August 21 2006

Experienced motorhome owners have the same eye for detail and quality as long-term caravanners and share similar expectations when they seek out a new model. That “wanting something grander” is behind the Jayco release of its Euro Edition Conquest.

The idea behind the Euro Edition is to offer a luxury model that makes it very much the motorhome owners’ motorhome of choice, yet its price remains at under $100,000.

By Jayco packaging up all the extras there is a saving of almost $4,500.

Jayco’s research with dealers has shown motorhomes have such a niche in the recreational vehicle marketplace owners are trading up to new models and they are looking for that “something special.”

The centerpiece of the Euro Edition is a German-built Alko chassis and Doubled Glazed European Dometic Windows. Hence the name Euro Edition. The German manufactured Alko chassis provides a higher gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4,000kg, allowing it to carry more weight, hence more features can be fitted. The Dometic Windows provide greater heat insulation and incorporate a built in blind/flyscreen assembly.

Additional to the Euro Edition is a Dometic RM 2555 fridge (150 litre capacity featuring Dometic’s Automatic Energy Selection), a Smev four burner stove with oven, larger fresh water capacity - 100 litres, a Poron reversing camera, passenger swivel seat, alloy wheels, Roamsafe security door and child safety restraints to the rear seats.

The introduction of the Euro Edition Conquest continues the remarkable success story of Jayco’s venture into motorhomes. The turbo diesel Fiat Ducato is Europe’s No. 1 vehicle used in motorhome manufacture for the hire and private touring markets and track record as a highly efficient and reliable turbo diesel vehicle in the commercial transport sector.

Jayco’s Motorhome Division Manager Bruce Astbury said customer feedback is owners are reporting fuel efficiency levels of 11 to 12 litres from the 4-cylinder 2.8 litre diesel engine.

The front wheel drive vehicle is extremely easy to drive, with a comfortable driver’s cabin layout. Cruise control is standard. The vehicle is also available as an automatic.

Jayco’s design expertise comes to the fore in building accommodation modules to the same exact standards applied to its top-of-the-range caravans, released in 2006 as Sterling models.

The Euro Edition has the same classy automotive high-gloss, almost dent resistant sheer, fibreglass finish over Jayco’s Tough Frame sandwich panelled walls.

Vehicle length is 6.9 metres (22ft 7in) and internally the Euro model is based on the Conquest No. 1 model. One version sleeps four with a double bed in the luton peak over the cabin, or owners can opt to have the 50cm TV screen with surrounding cupboards built into that space. The Euro Edition is only available in a High Roof version.

Initial display models will be available for viewing in Jayco’s Motorhomes dealerships towards the middle of September with customer units produced early in the new year. All customer orders will be price protected at the value price of $99,990*

“The Euro Edition now brings extra value luxury to the higher end of the Motorhome Market and we were determined to keep the price under $100,000. We see this limited build (50 units in total) Euro Edition being a popular seller this spring season”, Mr Astbury said.