2023 Auto-Trail Grande Frontier GF-88 motorhome

How about this for awesome? With its Grande Frontier range, Auto-Trail announced itself as the UK’s only mainstream manufacturer producing A-class models. All built on Fiat Ducato chassis cowls with Al-Ko extensions, with all the usual extra insulation and interior space advantages that an A-class body can boast compared to a more conventional coachbuilt motorhome on a chassis-cab. But, of course, at 2.35m it’s no wider than other coachbuilt models in an extensive portfolio.

An absolute range-topper

The tag axle GF-88 here tops the range of three Grande Frontier motorhomes. Although there are actually four sleeping berths, this is designed primarily as an out-and-out two-berth for those who want to tour in total luxury.

Admittedly, Auto-Trail has drawn on some of the experience from A-class producers across its Trigano Group parent company. But otherwise this is a fully home-grown product.

It’s also what Auto-trail offers in terms of preferred features as far as UK owners are concerned. A free-standing main table, for example. Cab door on the right side for the driver. Plus, of course a fully-equipped kitchen. Imported rivals tend to offer these at extra cost, or not at all.

Even the lounge is bigger than equivalent imports – but, again, it’s in keeping with UK preferences. Put simply, we want the capability to live in our motorhomes with home comforts to suit, while Europeans tend to live outside their vehicles, especially when it comes to cooking and sitting. That also explains the lighter interior colour schemes of many British motorhomes, while the leather upholstery option here is in keeping with the overall opulence.

There might only be two of you using this Auto-Trail Grande Frontier GF-88 motorhome most of the time, but that big roomy lounge at the front can easily host a small party when the occasion arises. And it’s particularly easy to swivel both cab seats.

As for the beds, you can have a double each. There’s a typical A-class drop-down fitting at the front and an island bed at the back. At a very generous 1.97m x 1.43m, it’s the latter that’s the larger of the two, although the overcab alternative is still a decent 1.86m x 1.34m.

Do note, also, the example here has the high bed (HB) option – to give more storage space underneath – accessible from inside as well as out. Even a little ladder is supplied for getting into bed in higher mode. In contrast, they’re not the largest of exterior-access doors either side for the garage. You’ll need to check for yourselves regarding bike access. There is, nevertheless, a generous, uncluttered main storage area, with lashing points, as well as individual lockers. The canvas storage pockets are a neat idea, too.

Adding to that extra bed base drawer storage are wardrobes each side and high-level lockers. There’s also space for a padded headboard. Those wardrobes are angled inwards on top of bed-level ledges, giving an even greater feeling of roominess to the whole area.

En-suite facilities in the Auto-Trail GF-88 are a toilet room on the nearside, where you get a swivel-bowl toilet and fixed handbasin. Also, here are a mirror, two lockers, radiator, towel holder, some open shelving and a toothbrush mug/holder.

Complementing all this, there’s a roomy, part-circular shower cubicle directly opposite. There’s a handy drop-down hanging rail for wet clothing here, plus chrome corner shelving for toiletries etc. The only surprise is there’s only a single plughole.

The aforementioned kitchen is based around an L-shaped unit, for greater worktop and storage space. There’s a full cooker, of course, with four rings (one of them an electric hotplate) and separate oven and grill. Then, around on the side is a circular sink with a loose cover that matches the rest of the slate-design worktop.

There’s a relatively large amount of work surface, too. Plus, other kitchen details include an illuminated acrylic splash panel, two mains sockets, strip lighting etc.

Across the corridor from the main kitchen unit is a fridge/freezer with a more than adequate 171 litres total capacity. A microwave is neatly housed above, at a height that most folk will find convenient.

As a flagship, the Auto-Trail GF-88 motorhome is superbly equipped. You get everything as standard, from Alde heating to on-board wi-fi and a reversing camera, for a small discount on your motorhome insurance.

To find out more about insuring an Auto-Trail Grande Frontier or your current motorhome visit our motorhome insurance page

Verdict: A Frontier that knows no limits?

Plus: Superbly equipped to UK expectations, roomy interior

Minus: Overall length may be an issue for some

In-a-nutshell: A Grande statement

Alternatives: Adria Sonic Supreme 700DC, Bürstner Elegance I 920 G, Pilote Galaxy G781FGJ, Rapido M96