Ford reveals next-generation Nugget camper van – Smarter, more versatile and now set to electrify adventures

Ford is revealing the all-new, next-generation version of its popular Nugget camper, combining the latest vehicle and interior features to offer more enjoyable adventures on the road. For the first time, Nugget customers will be able to select an advanced electrified powertrain, with a flexible new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model.

The all-new Nugget camper has been developed in partnership with leading camper converter Westfalia, and features the popular multi-zone unique interior layout that continues to set Nugget apart from its competitors.

The next-generation Nugget benefits from Ford’s all-new vehicle platform launching this year for the market-leading Transit and Tourneo Custom family, 1 which introduces new advanced design features, connectivity and driving technologies. In the living space, customers will benefit from new premium finishes, enhanced functionality and power from a useful solar roof option to make getaways easier and more enjoyable.

“Nugget is about helping owners discover new places – and with the extra comfort, connectivity and PHEV option of the new model, they can go further than ever. Customers tell us they use their Nuggets as family cars, to get friends and bikes to the next trail, or as a more exciting kind of retirement plan, so we designed our latest Nugget to do it all,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe.

The next generation Nugget will be launched in phases, starting with the Nugget Titanium series with tilt roof and 170PS EcoBlue engine with eight-speed automatic transmission, available to order from Ford dealers in August 2023 for delivery in spring 2024. 2,3 Other models, including the PHEV option, will be introduced in the following 12 months.

All-new platform makes the journey a pleasure

Road trips often mean long days covering hundreds of kilometres, and the next-generation Nugget benefits from the improved technology, driving experience and design of the latest market-leading Transit and Tourneo Custom models.

Ford has drawn heavily from the new Tourneo Custom’s luxurious cabin design, building in superior levels of craftsmanship and material quality to significantly increase comfort for occupants.

Ease of moving around the cabin is already a key “why buy” for many Nugget customers. A new dashboard design and flat floor help cross-cab access and make it easier to move from the front two seats to the living area; a roof-mounted passenger airbag helps to optimise the dashboard layout. A lower floor and integrated side step make loading or climbing in and out easier too, supported by class-leading sliding side door and rear tailgate apertures.

In a first for the Nugget, Ford is introducing a PHEV powertrain, sharing technology with the Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid 3,4 – Europe’s top-selling PHEV in 2021 and 2022. 5 The all-new Nugget uses a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with an 11.8kWh (usable) battery and electric motor to deliver a combined output of 232PS and pure-electric driving capability.

An all-new chassis with independent rear suspension improves refinement and handling, while all-wheel drive models will be available to suit customers who use their camper vans to access wild areas for outdoor sports or who simply want more confidence leaving festival car parks.

The stylish cockpit features a full digital cluster and large 13-inch touchscreen; finding a destination, staying entertained and keeping in touch is simple with Ford’s latest SYNC 4 software. 6 The system’s connected navigation, audio and communication features can be controlled via the touchscreen or natural voice control, and wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay phone integration are standard. 7

Special attention has been given to making the new Nugget safe and easy to drive, even for drivers more used to smaller cars. As well as a car-like driving position and new eight-speed automatic transmission option, Nugget features a suite of advanced driver assistance systems. 8 Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring, help to reduce fatigue on long highway drives or in stop-start traffic, and Reverse Brake Assist and a 360-degree camera system support drivers when manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Improving a unique camper concept

Ford and Westfalia have significantly increased the level of quality and ergonomic features in the new model, completely redesigning the living space around the popular layout with separate zones for cooking, living and sleeping. This unique interior design means that even with two double beds set up, campers can move around the cabin, cook, or get in and out of the vehicle without disturbing each other.

The seating area is a safe and comfortable place to travel, and easily converts to a dining and sleeping area when parked up. Alongside optimised storage and high-quality materials, Ford has also packed in features including:

Heated driver and front passenger’s rotating captain’s chairs

Unique heated three-seat rear bench enabling five occupants to travel in comfort

New audio speakers and USB-C ports as standard for passengers on the rear bench

An optimised kitchen with L-shaped layout makes cooking more pleasurable. A practical new drawer fridge makes accessing the contents easier and is large enough to take bottles upright. Combined with the new integrated hob and sink unit – now with standard hot water – the decluttered surface design offers 20 per cent more dedicated worktop space. Soft-close latches and pop-out handles protect children’s fingers and dampen noise while driving.

The all-new Nugget features key design improvements over the previous model, including a flip-up mattress section to increase headroom in the kitchen while the upper bed is still in place, as well as a track-mounted rear bench with new controls for easier, one-handed conversion from seating to bed. A rear-mounted hot/cold shower outlet is now standard, with optional tailgate privacy tent. The camping experience is further enhanced by all-new features including:

Tilt roof with new self-folding fabric to simplify lowering the roof

New integrated stowage locations for the standard outdoor table and chairs

Practical roller blackout blinds replace curtains for enhanced privacy and simpler operation

Beyond changes to the camping equipment, the all-new Nugget also offers high-tech features to improve on-the-go connectivity and comfort once parked up. Wireless charging and a standard 5G modem keep everyone entertained and connected without worrying about running out of phone battery or data. A solar roof option helps power interior features or recharge the leisure battery, and in ideal weather conditions can generate more power than the built-in features use.

A dedicated 7-inch colour touchscreen in the living area enables easy checks and control of the all-new Nugget’s heating, water levels, battery level and lighting. New functionality includes:

Control of sophisticated new LED interior lighting including customisable colour mood lighting

Inclinometer function to help levelling on uneven ground

Bluetooth-enabled app to turn a smartphone into a remote control for cabin features

The all-new Nugget continues Ford’s long-established partnership with leading converter Westfalia, which places the company in an ideal position to take advantage of strong demand in Europe’s one-tonne camper van market.

*Article Source http://www.media.ford.com/