Description

Coachman Pastiche Platinum 460-2

The Coachman Pastiche Platinum  460/2 sleeps two, has an end washroom and also a brilliant sunroof – large enough to extend almost the full width of the caravan.

This sunroof, also introduced in the Pastiche, Laser and VIP ranges for 2012, is a brilliant feature of the Coachman’s new body shape that has raised corner sections and grey roof rails. Sides are now single-piece aluminium – and graphics are startling, dramatic sweeps.

The new Pastiches are seven millimetres wider than last year’s models but the weight is lower. That’s because Coachman uses a lower-density plywood for its panels.

The Pastiche 460/2 gets a big change in kitchen layout for 2012. The fridge moves from within the kitchen, across the caravan to become part of the nearside dresser, taking the place formerly occupied by the Truma heater unit.

That’s because Coachman is introducing, for 2012, an exclusive version of Truma’s Combi-Boiler heating system; it’s in VIP and Laser models as well.

The exclusivity comes in the form of a timer – you can programme it just like a domestic heating system. We discovered during this test that the Combi-Boiler is almost completely silent in operation, unlike the blown-air system.

Minor changes throughout the range for 2012 include new cabinet handles that are plain and stark. The door is a new style; it’s slightly wider and taller than last year’s doors.

Waste water exits are now in the side rather than the rear; a change that was made to Amara models last year. The significance is that some people think waste water containers are less obtrusive sited at the side than the rear. (We’re not convinced this matters).

The 460/2’s rear washroom has a suite of clothes storage opportunities in a huge wardrobe containing shelves alongside the wide rail and two wide drawers beneath.

There’s more than an enormous wardrobe to catch your eye in the washroom. The sink is Belfast-style, deep and rectangular. And the shower rose is mounted on a gleaming black plastic plinth that arches up into the roof of the shower compartment and is edged by 18 bright sparkling LED lights – utterly amazing!

In terms of security and safety equipment, the new Pastiche range comes with the receiver for AL-KO Secure wheel lock, a remote alarm with PIR and tilt sensors and the AL-KO ATC electronic anti snaking system. So owners can therefore expect some decent caravan insurance discounts, especially if they purchase the locking bolt for the AL-KO Secure.

Verdict:

Coachman has this year done big things with its body shapes, new space-saving heating system and sunroofs that stretch right across the caravans.

The two-berth we had on review has a bright, spacious feel. Shaving a little off the weight enhances the appeal of this year’s Pastiches, too, depending on your car.

The new shape transforms the look from traditional to modern – and the look continues everywhere inside right up to the LEDs above the shower rose.

This is a caravan that’s going to grab attention on roads and on sites – one to choose if you like to be noticed!