New Romahome R40

[brougham]

Anybody know any details about the new R40 - apart from the fact that it's a four berth six seater?

Any clues as to what chassis it's built on for example.

All will be revealed in February at the NEC but it would be interesting to know.

[ant]

The R40 is based on the Citroen Dispatch 2.0 hdi, rear entry, double pullman seats, shower/toilet..................come and see it at the NEC.
Ant

[wendy]

We hope to be there to check it out, but nothing could be better for us than our Dimension (so far). ;D

[brougham]

Many thanks Ant - chivy them up to get it onto www.romahome.com at launch time.

Regards.

[mike and heather]

The news is out - newspress.decenturl.com/romahome-r40 Read the press release.
The Duo is to rebranded the R-20, The Dimension the R-30 and there is to be a smaller(!?) R-10

[Pauline]

Wonder why they are changing the names of the Romahomes.

Outlook, Dimension, Silver Fox all lovely names, easy to remember and easily recognised when talking about motorhomes.

But R40??............. sounds more like the bus that takes us into town!

[mike and heather]

Or an income tax form!!

I imagined R40 was a code name before the new model was announced and another imaginative name would be revealed this week, but apparently not.

Oh dear.

What do others think?

[playallday]

I agree...such a lovely looker needs a name, not a number.

[lunnie]

She looks beautiful, but Ý agree R40 not good needs a better name to capture ppls imaginatýons.

[brougham]

Ant - can I again urge that the Romahome website is updated as soon as is convenient - it took many months to put the new dimension details on after it was launched. More photos would be good.

[Derek]

Looks to me like a cross between the original Duo and the Duo Outlook but four berth so I am going to call it the Quadro.

More pics please, anyone going to the show with a camera?

Other details
Length 5.9m (19' 4")
Width 2.1m (6' 10")
Height 2.63m (8' 8")
Not as wide or high as the Dimension (sorry, R30)

Interesting to hear about the R10, I wonder if they are going to bring the La Parisienne into the fold.

Barry Stimson has done a lot of Romahome design work.
www.stimsondesigns.com/index2.php?link=about

The Parisienne is at present being made on the IOW by Lifestyle Vehicle Developments in the old Romahome Factory (I think)
www.lvdltd.co.uk/21901.html
Their MD used to work for Romahome (I think)

I wouldn't want to start a rumor though --------- ;D ;D ;D

Derek

[Graham]

It might be just me but after seeing the pictures of the new R40 I must admit to being a bit disappointed. I haven't seen it in the flesh but looking at the pictures it looks a bit boxy (is that a word?), I expected it to be a lot sleeker and modern looking. Also I would love to get away from the colour white, what about a nice metallic grey for a change.

Then again when I see it in the flesh I will probably fall in love but if I do looking at the price I might have to wait for a second hand one becoming available.

Regarding the name I agree they should have stuck with proper names instead of going the same way as Citroen C1, C2, C3 etc.

Regards
Graham

[glenw]

derek - i'm off to the NEC on sunday so will take my camera down with me. what is it you want photo's of??? Ant is there at the moment so no doubt he'll have plenty of photo's too.

[Derek]

Hi Glen, thanks for that, any pics would be good. I expect there will be folk swarming over it but if you could get back door looking in and drivers side looking back into the cooking department. That would give an idea of storage space and general layout. Outside I think a pic of the front offside.

[wendy]

Well, we have seen it and it does look very nice. Some photos might be available later when John has had time to download them.
The kitchen is right at the back opposite the washroom - as in the Dimension or should I say R30. From the back door - oven and 3-burner hob, sink and workspace. On the opposite side the washroom has a bench cassette toilet and fold up washbasin; this has a sliding door.
The 2 pullman seats convert to settees for lounging. They are 2 forward facing with 3-point seat belts and 2 backward facing with lap belts. Apparently the latter are legal as travel seats.
The whole thing seems quite light and airy with a big Heki roof light and a smaller one with a fan in the kitchen area. The back door has an opening window - to compensate for the lack of a stable door as in the R20.
The way through from the cab is probably manageable, particularly if it is pouring with rain outside!
The bed in the luton is probably best for small people as there is not much headroom, but there is a window there - can't remember if it was opening or not.
We won't be parting with our hard-earned cash as our Dimension suits us very well, but there were lots of people climbing all over it and there was nothing else really comparable at the show. Romahome certainly know how to make the most of every inch of storage space in their vans.

