caravancruise.ie – The new Bailey Approach Autograph

The new Bailey Approach Autograph – The height of refinement

Jul 19, 2013 News 0

New look, New features, New layouts but same value
Since its entry into the motorhome market two years ago Bailey of Bristol has quickly established a reputation for building vehicles which provide the unique combination of superior performance, award-winning design and unbeatable value for money. Arriving in September our second range, the Approach Autograph, takes this successful formula a stage further by broadening the overall appeal of our motorhomes and thus making them an attractive proposition to a wider audience.

On the road…
Designed to be driven all models are powered by a 2.2 Hdi 130 bhp engine complete with a 6-speed manual gearbox housed in a Peugeot Boxer Euro 5 cab and thus benefit from the resulting improvements in performance and reduction in vehicle emissions. Driver and passenger comfort whilst en-route is also catered for with a pair of fully adjustable front swivel seats with twin arm rests and new map pocket, cab air conditioning and engine cruise control all included as standard.

The fully-specified cab is matched with a new ultra-low profile lightweight AL-KO AMC chassis which, with its lower centre of gravity, provides a more balanced weight distribution that improves road holding and braking efficiency as well as allowing for increases in user payloads and improving access in and out of the vehicle via a low level entrance step.

The bodyshell is built using the Bailey patented Alu-Tech construction system, complete with a GRP outer skin and under floor protection, to create a leisure vehicle which is more robust, more durable and yet lighter than those manufactured using conventional methods to offer greater resistance against the elements to keep owners comfortable, safe and secure all year round.

Safety considerations remain of paramount importance and thought has been given to this aspect of the design throughout the vehicle, as highlighted by the fitment of dual air bags in the front cab of all models, Michelin premium tyres throughout and a spare wheel housed in an automotive style chassis mounted wind down carrier. In addition following the successful completion of a crash test research programme at the Millbrook Proving Ground additional strengthening has been made to the floor and furniture in the dedicated rear passenger areas to enhance the effectiveness of the fitted three point seat belts (model specific).

The three elements of the vehicle are integrated visually with a striking new exterior colour scheme featuring a graphite cab, a polar white body and a contemporary graphics scheme. Together these combine with an aesthetically enhanced aero-dynamic body shell profile to give the Approach Autograph range a distinctive new look which announces that you travel and arrive in style.

On arrival…
As practical as they are comfortable these well thought-out motorhomes include a variety of new features designed to make your life easier. Models now come supplied with a high performance 105Ah auxiliary Banner leisure battery, housed in a convenient new under floor storage compartment, to give greater independence away from a mains power source. Whilst a 100 litre fully insulated external fresh water tank and matching 100 litre waste tank offer continuous supply for extended periods and in extreme weather conditions.

A host of new internal and external storage options facilitated by the new double skin floor construction have been incorporated into the designs to allow you to take advantage of the generous payload allowances available with every model. Plus a new fully-specified Alde radiator heating system, complete with user-friendly digital control panel, has been added to the equipment list to provide programmable heating en-route or on site – which combined with the superior thermal performance of the Alu-Tech bodyshell makes the Approach Autograph the ultimate four-season vehicle.

On holiday…
Inside the new Autograph retains the feeling of space thanks to the 2.28m (7’6″) body width and an internal headroom which now extends up to a market leading 2.10m (6’10”). The resulting habitation area is beautifully showcased by large PolyClassic windows, complete with pleated cassette blinds, and a series of clear canopy roof lights, including a new opening Polyplastic horizontal skylight located above the driving seats, to flood the living space with natural light.

Interior decor, featuring the trademark Bailey Walnut finish, has been expertly refined with new cabinetry featuring elegant curved profiles, dual-finish locker doors, high gloss worktops and polished chrome fittings to enhance the feeling of quality. While new design elements such as the ergonomic kitchen units with contrasting overhead locker system plus the additional new ambient and task lighting give the Approach Autograph range the all important wow factor.

Each model also comes with a choice of either Trafalgar or Piccadilly luxurious soft furnishing options, featuring superior construction and premium quality fabrics, both of which are supplied with co-ordinating curtains and a pair of reversible scatter cushions.

As people have come to expect from Bailey, models are extremely well specified and are packed with all the home comforts owners will need for relaxing and enjoyable holidays. Notably they include fully equipped kitchens, featuring the new Thetford Caprice combination anti-rattle oven with a dual-fuel hob including an electric hotplate, and cleverly designed washrooms all of which contain a separate fully lined cubicle containing an energy-saving EcoCamel shower.

In short everything has been thought of to make these motorhomes a pleasure to own.

Summary

With the introduction of the Approach Autograph the Bailey motorhome really has come of age. Featuring a level of refinement which only experience can bring this new range benefits from enhanced specification levels, a striking new look both inside and out, whilst at the same time retaining the popular key elements of its predecessor.

All models, thanks to the Bailey trademark value for money policy, are available at very competitive on the road prices, meaning that the new Approach Autograph puts a premium product within reach of many more people allowing them to experience the very best in motorhome design for the first time.

Model range

Initially the new Approach Autograph range will feature the three most popular layouts currently on the market plus two new innovative additions:-
Approach Autograph 625 – 2 berth low-line end-lounge
Approach Autograph 740 – 4 berth low-line end-bedroom with fixed double bed
Approach Autograph 745 – 4 berth low-line end-bedroom with fixed double bed & designated travelling seats
Approach Autograph 750 – NEW 4 berth low-line end-bedroom with twin fixed single beds, designated travelling seats & rear storage garage
Approach Autograph 765 – NEW 6 berth low-line end-lounge with drop down double bed & designated travelling seats
All models feature the Peugeot 2.2 Hdi 130 bhp engine complete with a 6-speed manual gearbox, AL-KO AMC chassis and the Alu-Tech bodyshell as standard specification.