Verdict
The Ancona is a six-berth which most families may only use for five, and this would make it an ideal family tourer. We like the ambience of the Ancona and the fact it’s far removed from the original Pegasus. The walnut furniture finish adds to the richness of the interior while lighting levels are impressive. We would like to see a dual-fuel hob and larger gas locker, though. At the rear end of the Ancona where the bunks are located, a mini Heki needs to be added to allow in more natural light as this area could be a little dark on dull days. For its layout and general specifications, though, the Pegasus II Ancona will be popular. Bailey has successfully pulled off a practical layout for six people.
Pros
We like the high quality upholstery which makes the overall feel of the Ancona comfortable
Bigger windows front and side look better than Pegasus I as well as being more practical
The spec is as expected and the kitchen area is well designed
This is a six-berth that also feels spacious
Cons
We would like to see a dual-fuel cooker fitted and more than three plug sockets
Wiring needs to be made neater in places and the rear end mouldings don’t fit tightly enough
Some of the flyscreen/blind frames on the front windows were coming adrift on our test caravan
Pitching & Setting-up
The Ancona still owes its overtones to the original Pegasus range but it ends there. Pegasus Series II looks far more conventional with its new triple front window and side window design and Pageant Series 7 look-alike graphics. One-piece side panels are used, while see-through covers are used on the lower front panels to stop stone denting. The front locker will only take gas bottles while front side storage lockers will help out with bulkier items. The front offside of the Pegasus has another side locker for the on-board water tank while an exterior mains socket and BBQ point are also fitted. Al-Ko ATC anti-snaking system is standard while alloy wheels and a spare wheel and carrier is too, along with an AKS hitch stabiliser. Rear corner steadies are heavy duty while the front steadies are standard design. Rear access for the corner steadies isn’t easy, though, as it’s difficult to locate the nuts.
Living
The lounge is the area where all the family can gather round. It should seat six with ease and the new Pegasus comes with a central chest of drawers as an option. Comfort is well taken care of, with quality seating and also bolster and scatter cushions. Night illumination is good, along with front corner roof locker lights, LED spots and LED strip lighting. One mains socket is available, plus two blown-air outlets too.
The roof locker storage is excellent with the front overhead window ones being exceptionally deep along with the front shelf. Seat bases have beech slats and good access from the top, but access flaps are included, too. They just aren’t large enough to get bulky bedding in. The CD/radio is also situated in the front lounge in a side roof locker along with the Status 530 TV aerial switches.
Kitchen
Like the other Pegasus models, the Ancona has a decent sized kitchen. It’s got excellent storage and comes with a Dometic 115-litre fridge and Spinflo spark ignition oven plus grill and four burner hob – but we would expect a dual-fuel cooker in this range. Three overhead lockers allow for good crockery storage and there’s a stainless steel height-lowered microwave, although this is fitted opposite the kitchen. The sink has an oblong basin, and lighting in the Ancona’s kitchen at night is excellent with downlighters and LEDs. A mini Heki is fitted for ventilation while the worktop will be sufficient enough for most users.
Washroom
The Ancona’s washroom is well designed and gives six a separate shower cubicle. Floor space is good and the overall feel is one of space for a compact area. The Ancona washroom comes with a side window and mini Heki roof vent. A Thetford electric flush toilet is fitted, along with a Belfast sink with good cupboard storage beneath. In the corner where the toilet is fitted you’ll find a rather handy corner wall cupboard, which will be ideal for toiletries.
Beds
The front end of the Ancona can be used as two single beds or one double, which is being made up using central slats. The length of the singles is a little restrictive, though, being only just long enough if you’re 1.53m tall. The side single dinette is wider than most but again is restricted in length. On the rear offside, triple bunks are fitted at 1.91m lengths. Each has a courtesy light but if children sleep at the end they are fitted, then the bunks could feel claustrophobic. All beds should be comfortable to use with the quality upholstery used.
Storage
The Ancona offers six persons plenty of roof locker storage, and the ones over the front end of the van also offer deep units for bulkier items. Under-seat storage isn’t bad, though, but the water carrier and twin front side lockers do eat into internal storage facilities. The side wardrobe won’t be large enough for six on a long tour but for long weekends it should cope.
Technical Specifications
| Berth | 6 |
| MiRO | 1311 kg |
| Payload | 188 kg |
| MTPLM | 1499 kg |
| Shipping Length | 7.25 m |
| Width | 2.28 m |