Edit to add photos the camera was playing up and these are the only ones that came out.



The alternative colourway has brownish fabric seat covers and wooden doors.

[Derek]

Thanks for the pics Wendy, I think it looks like a winner.

I have been pulling some of the info out of the Citroën spec sheet, better than watching telly

New Citroën Dispatch Platform Cab Technical Information

Some interesting optional equipment, I wonder if it will be available on the R40

Engine 2.0HDi 120
Gross Vehicle Weight 2900kg

SAFETY
ABS
Anti-submarine seat design (front and rear seats)
EBA (Emergency Braking Assistance)
Driver’s airbag
Height adjustable head restraints for driver and front passengers’ seats
Interior adjustable/dipping rear view mirror
Internal headlamp adjustment
Locking fuel cap
Rear fog and reversing lamps
Programmable overspeed warning
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts on all seats, with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners on outer seats

DRIVER INFORMATION
Driver’s seatbelt ‘unfastened’ warning light
Fuel gauge
Handbrake warning light
Hazard warning light
Indicator warning light
Low battery charge warning light
Low brake fluid warning light
Low fuel warning light
Oil pressure warning light
Passenger airbag disactivation warning light
Pre-heat warning light
Rear fog lamp warning light
Rev counter
Side headlamp and main beam warning light
Trip and total mileage recorders

SECURITY
Water temperature warning light
Deadlocks
High frequency remote control locking via plip remote control
Transponder immobiliser

AUDIO/NAVIGATION
RDS stereo radio/CD player with steering mounted controls

LIGHTING & VISIBILITY
Automatic illumination of cabin lighting (set via ceiling mounted button)
Electric front windows
Manually adjustable door mirrors
Tinted windows

VENTILATION/TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Central and side adjustable air vents
High output heater with three-speed fan
Side window demisters

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE
Driver and passenger sun visors
12 volt socket on central dashboard console
Cup holders in side dashboard consoles
Four-spoke, padded, height adjustable steering wheel with steering mounted radio controls
Large interior courtesy lights
Roof mounted passenger grab handle

STORAGE
Lockable glove compartment
Overhead storage shelf
Storage bins in cabin doors

Optional Equipmentl

SAFETY
Cruise control and variable speed limiter
ESP including Traction Control

SECURITY
Anti-theft alarm

AUDIO/NAVIGATION
RCD4 stereo radio/CD player with 5-CD changer
Bluetooth® Radio Pack – RCD4 radio/CD player, handsfree phone kit, English language software
Bluetooth® Radio Pack and CD changer – RCD4 radio/CD player, 5-CD changer, handsfree phone kit, English language software
NaviDrive Pack – radio/CD player/CD changer/colour satellite navigation/phone with Jukebox function and live traffic information, automatic headlights, automatic windscreen wipers, front fog lights, electric and heated door mirrors

LIGHTING & VISIBILITY
Automatic illumination of headlights and automatic windscreen wipers
Electric and heated door mirrors
Electric and heated folding door mirrors
Front fog lights

VENTILATION/TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Manual air conditioning and electric and heated door mirrors

PAYLOAD, TYRES & SUSPENSION
Metallic front/Pneumatic rear suspension
Metallic front/Pneumatic rear suspension, adjustable when vehicle is stationary

[Graham]

Thanks for the pics Wendy and John, the R40 looks better in your pics than the previous pics posted from the press release, I'd still like to see one in the flesh, perhaps Ant will have one by the time we go down there for our service.

Graham

[wendy]

Yes, it does look really good, but at the rate they seem to be selling I doubt that they will have any for sitting around on dealers' forecourts! ;D
Ant told us that someone with a C15 had ordered an R40 - anyone on here?
I can't say anything on the base vehicle spec as I was more interested in the seat covers, but John may know more about that side of things. It does have a nice electric step at the rear entrance with little blue lights on it.

