The new Ford Nugget: A Luxurious and Spacious Transit-Based Camper Van

The Ford Nugget has been reinvented for the digital age, offering a roomier interior, improved dynamics, and more advanced technology than its predecessor. Revealed at the Caravan Salon exhibition in Dusseldorf, Germany, the latest Nugget is based on the upcoming Transit Custom, the latest generation of Europe’s most popular van and the UK’s most popular vehicle.

Growing Market for Leisure Vehicles

The market for leisure vehicles in Europe has doubled between 2016 and 2021, with over 180,000 motorhomes sold in the region each year. The compact camper van segment is the largest-growing portion of the leisure market, making the Nugget a central piece of Ford’s strategy. With around 30,000 Nuggets sold per year, it is clear that Ford has a strong presence in this market.

Luxury and Functionality Combined

The new Nugget is priced from €76,500 in Germany, indicating an entry price of around £65,000 in the UK. Based on the new Transit Custom platform, it features a fresh look that matches its commercial sibling. The interior has been redesigned to be more spacious and easier to move around in, thanks to a lower, flatter floor and a more compact dashboard design. The Nugget also boasts class-leading sliding side door and rear tailgate apertures.

Designed with Conversion Partner Westfalia

Ford has collaborated with conversion partner Westfalia to design and engineer the five-seat, four-berth cabin. The new Nugget features separate cooking, living, and sleeping zones, allowing people to move around the cabin without disturbing each other. The rear seating area can be quickly transformed into a sleeping or eating area when parked, and the front seats can be fully rotated to face the rear. All seats are heated, and rear passengers benefit from upgraded speakers and USB-C charging ports.

Enhanced Kitchen and Sleeping Area

The L-shaped kitchen unit in the Nugget has been improved with a taller, easier-access drawer fridge, an integrated hob and sink with hot water, soft-close latches, and a larger worktop. The roof bed is easier to take down in the morning, thanks to a new self-folding fabric for its walls. Roller blinds have replaced curtains for a quicker transition from night mode to day mode.

Innovative Features for Camping

The latest Nugget introduces several innovative features for camping enthusiasts. These include a camping chair storage cubby inside the bootlid, a pull-out awning above the side door, 350W solar panels to charge the leisure battery, and a 7.0-inch color touchscreen for all interior controls. It also includes an inclinometer to level the van when parked and a 5G modem for fast internet access.

Improved Driving Experience

The new Nugget offers more than just improvements to the kitchen and bedroom. It features independent rear suspension for improved refinement and handling. The seating position is more car-like, even for drivers accustomed to smaller cars. The cockpit hosts the latest generation of Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment interface through a 13.0-inch touchscreen, with smartphone mirroring as standard.

Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain Option

For the first time, the Nugget will be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 230bhp. An 11.8kWh battery provides an electric range of approximately 20 miles. The first Nuggets on the market will be equipped with a 168bhp diesel engine paired with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Future Possibilities

While Ford has not confirmed whether the Nugget will have a pure-electric variant, the brand has promised a comprehensive powertrain lineup. With the growing demand for electric vehicles, it would not be surprising to see a fully electric Nugget in the future.

Conclusion

The new Ford Nugget offers a luxurious and spacious camping experience. With its roomier interior, improved dynamics, and advanced technology, it is set to be a strong contender in the leisure vehicle market. Whether you’re a camping enthusiast or looking for a versatile vehicle for daily driving, the Nugget provides the perfect combination of luxury and functionality.