It is a complete myth (though often repeated) that UK volume motorhome producers haven’t built any A-class motorhomes. They all have at some time over the past four decades, and Auto-Trail still does.
Its flagship overcab/low-profile motorhomes are called ‘Frontier’; thus it was inevitable that their A-class (integral) ranges are monikered ‘Grande Frontier’. The first series (model prefix ‘A’) were built on the Mercedes Sprinter from 2005-2008.
The current series (model prefix ‘GF’) was launched for the 2021 model year and is based on the Fiat Ducato and Fiat Ducato Al-Ko chassis-cowl. All have a transverse drop-down double bed above the cab and a forward lounge. Most compact is the GF 70, which features a mine’s-bigger-than-yours rear washroom/changing area with walk-in shower cubicle. Mid-length GF 80 has a separate rear bedroom centred on a permanent island double bed or two longitudinal singles, and with ‘en-suite’ facilities.
Range-topping tandem-axle GF 88 has the same layout as the GF 80, but with longer lounge settees and we actually named the 2021 Grande Frontier GF 88 a winner at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2022.
Those wanting to carry passengers in the rear of their GF 80 can opt for an extra-cost half-dinette (HD), and an extra-cost L-shaped lounge/diner is available on the GF 70 and GF 88. Grande Frontier is grand… in every sense of the word.
If you’re looking at the pre-owned market, see what I have to say about buying a used Grande Frontier too – they make excellent aspirational vehicles.
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