MMM Motorhome Awards 2024: Best Fixed Single Bed Motorhome

WINNER - Best Fixed Single Bed Motorhome 2024

Frankia Now

(Photos courtesy of Frankia)

Why the Frankia Now?

Just occasionally, a new motorhome appears at a show without any prior hullabaloo and then it grabs our attention as an unexpected star of the show. That’s exactly what happened with the Frankia Now at this year’s Caravan Salon Düsseldorf.

From a premium brand best known for its big, luxury A-class models on Mercedes-Benz chassis, this is something completely different – a low-profile on the ubiquitous Fiat cab and with a 3,500kg maximum weight to suit any driver. But so far, so ordinary.

Nothing about the exterior of the Now prepared us for the fact that we’d nickname it the Frankia Wow. Bar the bold yellow graphics (to be toned down to a more brassy colour in production), this is a typical 7m motorhome with a rear garage. It has a black cab, alloy wheels and framed windows, so it looks contemporary but definitely not revolutionary.

A brand-new design

It’s inside that the Now has the wow factor. Its German manufacturer says its “revolutionary concept is changing the way we think about motorhomes – especially when it comes to space, light, design and details”, before going on to add, “Frankia is entering a new age and making a deliberate departure from the traditional, all-too familiar style.”

There’s nothing of the usual conservative décor we associate with the brand here. And, if you’re put off by the colour scheme shown, don’t worry, there will be two alternatives – one a rose pink, the other a silvery blue.

As soon as you step aboard, the Now feels special – even from the first touch on a real wood grab handle. The interior is styled to mix Scandi modernity with 1920s Art Deco, via velour cord fabrics. Right-angles are out and curves are in, while great attention has been paid to lighting, both natural and artificial. Each nearside window has an opposite number on the offside, while the unglazed door ensures that the scheme is not interrupted by cheap-looking plastic.

The Now with the wow factor

There’s a fantastic feeling of space inside this motorhome, too, thanks to the wide aisle and the omission of eye-level cupboards. Headroom is a generous 2.13m.

The kitchen uses its space cleverly and incorporates an oven for the UK market. Its star feature is the Frankia Tower, which features a compressor fridge and neat storage, with a slide-out shelf for your coffee machine.

Even more impressive is the washroom, featuring a swing-wall shower that uses magnets in place of fiddly catches and has twin drains in the tray. A ceramic toilet is fitted, too.

The rear beds are long and even the half-dinette lounge has a novel twist – a cupboard that splits into two to become a pair of jump seats or footstools.

Specifications

Highly commended

Hymer ML-T 580 4x4

(Photos courtesy of Hymer)

Last year, Hymer’s incredible Venture S jumped from concept vehicle to production model and scooped our Motorhome of the Year title. A year on and a number of features from that one-of-a-kind vehicle have filtered down to the more affordable ML-T, which has been redesigned for 2024.

The new model is designed to offer greater self-sufficiency for those using the 4x4 capability to get off the beaten track. So, there’s now a compressor fridge and diesel heating, in order that gas is only required for the hob and optional oven. Other extra-cost options include additional lithium leisure batteries (up to 4 x 80Ah), two 95W solar panels and an 1,800W inverter. The reduced gas compartment has allowed space for a second toilet cassette, too.

The interior design also has clear Venture S overtones, especially with Native Bamboo finish and details such as the leather straps on the cupboard catches. Ergonomics have been addressed, too, so you can now comfortably sit up in bed, thanks to the curved rear wall.

Specifications

Highly commended

Malibu T 490 LE

(Staff photos)

We review a lot of motorhomes of all shapes and sizes every year. Some disappoint, while others seem to exceed the sum of their parts. This Malibu definitely falls into the latter camp and is one of the finest single bed/garage layout motorhomes we’ve road tested in a long time.

Like vehicles from its Carthago parent company, the T 490 LE has a generous double floor and a large garage, so storage is not an issue. Our 4,250kg test ’van also had payload to match, at over a tonne.

The bodywork is all to the expected premium standard, while, inside, the lounge is unusually comfortable and has a well-placed telly. In the kitchen, the oven is also sensibly positioned and storage is truly class-leading, including a two-door 153-litre fridge/freezer.

The toilet and shower sit on opposing sides, as is the norm, but here again the details are well thought out. And, in the bedroom, each bed has a ratchet system to raise the head end so you can comfortably take breakfast in bed. First class!

Specifications