The Paseo runs with a 3.5 L Ecoboost V6 Gas Engine with a six-speed automatic overdrive transmission and is expected to offer between 15 to 17 miles per gallon.
When it comes to ride, handling and comfort of a class B coach, it`s all about the chassis. After running the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Dodge Ram ProMaster designs on previous launches, Winnebago Industries elected the Ford Transit for The Paseo, the company’s latest Class B for the 2017 model year.
Engineered from the ground up, the Paseo is situated between the Travato and top-of-the line Era in the Winnebago B family. It’s also only the second model to fully highlight the Ford Transit foundation. The first was the Fuse Class C model introduced in late 2015.
The Paseo has a length of 22 feet, one-inch and a width of seven feet, four inches. Interior height is six feet, six inches.
“We already offer units on the Sprinter and Ram ProMaster chassis,” Russ Garfin, Winnebago Product Manager. “So when the Transit became available it was a no brainer. It’s a very popular chassis and out paces everything in North America as far as volume. Using the Ford Transit just made sense for the Paseo.”
While the Paseo is not so simple in design, one thing Winnebago kept simple is that it’s offered in one floorplan. But that`s not to say it`s limited in benefits.
“The Paseo has a really comfortable dinette that seats five and is a great space for meals or to work remotely from,” says Garfin. “A lot of people commonly work from the road these days or just need a comfortable area to use laptops or personal electronics. The area also converts to a nice sized bed that comfortably sleeps two.”
Further, Garfin says lighting options abound with dimming capabilities while handy illumination is in the cabinetry spaces. What`s more is functionality begins at the console and ends at the rear dinette area.
The Peseo with the optional roof ladder and compact bike rack.
Other Paseo features include:
- The Ford SYNC 3 voice-activated system that displays phone, audio and navigation.
- Blue Tooth stereo with exterior speakers.
- A swivel passenger cab seat that can be a lounge or workspace.
- Optional passenger side bike rack attaches to the passenger side rear door and holds two bicycles. The retractable trays for the bike rack confine it to the back of a single door.
- Optional moveable ladder that moves to other points on the van to access the roof.
- A compressor-driven double door refrigerator.
- Available 100-watt solar charging system.
“Beyond the chassis, we worked really hard to bring a floorplan to the Paseo that’s different from our other Winnebago models,” says Garfin. “There’s a different type of interior construction with a contemporary American design. We are using hardwood maple cabinetry with innovative sliding doors. The cabinet framing also allowed us to use some of these really nice lighting concepts.”
Once at a destination, off-grid camping is a viable option. According to Garfin, extra insulation is in the coach for more function in the winter, while the 21-gallon fresh water tank is inside the heated area of the coach (with all of the supply lines). As Truma offers some ideal hot water heating systems for RVs, the Paseo comes with the Quick Recovery Truma Combi water/coach heater system.
Additionally, the Paseo runs with a 3.5 L, Ecoboost V6 Gas Engine with a six-speed automatic overdrive transmission. It also has a fuel capacity of 25 gallons. Garfin estimates that the Paseo is expected to offer between 15 to 17 miles per gallon.
“We have had a lot of success with our Class B vans and we also have a lot of passionate owners who are not shy about communicating with us,” says Garfin. “That in part is what makes the new model and design stronger. Most importantly, we are competitive in this market and think this segment will continue to grow. We want to be that company to provide the top choices for our customers.”
Paseo Specs at a Glance
Length: (exterior): 22’1″
Width: (exterior): 7′ 4″
Height: (exterior): 9′ 10″
Interior width: 6’1″
Interior height: 6’6″
GVWR: 10,360 lbs.
Fresh Water Tank: 21 gallons
Gray Water Tank: 15 gallons
Black Water Tank: 11gallons
Sleeping Cap: 2
Base Price: $114,998
Congratulations Winnebago for creating a modern Class B with a compressor fridge, expandable rooftop solar and the upgraded Ford infotainment system. Last year’s Ecoboost 3.5 is a bonus. Hopefully they upgrade that to the newer one that’s mated to a 10 speed transmission. Like the 2017 F150’s. Sweet!