep four adults without them tripping over each other is no mean achievement. Within the overall dimension of just 7.30m (24 feet), Galaxy G733 does it in considerable style with little compromise. Part of the secret is the pair of comfortably upholstered inward facing seats on either side of the table – converting quickly into fully belted forward facing seats for travel. The process is absolutely straightforward, obvious and practical. Most likely it will be grandchildren using these seats or perhaps two couples of friendly persuasion. Add the pair of reversed cab seats to the equation and the result is a highly agreeable lounge with more than a dash of elegance. For mealtimes the ingenious oval table on its fixed leg slides in two directions and extends laterally to the point where four seated around it are at a comfortable distance and height to enjoy their meal. A dank December didn’t provide much in the way of sunshine but we were cosy and warm enough to do our bird watching through that wide windscreen and with the fan heater doing its stuff. If you’ve yet to make the acquaintance of Woodham Water campsite on the Grantham Sleaford road you could be surprised at the wildfowl and small bird diversity.

Radio reception via four speakers was excellent and tuning simple enough even on the move. TV viewing though, had we brought a set with us, could mean a crick in the neck given the high position of its cabinet above the fridge and just below the ceiling.

A more user friendly position closer to eye level could be on the kitchen worktop with an aerial extension providing everything else in the galley is switched off. Spotlights, fixed and adjustable, combined with the cheerful warm red cushion fabric in the bedroom and the lounge were the ideal scheme to contrast with the bleak mid-winter conditions outside. Interesting to reflect that on the lake beside us some of the geese and ducks had flown to Britain for what they considered to be a warmer winter climate!

Sleeping

Sprung interior twin beds and an en suite washroom, his and hers wardrobes, and they call this camping? Next thing we hear there’ll be satellite TV in the bedroom; but that would surely be a step too far. That bedroom has it all though – unbelievably restful single beds, bags of stowage in the wardrobes and lockers and, no scrambling over your partner to reach the washroom. Duvets etcetera stay in situ and there is total privacy when you want it from the lounge and washroom. Heating ducts strategically placed and windows on both sides for a glimpse of the world outside before breakfast. This is only half the story of course because the double bed suspended from the roof above the cab, with its surrounding curtains is akin to a four-poster on wheels. Delightful in appearance, snug, easy of access, reading lights wherever you lay your head and no make-up as this is where the bed linen stays. Heaving it up or down is made simple by its spring assisters. Nighttime cab privacy is by sliding venetian blinds, among the best we’ve seen – unfussy and simple to get at. Remote controls for the Radio/CD are the only extra we would welcome.

Kitchen

With some limitations about the somewhat limited worktop area, the galley is otherwise well organised and generous of stowage capacity for all sorts of food and the machinery to prepare it. Directly beneath the sink, the wide cutlery drawer and super slide out wire basketed stowage for fresh bread, vegetables, fruit and cereals is ideally placed. Four burner hob and oven are alongside the sink with its detachable drainer, while the necessary sockets and switches are safely positioned close to the window at the back of the worktop. A trio of roof lockers swallowed packets and jars galore, with space for odds and ends in a slide-out Art Deco locker not as accessible as it might be over the Hob. Inevitably the table became part of the meal prep’ space with its wide top and firm base.

Washroom

Perhaps the best of all place to locate the small room, occupying the full vehicle width and opening into the bedroom. Far better than average space between toilet, wash basin and shower cubicle. The latter with tidy fitting translucent doors and sensible niches for the soap and unguents. In warmer weather than we had another shower faucet can operate from an exterior locker on the nearside to hose down sand encrusted mountain bikes, animals and children. Here was an adult size wash basin, sufficient locker space for the family towels etc’ and enough space to stretch a chest expander.

Stowage

Inside, the range of cupboards and roof lockers is extensive, complemented by a generous array accessible from the outside including; a full vehicle width underfloor locker at the rear for skis and similar and a broad waterproof slide-out drawer on the offside for all manner of outdoor gear. There is also outdoors access to the space beneath one of the single beds and, especially thoughtful, a gas locker to accept two 13kg cylinders on a well engineered slide out base at a comfortable height for exchanging cylinders.

Summary

Explorateur G 733 has something of The Magic box about it, bigger inside and better appointed than you might have thought possible to supply creature comforts for four in or out of season. Driving it was confidence inspiring and a real pleasure – calming too even in heavy traffic. I have driven no better automatic transmission. Your height above the road and the width of that windscreen plus slim corner pillars all adds up to a better view of what the rest of the traffic are up to. The price including the auto transmission, cruise control and alloy wheels options is £64,770, a price at which there is no shortage of competition. That G 733 is such good value stems from its blend of Mercedes mechanicals with the high quality of Pilote engineering and manufacture to present a formidable answer to all challenges. And, as befits motorhomes from our near neighbour, a generous element of Gallic panache is included at no extra cost.

Vehicle Data

Vehicle specification:  Pilote Explorateur G 733 FJ four-berth A-Class Motorhome

Price of vehicle tested: £64,770

Vehicle kindly loaned for testing by: Hayes Leisure Ltd, Walsall Road, Darlaston, West Midlands, WS10 9SS. Tel: 0121 526 3433. www.hayesleisure.co.uk

Conversion

Overall length: 7.30m

Overall width: 2.30m

Overall height: 2.86m

MTPLM: 3500kg

Payload: 335kg

Construction: Duralinox frame with bonded GRP exterior and Styrofoam insulation

Fresh water capacity: 140-litres

Waste water capacity: 130-litres

Gas storage: two 13kg cylinders with automatic gas changeover

Auxiliary battery: 95ah

Refrigerator: AES 150-litre auto energy select fridge/freezer

Water and space heating: Truma Combi C6002 combined water boiler and blown air space heating

Lighting: mix of spotlighting and fluorescent fittings

Upholstery: red music option

Other equipment fitted: central locking throughout, reversing sensor, five-speed automatic transmission, cruise control, alloy wheels.

Base Vehicle

Type: long wheelbase Mercedes 315CDI chassis cowl

Power unit: 2148cc, four cylinder, Common rail, turbocharged diesel

Maximum power: 150bhp @ 3800rpm

Maximum torque: 330Nm @ 1200-2400rpm

Transmission: five-speed automatic transmission

Steering: power assisted rack and pinion

Braking system: servo assisted system with ABS, ESP and ASR

Performance

Fuel consumption: 30 + mpg estimated

Maximum speed: 80 + mph estimated

Comfortable cruising speed: 60-65mph