Size and Practicality of the Flash 716
You’ll find the Flash 716’s dimensions work in your favour when you’re navigating narrow country lanes or squeezing into tighter pitches. That sub-7.5-metre length means you’re not constantly calculating whether you’ll fit, and the 3.5-tonne gross weight keeps you firmly in car licence territory. The 448kg payload might raise eyebrows – it’s not generous by modern standards, and with six potential occupants, you’d need to pack with military precision.
The 1.14-metre-high rear garage provides decent storage height, though you’ll want to measure your bikes or outdoor gear carefully. When you’re loading camping chairs, awnings, and the inevitable holiday detritus that accumulates, that extra height makes a real difference compared to lower garages that force you to play storage Tetris.
Driving the Chausson Flash 716
Behind the wheel, you’d expect the Ford Transit 2.0-litre TDCI engine to provide adequate rather than exciting performance. The automatic gearbox should make town driving more relaxed, particularly useful when you’re manoeuvring in busy campsites or navigating stop-start traffic on the way to your destination. Cruise control and speed limiter suggest Chausson recognises this motorhome’s role as a long-distance tourer rather than a weekend warrior.
The reversing camera becomes essential when you’re parking something this size, and the electric mirrors and windows add a touch of convenience that you’ll appreciate during daily use. If you’re used to driving a family car, the step up to the Flash 716 shouldn’t feel too dramatic, though you’ll need to adjust your spatial awareness for that extra length and height.
Living Space in the Flash 716
The Smart Lounge system attempts to maximise the available space through convertible seating arrangements, though with six berths advertised, you’d likely find the living area feels snug when everyone’s aboard. The L-shaped seating with table provides a social focal point, but you might find yourself negotiating who sits where during meal times or evening relaxation.
That large awning becomes crucial for expanding your living space – without it, six people might feel rather cramped inside. The control panel above the habitation door keeps essential functions within easy reach, though you’d want to familiarise yourself with the layout before your first trip.
Flash 716 Sleeping Arrangements
The twin drop-down bunk beds (Duo Bed system) represent the Flash 716’s party trick; they’re what allows Chausson to claim six berths in this length. You’d find these particularly appealing if you’re travelling with children, as kids generally adapt better to bunk-style sleeping than adults. The drop-down double bed over the cab provides the main sleeping area for parents.
However, there’s a discrepancy in the specifications that’s worth noting, whilst some sources suggest six berths, others indicate five berths with four seatbelts. You’d want to verify the exact configuration with any dealer, as this affects both sleeping capacity and legal passenger numbers whilst travelling.
Kitchen Space in the Flash 716
The kitchen combines an oven, grill, and two-burner hob with a 167-litre AES fridge-freezer, adequate for family touring though you might find space at a premium during meal preparation. When you’re cooking for six, that compact layout could become challenging, particularly if multiple people want to help with food preparation.
The three-way fridge operation (mains, 12V, and gas) provides flexibility for different camping scenarios, though the 167-litre capacity might require careful meal planning for longer trips with a full complement of passengers.
The Flash 716 Bathroom
You’ll find a combined shower and toilet arrangement with a cassette toilet, standard for this class of motorhome. The blue accent lighting in the shower adds a modern touch, though the overall space would be typical for a sub-7.5-metre motorhome. With six potential users, you’d need to establish a bathroom rota, particularly during morning routines.
The shower room doubles as storage space when not in use, which becomes important when you’re trying to accommodate six people’s belongings in a relatively compact motorhome.
Power and Water Systems
The Webasto diesel heating system with 5,500-6,000W output should keep the Flash 716 warm during cooler weather, drawing from the main fuel tank rather than requiring separate gas bottles for heating. The garage includes both 230V and 12V sockets, useful for charging devices or running equipment.
The fresh water fill point and tank drain lever suggest straightforward water management, though you’d want to monitor consumption carefully with six people aboard. The fuse board and trip switches provide electrical protection, essential when you’re running multiple systems simultaneously.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Flash 716’s six-berth layout appeals but you’re concerned about space, the Chausson Flash 624 Review: Smart Storage in Compact Van offers a different approach to family accommodation within the same range.
For those who might prefer a more compact option, the Chausson Flash 510 Review: Under-6m Drop-Down Bed Van provides a smaller footprint whilst maintaining Chausson’s build quality.
Alternatively, the Chausson Flash C656 Review: 7-Berth Over-Cab Versatility might suit buyers who want more space and are willing to accept the trade-offs that come with a larger motorhome.
Final Thoughts
The Chausson Flash 716 attempts to solve the six-berth family motorhome puzzle within sensible size and weight constraints. You’d find it most appealing if you prioritise sleeping capacity and manoeuvrability over spacious living areas, and if you’re realistic about the compromises involved in packing six berths into a sub-7.5-metre package.
The specification discrepancies around berth and seatbelt numbers highlight the importance of verifying exact details with dealers before purchasing. If you can live with compact living spaces and careful payload management, the Flash 716 might provide the family touring solution you’re seeking. However, if you value generous living space or frequently travel with the full six-person capacity, you might find the compromises too restrictive for comfortable long-term touring.
Do you have a motorhome to sell? Call us on 01283 240237 or simply enter your reg number here to sell your motorhome!
