Malibu Van 2023 range overview

Malibu is a company of Carthago and was originally focused solely on campervans, but since 2015 also includes low-profile and A-class motorhomes. Here, we’re concentrating on the latest line-up of Van models which are built at the company’s Slovenian factory.

The first Malibu Vans date back as long ago as 1979, when the VW T25 Transporter was the basis, but today all of the Malibu range is based on the Fiat Ducato, in medium-wheelbase, long and extra-long forms.

The current range aims to be ‘best in class’, says its maker, with large functional storage areas, comprehensive insulation for all-year use and strong, stable furniture construction.

Roofs and floors have 20mm-thick RTM hard foam insulation, which doesn’t absorb moisture, as well as 20mm polyurethane insulating mats in the rear doors.

Malibu furniture has double connections – screwed and morticed – as well as robust metal hinges. Overhead storage units are lined with microfibre to reduce noise while travelling and cabinets have a modern two-tone finish.

The are 11 ‘world of style’ décor options inside, offering fabric, quilted, part-leather or full leather upholstery. Coordinating additional cushions and bed throws are also available, as well as three furniture finishes – Cherry Style, Cherry Classic and, for the 600 DB and 640 LE models only, Turin. Externally, there are five body colours and two designs for the alloy wheels.

Then there are seven models to choose from, as well as charming coupé and family-for-4 derivatives of many of those. Let us explain...

Described as the flexible all-rounders of the Malibu model range, the two compact campervans include the company’s only medium-wheelbase version, the 540 DB. This 5.41m-long vehicle has a transverse double bed at the rear, with useful additional storage for folded clothes over the foot of the bed. The kitchen includes an 84-litre compressor fridge.

If you prefer single beds, the 600 LE is similar, except in having conjoined twin beds running lengthways aft (one of these being over 2m long). This model is based on the 5.99m-long Ducato.

At the top of the Malibu Van range, the first class – two rooms model comes only as the 640 LE RB, a 6.36m extra-long Ducato with rear single beds.

The unique feature of this model is its room divider, with a multifunctional washroom thanks to a door that opens out to separate the rear bedroom from the lounge and kitchen up front. There’s also an opening part of the washroom wall, creating even more space as a changing room.

Another key feature here is the premium kitchen with its 84-litre compressor fridge at the end of the galley, facing forwards, where it is not only easy to reach from the dinette but can also be accessed from outside via the sliding door.

You can further enhance your Malibu campervan with charming coupé or charming GT skyview. The coupé version omits the standard overcab storage compartment and replaces it with a full-height cab ceiling incorporating overhead ambient lighting and cupboards at the side.

The charming GT skyview goes further still, with a panoramic overcab roof window and leather-covered headlining over the cab and lounge.

Both options are available on comfort, diversity and first class – two rooms models.

If you need a full four-berth campervan, the family-for-4 versions are the answer. These add a pop-top roof on any compact, diversity or first class – two rooms model.

Malibu’s hybrid pop-up roof is made from high-stability sandwich construction and plastic, and its Protect GRP roof covering provides protection against hailstone damage. Its lightweight construction adds just 105kg to your campervan.

Malibu Vans equipped with the family-for-4 roof gain a washroom window (except compact vehicles), and, depending on the model chosen, this option can be combined with the charming coupé or charming GT skyview features. Two spotlights are fitted in the roof and a ladder provides access to the 2.03m by 1.35m roof bed.