Full review

A late addition to the 2019 Carthago range, this version of the C-line has a new lounge with side-facing sofas. This is a design that has rapidly gained traction in the 2019 season, especially with French manufacturers such as Chausson, Pilote and Rapido. That, no doubt, explains the launch at Le Bourget, rather than Düsseldorf.

Here, however, the face-to-face lounge (more usually seen in low-profile motorhomes) appears in the more rarefied atmosphere of premium A-classes. Fully loaded, the show model seen here was priced at £108,300. That figures included a 150bhp engine upgrade, Comfort-Matic gearbox, alloy wheels, Tec-Tower, part-leather Savannah upholstery, carpets, TV and the very comprehensive Super Package, which includes all manner of goodies for £4,145. Needless to say, you wouldn’t want a Carthago that wasn’t Super’d.

Of course, it’s the lounge that will be the reason to buy, though, and, although the central table is quite large, the area feels more spacious than many conventional half-dinette/L-shaped arrangements. The table also slides and swivels via a neat foot-operated pedal and the sofas really are very comfy.

You’ll be impressed by the size of the TV that disappears behind the offside settee – it’s 32in – but it’s also good to find useful details like the shoe cabinet under the nearside seat. And, of course, those benches convert into travel seats when required.

The kitchen is all curves and comes with split lids to the sink and hob to make the most of the limited worktop. No less than six drawers include some with adjustable dividers and, in between, a pull-out unit incorporates two bins. There’s a rack for four wine bottles, a drop-down coffee machine shelf and a top locker for glasses, while opposite you’ll find the Tec-Tower (160-litre fridge/freezer with oven over) and a slide-out pantry storage unit.

At the rear, the bedroom has an island bed measuring 1.94m by 1.46m. There are useful cubbyholes at the head of the bed, as well as reading lights on flexible arms. The mattress sits on plastic springs for added comfort, while individual tip-up sections to the top of the mattress suggest lazy mornings with breakfast in bed.

At the foot of the bed is a unique Carthago sliding wall with TV mounting, while under the bed are two large drawers, plus cupboards for folded clothing.

The stylish toilet compartment is fitted with a clever second door, so it can always be kept private, even when the main door is used to separate off the rear en suite. There’s no shortage of shoulder-room in the shower, either, and it comes with twin drains and a hanging rail for soggy garments.

Of course, the C-line has a double floor that’s up to 70cm deep and incorporates storage and servicing hatches in the living area floor. A huge basement stowage area can be found just inside the door, while other trapdoors reveal the 170-litre fresh and 140-litre waste water tanks.

And, as you tour the exterior and discover the new rear-end styling, you’ll also see the garage which is 1.11m high and 1.20m wide inside, with a capacity to carry up to 350kg.

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