[johns1]

I haven't got time to list all the base vehicle standard features listed in the Freeborn leafllet but it seems very comprehensively equipped as standard

Smartnav satnav
Tracker type Stolen recovery
deadlocks
programmable overspeed indicator (probably highly neccessary with a 120ps engine/ 6 speed gear box)
etc
Etc.

See the new Love Travel magazine for more information

[Pauline]

Feb 21, 2008 19:47:19 GMT Derek said:

The Parisienne is at present being made on the IOW by Lifestyle Vehicle Developments in the old Romahome Factory (I think)
www.lvdltd.co.uk/21901.html
Their MD used to work for Romahome (I think)

I wouldn't want to start a rumor though --------- ;D ;D ;D

Derek

That is what we've heard too......... (I think)

[Pauline]

Feb 22, 2008 16:11:05 GMT glenw said:

derek - i'm off to the NEC on sunday so will take my camera down with me. what is it you want photo's of??? Ant is there at the moment so no doubt he'll have plenty of photo's too.

I'd like a piccie of the bathroom and one of the access from cab to van, if it's no trouble

[Derek]

Pics from the Citroen web site

[Derek]

Feb 23, 2008 17:08:48 GMT Pauline said:

I'd like a piccie of the bathroom

Gosh, has it got a bath as well ;D

[romingtim]

Wendy the pics look great, can't wait to see more too.
Not sure if I have missed it on the previous posts but what is the price tag going to be? I can imagine it is quite high looking at the specs!

Tim

[Pauline]

Feb 23, 2008 18:04:41 GMT Derek said:

Feb 23, 2008 17:08:48 GMT Pauline said:

I'd like a piccie of the bathroom

Gosh, has it got a bath as well ;D

;D ;D .........Yes if you sit on the floor and are happy with 2" of water!

It's amazing what you can get in small spaces you know - we've got a tank in our loft ;D

[Graham]

Feb 23, 2008 18:08:27 GMT romingtim said:

Wendy the pics look great, can't wait to see more too.
Not sure if I have missed it on the previous posts but what is the price tag going to be? I can imagine it is quite high looking at the specs!

Tim

Hi Tim

The price I saw quoted was £37,000 . I'll have to redouble my efforts with the piggy bank.

Graham

[niloc]

First post as I have just seen the new R40 at the NEC. If it was Crufts it would be best in show, I know my dog would love it, but he would have to be fast to get in before my wife, who would still be behind me.

Seriously, it is a quality van from the usual Romahome finish to the thoughtful touches inside. Some points that came out: the payload is about 360kg 'fully loaded', (not quite sure about that description); the price is £37,995 and this includes a heater as standard equipment, which makes it only about £4,300 more than a Dimension with the optional heater; there are many similarities with the Dimension in layout, particularly the sliding door bathroom and the slide out wardrobe, but now it is two half height pull outs a bit deeper and one above the other; there is a fair bit of overhang from the back wheels and the back door is a substantial unit with opening double (?)glazed window; the cupboards are all moulded and very deep - loadsaspace; the kitchen is to drool for, both in looks and space; there are two vans with different upholstery and fittings making them very different in feel; the carpet is press stud removable; the bed in the roof, as someone said, is probably only useful for children but the moulding makes it light and airy with an offside opening window.

I'll stop there, before remortgaging the house. Reality is I hope to get a secondhand Dimension when I have sold my coachbuilt, but we can dream!

If you can advise me on how to do it, I have some picture I could upload.

[Graham]

Hello Colin (sorry Niloc) ;D

First of all can I welcome you to the forum and thanks for a very comprehensive review of the new R40 it sounds great.

If you want to upload pictures you need to follow the instructions HERE its quite easy, even I can do it ;D, and believe me if I can do it anyone can.

Have fun

Graham

[niloc]

Some pictures of the horribly named R40, (I did complain, also about the lack of website updating).

[niloc]