If you’re looking for a motorhome that combines the luxury feel of an A-class with genuinely compact dimensions, the 2010 Pilote CityVan CV57 deserves your attention. This cleverly designed motorhome measures just under 6 metres in length and only 6ft 7in wide, making it significantly more manageable than many of its A-class counterparts.
You’ll appreciate how this French-built motorhome maximises its modest footprint, offering four berths and four travel seats without feeling cramped. Based on the reliable Fiat Ducato platform with the 2.3-litre 130 MultiJet engine, it delivers a balance of performance and economy that’s well-suited to both weekend escapes and longer adventures.
CityVan CV57 Compact A-Class Dimensions
When you first encounter the CityVan CV57, you’ll immediately notice its compact proportions. At just under 6 metres long and 6ft 7in wide, you’ll find it refreshingly easy to manoeuvre through narrow country lanes and into tight parking spaces. This is a motorhome you can confidently drive without constantly worrying about its dimensions.
You’ll appreciate the practical exterior features, including an awning for outdoor relaxation, a satellite dish for entertainment, and a reversing camera to make parking less stressful. The under-bed storage area at the rear functions as a mini garage, providing valuable space for outdoor equipment and travel essentials.
The A-class passenger door with integrated step enhances the premium feel, while the gas locker and toilet cassette compartment are thoughtfully positioned for easy access.
Driving The Fiat Ducato 2.3 MultiJet
You’ll be piloting a motorhome powered by Fiat’s trusted 2.3-litre 130 MultiJet engine paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. This combination delivers sufficient power for confident overtaking and hill climbing, while remaining economical for longer journeys.
The driving position benefits from good visibility through the large A-class windscreen, and you’ll appreciate the air conditioning during summer travels. Electric windows and mirrors add to the convenience, while the dashboard-mounted screen for the reversing camera helps take the stress out of parking.
With examples from this era typically showing low mileage (the one in our transcript had covered just under 17,000 miles), you’re likely to find examples that still feel fresh and responsive on the road.
Four-Berth Living in Under 6 Metres
When you step inside the CityVan, you’ll discover how Pilote has maximised the available space. The driver and passenger seats swivel to face the living area, complementing the two forward-facing travel seats to create a comfortable lounge for four people.
You’ll find storage cupboards above the seating area, along with a TV mounting point for entertainment. The overall layout feels open and uncluttered despite the compact external dimensions, demonstrating Pilote’s expertise in space utilisation.
The light-coloured cabinetry and strategic window placement help the interior feel bright and airy, avoiding the claustrophobic feel that can affect some smaller motorhomes.
Electric Drop-Down Plus Fixed Rear Bed
You’ll have two distinct sleeping areas in the CityVan CV57. The electrically operated drop-down bed above the cab provides a comfortable double berth that doesn’t require nightly setup, simply lowering into position when needed.
At the rear, you’ll find a transverse double bed positioned above the garage space. This permanent bed means no daily conversion from seating, allowing you to keep bedding in place throughout your trip. With lockers above for personal items and a wardrobe to the left for hanging clothes, the bedroom area is well-equipped for extended travels.
With four berths in total, this motorhome comfortably accommodates a small family or two couples, impressive given its compact external dimensions.
Compact Kitchen with 90-Litre Fridge
The kitchen area, while compact, offers the essentials you need for preparing meals on the road. Based on the research materials, you’ll find a 2-burner hob and a 90-litre fridge, providing sufficient capacity for weekend trips and longer adventures.
Storage space includes overhead lockers and under-counter compartments for stowing cookware and provisions. While counter space is limited compared to larger motorhomes, the layout makes efficient use of the available area, reflecting the CityVan’s focus on practical design within compact dimensions.
Bathroom and Wardrobe Layout
You’ll find the bathroom equipped with all the essentials: a cassette toilet, washbasin, and integrated shower. The mirrored cabinet provides storage for toiletries, while the shower curtain helps keep the rest of the space dry during use.
While compact, as is typical for motorhomes of this size, the bathroom offers sufficient space for practical use. The inclusion of a wardrobe adjacent to this area adds valuable storage for clothes and towels, making efficient use of the available space.
Winter Pack and Electrical Systems
The CityVan comes equipped with essential systems for comfortable touring. Some examples feature a winter pack with heated tanks, making them suitable for year-round use. The electrical systems support both 12V and 230V appliances, with hookup capability for campsite power.
The reversing camera system enhances safety and convenience, displaying a clear view behind the vehicle on the dashboard-mounted screen. This feature is particularly valuable given the limited rear visibility inherent to A-class motorhome designs.
Mini Garage and Interior Storage
You’ll appreciate the thoughtful storage solutions throughout the CityVan. The exterior mini garage provides space for bulkier items like outdoor furniture and sports equipment, accessible from outside the vehicle.
Inside, overhead lockers throughout the living space and bedroom offer ample storage for clothing and supplies. The wardrobe provides hanging space for garments, while under-seat compartments maximise every available inch of storage space.
For a motorhome of these compact dimensions, the storage provision is impressive and well-planned, allowing you to bring along the essentials without feeling cluttered.
Perfect For Couples and Small Families
You’ll find the CityVan CV57 particularly well-suited to couples who occasionally travel with guests or grandchildren. The four berths and four travel seats provide flexibility for family trips, while the compact dimensions make it manageable for regular use.
Weekend getaways and longer tours are equally viable, with sufficient storage and amenities for extended travel. The motorhome’s size makes it suitable for those with limited storage space at home, as it will fit on many standard driveways, a significant advantage over larger A-class models.
If you enjoy exploring smaller towns and rural areas, you’ll appreciate the CityVan’s manoeuvrability compared to bulkier alternatives, allowing access to more remote locations and tighter camping pitches.
Compact A-Class Alternatives
What About the Chausson Flash 04? Similar in size but with a slightly different layout, often available at a comparable price point.
Adria Twin – A panel van conversion offering even more compact dimensions but with less interior space. You can find out more about Adria Twin Supreme 640 SGX: Our Experience.
Pilote Galaxy – If you need more space and don’t mind a larger footprint, this offers a step up in size from the CityVan.
Why The CityVan CV57 Still Makes Sense
The 2010 Pilote CityVan CV57 offers a compelling package for buyers seeking A-class luxury in a compact, manageable form. You’ll appreciate its clever use of space, providing four berths and four travel seats within dimensions that remain practical for everyday use and storage. With its reliable Fiat Ducato base, comprehensive features, and thoughtful design, this motorhome represents excellent value in the used market, particularly for couples and small families.
The typically low mileage examples available suggest these vehicles have been well-cared for and have plenty of life left in them. When viewing potential purchases, pay particular attention to service history, especially regarding the cambelt, which requires periodic replacement on the Fiat engine. With proper maintenance, the CityVan CV57 should provide many years of comfortable and convenient touring.
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