09/03/2023
Share this story Share on Facebook icon Share on Twitter icon Share on Pinterest icon Share on Linked In icon Share via Email icon

Malibu Van 2023 range overview

926d5dd6-fa21-41d5-b1dc-bca4bcae014b

Carthago’s 2023 campervan range offers a wide range of Fiat-based models

Page contents

Photos courtesy of Malibu

 


The Malibu Van range

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...


Malibu compact

The Malibu compact
The lounge inside the Malibu compact
The kitchen inside the Malibu compact

Fact file

Base vehicle:

Fiat Ducato

Price from:

£59,540

Berths:

2

Travel seats:

4

Length:

5.41m/5.99m

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.


Malibu comfort

The Malibu comfort
Inside the Malibu comfort
The kitchen inside the  Malibu comfort

Fact file

Base vehicle:

Fiat Ducato

Price from:

£57,890

Berths:

2/3

Travel seats:

4

Length:

5.99m/6.36m

The two comfort models incorporate a 70-litre three-way fridge mounted at waist height, with a wardrobe below. The kitchen also offers extra storage space in wide drawers and additional wardrobe space is available under the rear beds.

Choose from the 600 DB with rear transverse double bed (up to 1.64m wide) or the longer 640 LE with lengthways singles. Both have the XL Flexi-washroom with a cassette toilet that slides away to create more showering space.


Malibu diversity

The Malibu diversity
The kitchen inside the Malibu diversity
The bedroom inside the Malibu diversity

Fact file

Base vehicle:

Fiat Ducato

Price from:

£58,870

Berths:

2

Travel seats:

4

Length:

5.99m/6.36m

The newest addition to the Malibu Van range, the diversity models are the 600 DB K and 640 LE K, again offering the choice of double or single beds in either 5.99m or 6.36m overall lengths, respectively.

Where the diversity derivatives differ is in having the XL comfort kitchen, which has more worktop and a clear line of sight down the offside from the lounge to the bedroom. These models have a floor-mounted 84-litre compressor fridge just forward of the rear bed(s) with a larder unit set back in the counter above. In the 640 LE K, each rear bed can be individually hinged up on gas struts to access clothing storage below. The XL Flexi-washroom features here, too.


Malibu first class – two rooms

The MalibuMalibu First Class
The washroom inside the Malibu diversity
The bedroom inside the Malibu diversity

Fact file

Base vehicle:

Fiat Ducato

Price from:

£60,410

Berths:

2

Travel seats:

4

Length:

6.36m

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.


Malibu charming coupé

The Malibu charming coupé
Inside the Malibu charming coupé
A look inside the Malibu charming coupé

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.


family-for-4

The bedroom inside the family-for-4
The washroom inside the family-for-4

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.

 

Get MMM for just £29.99 a month!

test banner
special offer banner

MMM is Britain’s best-selling motorhome magazine and it has been for over 55 years. Each four-weekly issue is packed with the best motorhome travel features, genuine reader reviews of campsites, in-depth motorhome reviews, plus the latest technical advice, buying tips and much more.

MMM’s fully searchable digital library gives you access to the latest issues, plus every edition of MMM since January 2012.


Expert motorhome advice to your door!

Why not subscribe to one of our fabulous magazines and get expert advice, travel ideas, technical help and all the latest news for your motorhome and your motorhome adventures!

MMM Motorhomers' Magazine

Want to know more about MMM magazine?

Every month MMM has articles written by motorhomers who have been there and done it, from great UK and European (and further afield) tours, campsite reviews, owners' reports and DIY projects among other things.

MMM's tests, reviews and expert buying guides are not to be missed. MMM's technical advice is a must and includes everything from weekend jobs to longer-term DIY projects. And much more!

About MMM magazine  
What Motorhome Magazine

Want to know more about What Motorhome magazine?

Every issue of What Motorhome magazine provides essential buying advice for anyone looking to buy a new motorhome or campervan or upgrade their existing model. With a pedigree of over 30 years of offering the best motorhome and campervan buying advice, every issue of What Motorhome includes more new motorhome and campervan reviews than you will find in any other magazine.

About What Motorhome  
Campervan Magazine

Want to know more about Campervan magazine?

Campervan is the exciting monthly magazine that will give you all the inspiration you need to explore the world in your campervan. Every issue is packed with real-life campervanning experiences, inspiring travel ideas in the UK and further afield, the best campsites to stay on, campervan road tests and reviews of the latest models, and much more!

About Campervan magazine  

Back to "General" Category

09/03/2023 Share this story   Share on Facebook icon Share on Twitter icon Share on Pinterest icon Share on Linked In icon Share via Email icon

Recent Updates

What is the engine management light? What does it mean, and what do I have to do? ...


Motorhome air suspension: all you need to know

Motorhomes are heavy and the additional weight of equipment and height of the bodywork can increase the loads ...


Motorhome WiFi: how to get better motorhome internet

Staying connected on the move is more and more essential, so relying on campsite WiFi isn't an option – here ...


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 ...


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 ...


Other Articles

Want a great motorhome without paying the premium for a new one? Here's a guide to the best you can get in the pre-owned market for each layout, ...


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 ...


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 ...


Dogs in campervans: all you need to know

Follow our advice and your dog will enjoy campervanning as much as you do ...


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 ...