Knaus launches a brand-new VW Tourer CUV for 2024

One of the most radical and innovative novelties of the 2023 launch season was the Knaus Tourer CUV – a compact coachbuilt motorhome with a pop-top roof in the style of a campervan. Now, for 2024, there’s a second layout for this VW T6.1-based vehicle, the 500 LT.

With its elevating roof, the Tourer CUV is described as manoeuvrable and compact like a small campervan, with a low overall height that’s less wind resistant, improving fuel economy. But on site, the pop-top gives full standing height of 2.17m, with the roof operated electrically via a remote control, increasing headroom by 70cm.

The new 500 LT has a total length of just under 5.9m. It can sleep up to four if the optional slide bed in the front is ordered, and has four travel seats. Its floorplan includes a face-to-face lounge at the front, while the side kitchen features a two-burner hob, a sink and a 90-litre compressor fridge. There’s a swing-wall washroom, too.

For 2024, the two VW Crafter-based Van TI Plus low-profile models receive extensive measures to make them lighter, including lightweight furniture, a compressor fridge and a compact diesel heater. There’s a more powerful lithium battery, too, which saves 12kg. The highlight, however, is the floor, which is 10cm thicker but around 10kg lighter. Overall, the 2024 models weigh around 75kg less. Both layouts (650 MEG with single beds and 700 LF with a French bed) also come with Platinum spec.

Similar weight-saving measures have been applied to the Van Wave, with its wave-shaped roof, which incorporates space for a drop-down bed. The Van TI Vansation range will also be expanded for the forthcoming model year to include a model based on a Volkswagen Crafter.

And, the Fiat Ducato-based campervan range previously known as BoxStar will be called BoxLife Pro, but nothing else will change in this tried-and-tested campervan mix.

The new 500 LT can sleep up to four if the optional slide bed in the front is ordered and has four travel seats. Its floorplan includes a face-to-face lounge at the front, while the side kitchen features a two-burner hob, a sink and a 90-litre compressor fridge. There’s a swing-wall washroom, too, and a large door for access to the external storage. Heating is provided by a Truma Combi 4 diesel heater, installed under the floor to save space.

The Tourer CUV will be available in the UK as a CUVision special edition model. You get Volkswagen’s 148bhp (150PS) engine and the DSG automatic gearbox. The exterior is enhanced by an Ascot grey cab with matching bumper and 17in alloys. Plus, many of the VW options are also included: heated seats, multifunction steering wheel, TPMS, Emergency Brake Assist, cornering lights and inductive charging cradle for phones, to name but a few.

You also get a rear view camera, flyscreen door and the ServiceBox providing access to water and waste taps and hook-up point. Note, too, the awning and the portable storage boxes for the bedroom and kitchen. Or look out for the Weinsberg version, available as the special Edition Pepper model.

On board, the lounge has a spacious feel, helped no end by the panoramic rooflight over the cab – this is the opening version for ventilation when parked up. The lounge has a forward-facing dinette seat offering rear travel seats, although this is a two-berth motorhome; this can be upgraded to an L-shaped seating group as an option.

The rear single beds sit above wardrobes and a garage (with exterior access on both sides). The washroom has a swing wall, creating a practical shower area when needed.

The Vansation package also includes cab air-conditioning, satellite TV, metallic paint, 17in alloy wheels, cruise control, sat-nav, bluuwater filter system and an awning.

There are three 6m models: the 600 Street has a transverse double bed, while the Solution model adds a drop-down roof bed above the lounge to this; the 600 Lifetime manages to fit in twin single beds at the rear. Finally, the 630 Freeway is the longest at 6.36m, offering a massive bed at the back that primarily offers lengthways singles.

All campervans in the range except the Solution model can be ordered with a pop-top roof, providing an extra-large bed up top for two further people, while the Road, Street and Freeway models can also be ordered in 60 Edition guise, marking 15 years since Knaus introduced its first campervan.