First look at the all new Bailey Approach Autograph range

The new Bailey Approach Autograph motorhomes were introduced in mid-July. The company refers to them as the “height of refinement” with a brand new look on the exterior, new layouts, a variety of practical features to make life easy, and at a jaw-dropping price that had dealers and press alike wondering if they had suddenly developed hearing problems.

We got up close and personal with the new range at an exclusive press launch last week…

The success of the first range of Bailey Approach motorhomes (launched two years ago) has been built upon retaining the basic DNA but with a bit of gene therapy to create a look that is unique to Bailey, yet distinctive from its successful touring and semi-static caravan range, with the sort of interior soft furnishings that is typically John Lewis or Next.

There are five models in the range, from a two-berth to a six-berth. What struck us was the clever use of storage space; just take a look at the two-berth 625 and the six-berth 765 for example. Both have dedicated under floor storage areas with exterior access suitable for folding chairs, a table and a BBQ as well as deep-fill bed boxes.

The 740 and 745 four berth models have increased under bed storage and larger exterior access doors compared with their predecessors.

The 750 twin bed layout has a rear storage garage, with a large access door and bike fixing rails; although with a docking station would also accommodate a scooter.

Bailey is the first British manufacturer to feature a drop down double bed in a low profile motorhome. Here’s the bed in the upright and drop down position. 

The 765 also has good use of space with the electrically operated drop down double bed; most motorhomes use the over cab space for this, but Bailey has done it differently. This bed will take 150kgs weight, but we think it’s where the children will want to call their own space. The foam filled mattress is on a Froli spring base.

Models benefit from a new dedicated floor mounted twin leisure battery storage locker for the new 105 ampere/hour Banner leisure battery supplied with each motorhome. Shoe or boot storage hasn’t been forgotten either in the 625 and 765 with neat lift up flaps set in the floor. New drop down flaps on the 740, 745 and 750 models make for easy access to the valuable space.

Approach Autograph 750 has a spacious twin bed arrangement

Look out for the attention to detail inside and out and note the fixing points for a rear mounted cycle rack, exterior ladder and roof rack, the extra headroom, curved profiles on interior cabinets, high gloss worktops, contrasting overhead lockers and ambient lighting. Cleverly designed washrooms across the range each have separate fully lined shower cubicle and an eco-friendly water saving shower head. Yes, it’s all the height of refinement; it’s your sitting room and en-suite bedroom on wheels.

When and where can you see these models? There’s not long to wait now as models will be arriving at Approved Bailey Retailers from early August but if you can’t wait that long then there is a 360° tour of each model on the Bailey of Bristol website.

Model summaries and RRPs including VAT*:

• Approach  Autograph 625; two berth, low-line end lounge – £44,460.00
• Approach  Autograph 740; four berth, low-line, with fixed double bed, and parallel seating area – £45,960.00
• Approach  Autograph 745; four berth, low-line with fixed  double bed and designated travelling seats – £46,960.00
• Approach  Autograph 750; New model, four berth low-line with fixed twin beds and garage – £46,950.00
• Approach  Autograph 765; new model, six berth, low-line, end lounge, drop down double bed – £47,450.00

All models are built with the company’s Alu-Tech bodyshell, a new ultra low profile, wide track AL-KO AMC chassis, using the Peugeot Boxer Euro 5 cab, with a 2.2 Hdi 130 bhp engine with six-speed manual gearbox and cruise control. Cab air-conditioning is standard.

Verdict: You’ll be hard pressed to find an equivalent new model under with a price tag under 50K. The success of the first range of Approach motorhomes has been well documented and over 1000 have been built. They too were outstanding value for money and whilst it’s too soon for any of these new models to have won awards, like the first series models did in their first year, but when the time comes for accolades there appears to be no doubt that any of these Approach Autograph models could easily become award winners too.

Cost to insure: £316.50*

If you are looking for a compact coachbuilt low profile motorhome, that is smaller than the Approach models, lightweight and even more affordable to compete in a challenging market place then we have to tell you that Bailey will be introducing two such models at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2013 to be held at NEC, Birmingham from October 15^th to 20^th. Caravan Guard will, of course, be there on stand 01 in Hall 19 and we’ll bring news of those and other models over the next months.

*Motorhome insurance cost based on it Approach Autograph 765 retailing for £47,450.00 fitted with standard security and Caravan Guard approved tracking device. UK and European cover. European breakdown cover not included but available for an extra fee. Kept on driveway at home at TD9 8ED. Motorhome owners – professionals over 50 years old with no claims, convictions or health conditions in last 3 years. 4 years no claims bonus mirrored from car policy and 2 years motorhome driving experience. Members of motorhome club doing less than 5000 miles annually. £300 excess applies. Quote correct as of 22/07/2013.

**On the road (OTR) price includes a recommended cost of £1,460 to cover delivery to an Approved Bailey Retailer in Great Britain, number plates (VAT included) 12 months vehicle excise duty, first registration fee and VAT.