Full review

Laika launched its new Ecovip 100 range at the Stuttgart CMT show in January of this year.

These are vehicles characterised by relatively compact size and featuring what Laika describes as, “an elegant look, offering liveability and impressive comfort.”

This latest motorhome review has been brought to you by the experts at What Motorhome magazine.

The Ecovip 109 has an external height of just 2.80 metres and is less than seven metres long, so Laika hopes that even first-time motorhome owners should be at ease driving it.

But despite these reasonably modest dimensions, the company says that there have been no compromises in terms of interior space. In fact, the latest Ecovip boasts a generous interior headroom of 2.05m and an internal width of 2.17m.

It also features typically smart Italian interior design (including duo-tone furniture) and berths for up to five people to sleep.

Family travel is made possible by the front lounge converting into a bed and the optional electric drop-down bed in the ceiling above, as well as the possibility of creating a triple berth by filling the area between the two rear singles to create a huge lengthways mattress. Four travel seats are standard, with a fifth belted position as an option.

The new model also maximises storage space, including an ample garage with enough room even for a motorbike.

Customisation of the Ecovip is possible via numerous options, such as the drop-down bed over the lounge area with its specially positioned TV, the possibility of fitting a gas oven (a must-have for most UK customers) and a window in the bathroom.

The Ecovip 109 is based on the Fiat Ducato 35 Light chassis (gross weight 3,500kg), with a 130-horsepower, Euro VI, Multijet engine as standard.

Inside the 6.99m body, you’ll find a front lounge with room for five diners. As well as the two swivel cab seats, there’s an L-settee on the nearside and a small inward-facing seat sandwiched between the cab and the habitation door on the offside.

In addition to the generous internal headroom, the new Laika caters for taller motorhome buyers with extra-long rear beds – the nearside bed is claimed to be over 2m long, while the offside bed measures a still-above-average 1.92m. Privacy is ensured by the pleated curtain which separates the living area from the bedroom area.

Heating and hot water is provided by the ubiquitous Truma Combi 4 (with the gas/electric version as a UK-friendly option). More surprising is the fitment of two wardrobes – one in the bedroom area, another beneath the rear bed. Meanwhile, the kitchen includes a 140-litre fridge as standard.

The new Ecovip 100 range will also include a second model from the outset, the Ecovip 112, which is a 6.59-metre low-profile coachbuilt with an island bed and rear garage.

If you enjoyed this review, you can read the full version and more in the June 2017 issue of What Motorhome magazine.

You can get a digital version of this latest issue of What Motorhome magazine here.