Essential Guide to 2020 motorhomes - Laika motorhomes
One of Laika’s longest running ranges, the Ecovip motorhome represents the company’s approach to high quality, beautifully styled motorhomes, but it’s great value, too.
Laika Ecovip 609 motorhome
This 609 is one of the smallest of Laika’s A-class models available to UK customers this year, offering twin single beds in the rear above a garage.
Step onboard the Ecovip 609 into a spacious lounge, with Laika’s sumptuous sofas taking centre stage. The cab seats swivel and a large fixed table provides dining for four.
This lounge also provides two extra travel seats in the rear. Alongside those twin singles at the rear, there’s a drop-down bed above the cab. Simply flip the cab seats flat and drop the bed and this large double barely makes an impact on the lounge seating.
The kitchen, though compact, offers worktop space thanks to the shape and layout of the sink and hob, while there are big, useful drawers below. To the right of this there is a large 160-litre fridge freezer.
The washroom is opposite this. Again, it maximises the space available yet, thanks to the clever design, still offers a separate shower, plenty of storage and the same high quality standard of fittings throughout the rest of the motorhome.
You can also specify this model with the Comfort Pack (manual cab air-conditioning, Traction+, Hill Descent, cruise control, cab and entrance step carpets, and duckboard for the shower). There is a Dolce Vita Pack, too, which provides a multi-media system in the cab with reversing camera and sat nav. This pack also adds a 22in TV, satellite dish and remote control of the heater using a smartphone - very handy, indeed.
SPECIFICATION
Price from: £67,600 plus OTR
Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
Layout: Twin single beds
Berths: 4
Travel seats: 4
Length: 6.99m
Gross weight: 3,500kg
Payload: 441kg
Laika Kreos 7009 motorhome
The Kreos 7009 sits at the top of the UK Laika line-up. It offers twin single beds at the rear, whereas its sister model, the 7012, provides an island bed. Laika has always had a reputation for making solid, stylish motorhomes and that ethos continues today. It’s unlikely you’ll see a Kreos without the Portofino specification in the UK, but then the pack adds in the 160bhp engine and the new fully automatic gearbox, plus foglights and 16in alloys on the outside, as well as cab enhancements and much more.
There’s a flat floor that aids access between the cab and the habitation area, as well as improving the lounge comfort.
Then, at the very back, are the twin single beds at a fairly high level. This allows for wardrobes under the foot of the beds, as well as the two full-height units. The height of those beds comes into its own with the garage space below. It’s a minimum of a metre in height inside, with both access doors being over a metre, too. And there’s a 250kg capacity, so you can even get a scooter in here. There’s a ‘garage door open’ light on the dashboard, too.
SPECIFICATION
Price from: £95,200 plus OTR
Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato Al-Ko
Layout: Twin single beds
Berths: 4
Travel seats: 4
Length: 7.96m
Gross weight: 4,250kg
Payload: 756kg
Laika Kreos 5009 motorhome
Based on the Fiat Ducato Al-Ko chassis, the Kreos 5009 oozes refinement throughout.
Water tanks are built into the double floor, as are heating ducts to ensure they remain frost-proof. The thickness of the floor, walls and roof and the insulation material type and density make all Laika vehicles particularly suitable for winter use. This double floor also contains storage with up to 30cm of height in some places and access from inside and out.
Up front, the large lounge has comfort aplenty, with shaped cushions and smart upholstery. The solid pedestal leg table is a good size and slides to allow access around it.
The kitchen offers large worktops and two sinks. UK bound models generally get a full cooker with three burner hob, oven and grill, allowing budding chefs to indulge their talents.
Further back, step through a washroom to get to the high-level twin single beds. This washroom door swings across the corridor to make an ensuite and dressing area for the bedroom.
SPECIFICATION
Price from: £80,800 plus OTR
Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato Al-Ko
Layout: Twin single beds
Berths: 2-5
Travel seats: 4
Length: 7.69m
Gross weight: 4,500kg
Payload: 1,166kg
Highlights of Laika’s 2020 motorhomes
- Laika is celebrating its 55th anniversary with a range of special edition models. In 1964, Giovanbattista Moscardini founded the company, naming it after the first dog in space
- Portofino Pack introduced this year for Kreos ranges includes a huge amount of extra equipment from engine upgrades to carpets
- Kreos 3000/4000 Portofino Pack includes upgrade to 140bhp engine with auto, start/stop, Truma Combi 6EH heating and reversing camera
- Kreos 5000 Portofino Pack features an upgrade to the 160bhp engine, automatic gearbox and drop-down bed in the lounge, plus more
- Kreos 7000’s Portofino Pack includes the 160bhp engine with auto, as well as more
This content featured in The Essential Guide to 2020 Motorhomes, brought to you by the publishers of MMM, What Motorhome and Campervan magazines. To buy a digital edition of the guide with the November issue of MMM or Campervan, click here.
Recent Updates
A class of their own - our guide to A-class motorhomes
Thinking of trading up to an A-class, or even going straight to the top of the motorhome tree? We guide you along the way in this guide to A-class ...
Explore overseas on a motorhome dream tour
Enjoy exotic travel in a campervan or motorhome by hiring, swapping with someone else or exporting your ...
Motorhome water systems: everything you need to know
On-board water is an important part of every motorhome – here’s everything you need to know ...
Campervanning in Europe: what you need to know
Whether you're planning a leisurely drive through the French countryside, navigating bustling city streets in ...
Campervan security: all you need to know
With thefts on the increase, it’s important to know how to keep your campervan secure and prevent campervan ...
Campervan furniture: everything you need to know
Our campervan experts guide you through all the essentials for your campervan, including tables, chairs, ...
Campervan finance: how to fund your purchase
Here we look at the different types of campervan finance available, to help you decide what’s the best option ...
Britain’s best used motorhomes
Want a great motorhome without paying the premium for a new one? Here's a guide to the best you can get in ...
Which motorhome? Choosing the perfect motorhome for you
Choosing a motorhome or campervan is one of the biggest buying decisions you’ll ever make, so it's important ...
Dogs in campervans: all you need to know
Follow our advice and your dog will enjoy campervanning as much as you do ...
Other Articles
Campervan washroom essentials: stay fresh on the road
Our guide will take you through the campervan washroom essentials you'll need so you're well-prepared for your next adventure ...
Electric campervans: all you need to know
Our guide will take you through everything you need to know about electric campervans and what the future ...
Motorhome electrics: a complete guide to your motorhome electrical set-up
Motorhome electrics can dramatically enhance the convenience and comfort of your vehicle – but they can be ...
Lighting for campervans: all you need to know
We guide you through all the lighting options available for you and your campervan, including interior ...
Electric bikes for motorhomes: our ultimate guide
Read our comprehensive guide to electric bikes for motorhome owners, helping you add electric power to your ...
Our guide to 'cheap' motorhomes in 2024
If you're on the hunt for an affordable new motorhome, this is the best place to start – we've rounded up a ...
Campervans in winter: all you need to know
Here's your guide to preparing your campervan for the colder months, whether you will be using it or putting ...
Six alternative campervans to the VW California
Looking for a different option to Volkswagen’s famous Cali? Here are some of the best other campervans out ...
Campervan cooking and kitchenware guide
Top tips for dining like a king in your campervan. This includes the most useful pots and pans, mugs and ...
Buying a campervan: all you need to know
A campervan, with its promise of endless adventures and a nomadic lifestyle, is a dream many enthusiasts ...