Ford Nugget: Now at the show, not with customers until spring

Ford is revamping the traditional Nugget camper van in spring 2024. The five-meter-long camper van is to be available with a 170 hp (125 kW) diesel engine and many nice camping goodies at a price of at least 76,000 euros. It is based on the refreshed Ford Transit Custom. The elevating roof is part of the standard equipment, so there are four sleeping berths and just as many seats on board. The van specialist Westfalia takes care of the interior fittings in the tried and tested way.

At the market launch, there is only the diesel, but at least a new eight-speed automatic is also available as optional equipment. A plug-in version is to follow later, but no decision has been made about the timing of a purely battery-electric version. Presumably, Ford, like others, wants to wait and see when the planned new driving license regulations will be implemented. Holders of a Class B driver's license will then also be allowed to drive vehicles with a gross weight of up to 4.25 tons, provided they use alternative drive technology. Meanwhile, a four-wheel drive version is firmly planned, which can then have a towing capacity of up to 2.5 tons. However, the first gold nuggets from Cologne will not be delivered until spring 2024.

On board there is a rear kitchen with cool box, stove and sink, folding chairs stowed in the tailgate and a folding table that can be stored in the sliding side door. Certainly there will be a version with a high roof, but Ford won't say when yet. Meanwhile, the elevating-roof Nugget has a decisive disadvantage compared to many California versions: It is 2.05 meters high, which will prevent it from entering many a parking garage. (aum/mk)