When you’re browsing the used motorhome market, French manufacturers like Chausson often catch the eye with their distinctive approach to layout and design. The Allegro 93 from 2009 represents an interesting proposition, a time when Chausson was establishing itself as a serious player in the European motorhome scene, offering something a bit different from the usual German efficiency or British practicality.
You’d be looking at a motorhome that sits in that sweet spot between compact touring and proper living space. Built on the reliable Fiat Ducato base, the Allegro 93 would appeal to couples who want more than a basic campervan but don’t need the bulk of a full-sized A-class.
It’s the sort of motorhome you might spot at a French aire, looking perfectly at home among the continental competition.
The 2009 vintage puts this Chausson in an interesting position, old enough to have sorted out early teething problems, but modern enough to offer decent equipment levels and build quality that should still be holding up well today.
Size and Practicality of the Allegro 93
The Chausson Allegro 93 strikes a balance that many British tourers would find appealing. You’re not dealing with something so large that every country lane becomes a white-knuckle experience, yet there’s enough internal space to live comfortably for extended periods. The Fiat Ducato base provides a familiar foundation – you’ll find parts readily available and most mechanics comfortable working on it.
When you’re manoeuvring around British campsites or navigating those narrow Devon lanes, the Allegro 93’s dimensions would prove manageable. It’s not a van conversion, so you’ll need to think about height restrictions, but it’s not in the category where you’re constantly worried about overhanging branches or low bridges.
The external storage would be adequate for most touring needs, though you’d need to pack thoughtfully for longer trips. The bike rack is a nice touch – cycling from your pitch is one of the great pleasures of motorhome touring, whether you’re exploring the Loire Valley or the Lake District.
Behind the Wheel of the Chausson
The 2009 Fiat Ducato base brings a 6-speed manual gearbox, which was a step up from the 5-speed units of earlier years. You’d find this makes motorway cruising more relaxed, with the engine not working quite so hard at 70mph. The power delivery, whether from the 2.3-litre or 3.0-litre engine option, should provide adequate performance for most touring scenarios.
Cruise control comes as standard, which transforms longer journeys. When you’re heading down to the Dordogne or across to the Scottish Highlands, being able to set your speed and relax makes a real difference to driver fatigue. The electric windows and mirrors add to the civilised driving experience – small touches that you’d miss if they weren’t there. Air conditioning in the cab is another feature that elevates the Allegro 93 above more basic motorhomes. Summer touring in southern Europe becomes much more pleasant when you’re not arriving at your destination feeling like you’ve been in a greenhouse for six hours.
Living Space in the Allegro 93
Step inside the Chausson Allegro 93 and you’d immediately notice the French approach to interior design. There’s often a slightly different aesthetic compared to German or British motorhomes, perhaps a bit more flair, a touch more colour in the soft furnishings.
The seating arrangement appears well thought out for socialising. You’d have a proper dinette area where four people could sit comfortably for meals or evening drinks. The single bench seat and forward-facing seats create a sociable layout that works well when you’re pitched up for a few days and want to entertain other motorhomers.
Two skylights at the front would flood the living area with natural light during the day. This makes a significant difference to how spacious the interior feels, particularly on those grey British days when you’re spending more time inside than you’d planned.
Storage throughout the living area appears generous, with overhead lockers and various cubbyholes. You’d need to be methodical about organisation, but there should be space for everything you need for extended touring.
Allegro 93 Sleeping Arrangements
The electric double bed with tilt function is a standout feature of the Chausson Allegro 93. This isn’t just about convenience – though being able to adjust the bed electrically is undeniably nice – it’s about maximising the space underneath. When the bed tilts up, you’d have access to a substantial storage area that could swallow sleeping bags, outdoor chairs, or all those bulky items that are essential but awkward to store.
The bed itself should be a proper double, comfortable enough for two adults. Storage above and below the sleeping area means you wouldn’t be living out of suitcases; there’s space for clothes, bedding, and personal items within easy reach of where you sleep.
For couples who’ve graduated from cramped van conversions, this sleeping arrangement would feel like luxury. You’re not climbing over each other to get out of bed, and there’s proper headroom for sitting up and reading.
