Full review

Carado, Hymer’s entry-level marque and sister to Sunlight (from Dethleffs), entered the A-class motorhome market a year ago with a simple range of two seven-and-a-half-metre models – one with an island bed, the other, predictably enough, with twin singles. Now, the company has added a third model to its ‘integrated’ motorhome portfolio, catering for those seeking something just a bit more manoeuvrable.

The result is the I 339. Don’t expect any surprises here. Carado designs are practical and proven but never revolutionary. In fact, not only does the I 339 take its A-class body styling from its bigger brothers but it adopts the floorplan of the existing T 339 low-profile. Nevertheless, keeping overall length below seven metres will be important for a tranche of buyers. And it’s not as if you seem to lose a lot inside...

Up front, there’s a half-dinette lounge with a small side seat for one next to the habitation door. Of course, with a full-width cab and huge windscreen it all feels more spacious than in a low-profile. And, because this is an A-class, the drop-down bed (2.00m by 1.50m) comes down without robbing you of all your lounge space.

There’s the usual L-shaped kitchen with tall fridge (up to 167 litres) opposite, while the bedroom’s en suite still boasts completely separate toilet and shower areas, as well as a toilet room door that swings around to close off the whole of the rear of the vehicle.

Carados destined for Britain come with a higher spec than German market models but it’s likely that UK dealers will raise the game further with the Chassis Comfort Package (alloy wheels, leather steering wheel) and Emotion Package (Champagne-coloured sides). But even fully loaded you can expect the new Carado to undercut rival German A-classes – and you can choose Sunlight or Etrusco versions if you prefer their décor or have a dealer closer to your home.

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