WOHNMOBIL Kastenwagen KILLER? TEILINTEGRIERTER Camper 2026 Neuheiten Chausson S697

Why the "slim" semi-integrated motorhome is the better choice for your next adventure Introduction: The panel van dilemma Anyone entering the world of mobile travel today almost inevitably ends up with a panel van. The promise: maneuverability, aesthetics, and the pure "van life" feeling. But as a specialist journalist who has spent hundreds of nights in a wide variety of vehicle concepts, I know the downsides of the "metal shell." Cramped layouts, poor insulation, and the constant feeling of having to stand on your head in the bathroom often dampen the holiday spirit. This is where the Chausson S697 in the "Sportline" edition comes in. It positions itself in the so-called "slim-line" class – a compact semi-integrated motorhome that, priced between €62,000 and €70,000, encroaches precisely on panel van territory, but technically operates in a completely different league. Is it the true "panel van killer"? Let's take a closer look at the details. 1. The “2.10-Meter Magic” – Compact on the outside, spacious on the inside The deciding factor for panel vans is usually their width. The Chausson S697 counters this with a width of just 2.10 meters. This is crucial for the driving experience: Since it's barely wider than the base vehicle, it uses the original Ford Transit side mirrors. For those switching from a passenger car, the “fear factor” of wide mirror extensions is eliminated; you can easily navigate narrow toll booths or coastal roads. With an overall length of 6.60 meters, it's only a marginal 20 centimeters longer than a classic 6.40-meter panel van. But these 20 centimeters, combined with the vertical body walls, create a marvel of space. While the walls of a van taper towards the top, the S697 offers the full volume of a true motorhome. 2. Finally, Room at the Table – The Seating Area Without Knee Contact In a campervan, breakfast is often a logistical challenge: Who sits where so that knees don't collide under the table? In the S697, you immediately notice the advantage of the wider body. The seating area is so spacious that you can relax and linger. This isn't just a makeshift solution for bad weather, but a genuine living space. Especially in the Sportline trim, the cockpit, with its bold Trail grille and panoramic skylight, looks modern and inviting. 3. The Bathroom Miracle – Freedom of Movement Instead of Cramped Space One of the biggest annoyances in campervans is the bathroom, which often resembles a cramped shower cubicle. Chausson addresses this with a clever swivel bathroom. With a simple hand movement, the sink moves over the toilet, revealing a full-fledged shower. 3. The Bathroom Miracle – Freedom of Movement Instead of Cramped Space One of the biggest annoyances in campervans is the bathroom, which often resembles a cramped shower cubicle. Chausson has addressed this with a clever swivel bathroom design. With a simple hand movement, the sink moves over the toilet, revealing a fully functional shower. ... "The bathroom in this version is already wide and spacious compared to the standard campervan. When I use the toilet, I still have half the room to spare – you don't have to stand on your head to reach the door." The generous headroom and a surprisingly deep bathroom cabinet for this vehicle class further enhance the comfort. No space has been wasted here; instead, usable privacy has been created. 4. Sleeping Comfort for Tall People – The 1.98m Promise For tall campers, a night in a campervan often ends with bent legs, as the beds usually only reach 1.85m to 1.90m. The S697 offers a full 1.98 meters on the long side of the single beds. However, as an expert, I must also point out that the short side measures 1.30 meters wide – so you should consider whether you want to cuddle up at the foot of the bed or combine the beds into a huge sleeping area. Practical details like USB ports and deep storage compartments for smartphones or reference books right at the head of the vehicle demonstrate the developers' practical approach. 5. The Kitchen: The Hidden Depth Advantage At first glance, the kitchenette appears as compact as in a van. But the devil—or in this case, the blessing—lies in the details of the design. Because the GRP walls of the S697 run straight upwards and are not curved like the sheet metal walls of a van, the storage cabinets are significantly deeper. This is the crucial difference between "I can only fit cereal bowls in here" and "I can stack real dinner plates." Together with the extended worktop, the kitchen offers remarkable ergonomics despite the vehicle's compact 6.60 m length. 6. The Rear Garage – A Real Basement for E-Bikes While you often have to play "Tetris" with the rear doors in a panel van, the Chausson offers a classic garage that can easily compete with 7-meter vehicles. Thanks to gas springs, the storage compartments under the beds are even accessible from inside the vehicle. A huge advantage in winter: you don't have to o...