A NEW generation of the Nugget campervan is coming from Ford and for the first time it will be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The all-new Nugget camper - based on Ford's Transit Custom van - has been developed in partnership with camper converter Westfalia and features a multi-zone interior layout.

The next generation Nugget will be launched in phases, starting with the Nugget Titanium series with tilt roof and 170ps EcoBlue engine with eight-speed automatic transmission, available from spring 2024.

Other models, including the PHEV option, will be introduced in the following 12 months.

Prices are still to be announced but can be expected to start from around £65,000.

The PHEV version uses a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with an 11.8kWh battery and electric motor to deliver a combined output of 232ps and pure-electric driving capability said to give it an electric-only range of around 20 miles.

An all-new chassis with independent rear suspension has been fitted to improve refinement and handling, whileall-wheel drivemodels will be available to suit those who use their camper vans to access wild areas for outdoor sports or who simply want more confidence when leaving festival car parks or the like.

The cockpit features a full digital cluster and large13-inch touchscreen with Ford's latest SYNC 4 software which can be controlled via the touchscreen or voice control. There's also wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay phone integration.

Ford says it has paid special attention to making the new Nugget safe and easy to drive, even for drivers more used to smaller cars.

As well as a car-like driving position andnew eight-speed automatic transmissionoption, the Nugget features a suite of advanced driver assistance systems including intelligent adaptive cruise control with lane centring, help to reduce fatigue on long highway drives or in stop-start traffic, and reverse brake assist and a 360-degree camera system to help when manoeuvring in tight spaces.

The new Nugget features design improvements over the previous model, including a flip-up mattress section to increase headroom in the kitchen while the upper bed is still in place, as well as atrack-mounted rear benchwith new controlsfor easier, one-handed conversion from seating to bed.

Arear-mounted hot/cold showeroutlet is now standard, with optional tailgate privacy tent. The camping experience is further enhanced by all-new features including a tilt roof withnew self-folding fabricto simplify lowering the roof, integrated stowage locationsfor the standard outdoor table and chairs, and roller blackout blindsreplace curtains for enhanced privacy and simpler operation.

Beyond changes to the camping equipment, the Nugget also offers high-tech features to improve on-the-go connectivity and comfort once parked up.

Wireless charging and a 5G modemare standard while asolar roofoption helps power interior features or recharge the leisure battery, and in ideal weather conditions can generate more power than the built-in features use.

A seven-inch colour touchscreenin the living area enables easy checks and control of the heating, water levels, battery level and lighting while new functionality includes the control of new LED interior lighting which now feature a customisable colour mood mode, an inclinometer functionto help levelling on uneven ground and a Bluetooth-enabled app to turn a smartphone into aremote controlfor cabin features.

"Nugget is about helping owners discover new places - and with the extra comfort, connectivity and PHEV option of the new model, they can go further than ever," said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. "Customers tell us they use their Nuggets as family cars, to get friends and bikes to the next trail, or as a more exciting kind of retirement plan, so we designed our latest Nugget to do it all."