The Allegro 93’s Kitchen
French motorhome manufacturers often take their cooking seriously, and the Chausson Allegro 93’s kitchen reflects this philosophy. The full-length fridge is a significant advantage – you’d have space for proper food shopping rather than living on tinned goods and UHT milk. When you’re touring France and want to take advantage of local markets and produce, having adequate refrigeration makes all the difference.
The kitchen layout with sink and hobs provides a proper cooking environment. You wouldn’t be restricted to one-pot meals or constant eating out. The workspace appears adequate for food preparation, though you’d need to be tidy as you go (this isn’t a domestic kitchen where you can spread out indefinitely).
Storage in the kitchen area should accommodate the usual collection of pots, pans, and crockery. You’d probably want to invest in some proper motorhome-specific cookware that nests together efficiently, but there appears to be space for everything you’d need for serious cooking.
Chausson Allegro 93 Bathroom
The bathroom with shower compartment represents a step up from many motorhomes in this size category. You’d have a proper shower space rather than the wet room arrangement where everything gets soaked every time you wash. This makes a real difference to daily comfort, particularly on longer trips.
The shower compartment would be compact but functional. You wouldn’t mistake it for a hotel bathroom, but it should provide adequate space for a proper wash. Having a separate shower area means the toilet and basin stay dry, which is more hygienic and pleasant to use.
Storage in the bathroom would be limited, as is typical in motorhomes. You’d need to be selective about toiletries and keep things minimal, but there should be space for the essentials.
Power and Water Systems
The solar panel fitted to the Allegro 93 is a valuable addition for extended touring. You’d have some independence from mains hookup, allowing for more adventurous touring or simply reducing campsite costs. The system wouldn’t make you completely self-sufficient, but it would extend your off-grid capabilities significantly.
The Truma heating system, if fitted, represents reliable German engineering. You’d have effective heating for shoulder season touring or those unexpectedly chilly summer evenings. The system should be economical to run and provide good heat distribution throughout the motorhome.
Water systems appear comprehensive, with adequate fresh water capacity for normal touring. The Gaslow refillable system, if present, would save money and provide convenience compared to constantly buying Calor gas bottles.
Technology and Entertainment
The radio CD player might seem basic by today’s standards, but in 2009 it represented decent equipment. If it includes Bluetooth capability, you’d be able to stream music from your phone, bringing the entertainment system into the modern era.
The satellite dome opens up television options when you’re touring abroad. You’d be able to pick up British channels in most of Europe, which can be comforting when you want to catch up with news or weather forecasts.
The two reversing cameras are an unusual feature, having one that stays on continuously for the right side would be particularly useful for navigating narrow roads or checking your position relative to hedgerows and walls.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Chausson Allegro 93 appeals but you want to explore alternatives, the Chausson Flash 03 Compact Layout Touring Styles Review offers a different take on the French manufacturer’s approach, potentially with a more compact layout that might suit different touring styles.
The Roller Team Pegaso 740 Italian Innovative Space Solutions represents Italian design philosophy, which often emphasises style and innovative use of space. You might find different layout solutions that better suit your specific needs.
For those considering Spanish alternatives, the Benimar Mileo 282 Spanish Alternative Different Features Review could offer different features or layout arrangements, potentially at a different price point that might be more attractive.
Final Thoughts
The Chausson Allegro 93 from 2009 represents French motorhome design at an interesting point in the market’s development. You’d be getting a motorhome that offers genuine touring capability with enough space and equipment to live comfortably for extended periods.
The combination of practical features like the electric bed, full-length fridge, and solar panel suggests this was designed by people who understood what motorhome touring actually involves. The Fiat Ducato base provides reliability and serviceability that should keep you on the road rather than in workshops.
For couples who want to tour extensively, particularly in Europe, the Allegro 93 would provide a good balance of size, equipment, and capability. You’d have enough space to live comfortably but not so much bulk that driving becomes stressful. The French approach to interior design might appeal to those who want something a bit different from the usual German efficiency or British practicality.
The 2009 vintage means you’d be buying a motorhome that’s had time to prove itself, but you’d want to inspect carefully for any signs of wear or neglect. At this age, service history and evidence of proper maintenance become crucial factors in making a sound purchase decision.
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