MOTORHOME ON TEST HOBBY 600 FM - Car & Driving
MOTORHOME ON TEST HOBBY 600 FM - Car & Driving
MOTORHOME ON TEST HOBBY 600 FM - Car & Driving
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© <strong>Car</strong> & <strong>Driving</strong><br />
<strong>MOTORHOME</strong> <strong>ON</strong> <strong>TEST</strong><br />
<strong>HOBBY</strong> <strong>600</strong> <strong>FM</strong><br />
By Dave King<br />
The Basics<br />
The French-built Hobby <strong>600</strong><strong>FM</strong> is based on<br />
the ubiquitous Fiat Ducato 15 with a Fiat AL-<br />
KO hybrid chassis. It s powered by Fiat s<br />
strong 2.8JTD diesel turbo engine that pulls<br />
this motorhome along at a decent speed.<br />
Inside the cab, you ll find all the regular<br />
standard specification usually found in the<br />
Ducato, including electric windows, electrically adjusted door mirrors and central-locking.<br />
Refinement is first-class with noise levels are low.<br />
Hobby have a fine reputation for producing strong bodies and the French workforce have<br />
done an extremely good job in constructing this motorhome. The sides of the van are formed<br />
from aluminium while the roof and end sections are constructed from GRP.<br />
Finish, both externally and internally is first-class. The Hobby <strong>600</strong> <strong>FM</strong> also looks pretty stylish<br />
and you ll get some admiring glances from your neighbours in the caravan park. Roof rails<br />
enhance the vehicles appearance while the Blue and Silver exterior colour scheme along with<br />
the clever use of graphics really make this Hobby stand out from the crowd.<br />
First Impressions<br />
The fixed-bed Hobby <strong>600</strong> <strong>FM</strong> appears larger inside than you d think it s external dimensions<br />
would allow. This seems strange because if the actual living area s proportions are measured,<br />
you d find it a little smaller than many similar-sized motorhomes. The fact that it appears<br />
larger can only be due to the clever use of what room is available. For instance, you ll be<br />
delighted to find no fewer than 19 roof lockers. Stowage is amply provided for with generous<br />
space under the bed, while yet more storage is offered underneath the twin dinette settees.<br />
Comfort levels are quite high and the interior-décor colour scheme, while hardly revolutionary,<br />
is attractive and easy on the eye. All in all, the <strong>600</strong> <strong>FM</strong> fits together very well indeed, the finish<br />
of the cabinet-work being exemplary.<br />
Practicalities<br />
The layout of the Hobby <strong>600</strong> <strong>FM</strong> follows the familiar pattern as with most fixed-bed type<br />
caravans. The rear-fixed double is situated on the near side with the washroom opposite. The<br />
fairly spacious wardrobe is almost half way along the offside in between the washroom and<br />
kitchen. The kitchen is a little further up on the offside opposite the dinette. All utilities such as<br />
water top-up, toilet-cassette and the gas bottles are easy accessed via hatches on either side<br />
of the vehicle.<br />
Living Conditions<br />
The Hobby <strong>600</strong> <strong>FM</strong> is a pleasurable motorhome to use. You ll find everything easily within<br />
reach making it ideal for people who would rather not have to spend loads of time and effort<br />
on the chores. It really is like home from home inside the <strong>600</strong> <strong>FM</strong> and you ll want for nothing.<br />
There s plenty of light provided by decent sized windows and two Heki rooflights each placed<br />
over the rear double bed and living area, which, of course, also help with ventilation. Nighttime<br />
illumination is amply catered for with plenty of downlighters and spotlights. You ll find no<br />
dark corners in this motorhome.
Cooking, Sleeping and Washing<br />
The kitchen is a joy to use. An oven and grill unit is situated underneath the three-burner,<br />
electrically ignited gas hob, which can be covered by a smoke glass cover when not in use.<br />
This adds to the work-surface area which is already quite generous. The sink can also be<br />
covered by a glass lid. A slide-out storage compartment offers space for food and the large<br />
fridge (with freezer) is well-placed. The <strong>600</strong> <strong>FM</strong> is certainly up to the task of offering four-berth<br />
accommodation.<br />
The two double beds are roomy and relaxing. The fixed rear double is obviously the most<br />
comfortable but the double made from the dinette settees is more than able to provide a<br />
decent night s sleep.<br />
The washroom features an extremely practical space-saving sliding door. You ll find a<br />
separate shower cubicle which keeps everything nice and dry in the rest of the washroom.<br />
There are plenty of mirrors and stowage provided so it s all very neat and practical in there.<br />
FACTS AT A GLANCE<br />
<strong>MOTORHOME</strong>: Hobby <strong>600</strong> <strong>FM</strong><br />
PRICE: Contact dealership<br />
BASED <strong>ON</strong>: Fiat Ducato 15 (Al-Ko- Fiat chassis)<br />
PAYLOAD: 525kg<br />
MTPLM : 3500kg<br />
BERTHS: Four<br />
WILL IT FIT <strong>ON</strong> YOUR DRIVEWAY?: Length 633 cm / Height 281cm / Width 232 cm<br />
WHO TO SEE?: Brownhills, Newark, Tel: 01636 704201 www.brownhills.co.uk<br />
Euro Motorhomes Ltd, Unit 6, Bradley Corner, Wilton Road Est, Humberston, Grimsby,<br />
DN36 4BG. Tel: 01472 811036 www.euromotorhomes.co.uk
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