Full review

Since the bold new look adopted by Niesmann’s Arto in 2013 (and the Iveco-based Flair a year later), the company has not looked back and demand continues to exceed (cautiously increased) supply. Still looking as fresh as it did then, the Arto has gently evolved over the past six years and, for this model year, the emphasis is on even more choice.

The addition of Modern Line Verade Oak furniture (shown here, with its paler wood and a new grey floor) is the first major internal change since 2012, but the previous Classic Line Mali Acacia cabinetwork remains available. You can also choose from matt or gloss white locker doors or a wood finish at no extra cost.

Niesmann claims over 500 possible combinations of interior design and equipment options. New grey and green fabrics have been added, as well as brown leather. There are now six seat base cushion options, mated to 12 different backrest fabrics and two alternative backrest styles, called Kiss and Cloud.

New Black Star genuine slate can be fitted in the entrance area and behind the bathroom’s basin, while, in addition to N+B’s famous Green Grass option, there is now an ambient lighting package with reed-effect finish (available for the divider door and bed headboard).

There’s a new kitchen design, too, with a lighter mineral worktop option and gloss black window surround. And the Tec-Tower is now the very latest Series 10 model with fridge and freezer doors which can be opened from either side. But it’s not just about customising the interior to suit your own whims and taste, as the 2019 Arto can be specified with highlights on the outside in Green Elox, Champagne Matt, Lava Orange, Miami Blue or Carbon Optics (all Porsche colours). Or you can have the whole body in Pure Metal Silver.

There are now 13 layouts to choose from, with the 88 LF being one of two new models. With the spacious bathroom featuring a large ‘spa’ shower (as previously only available in the Flair) with new black duckboard and shower column, the ablutions are a key USP of the model.

Between the en suite and the bedroom is a solid wood sliding door, while the island bed on the other side is now wider – 1.50m instead of the previous 1.40m. This has been made possible by removing the wardrobes from the usual corner locations alongside the bed, which also creates a more spacious feel when you’re actually under the duvet. There’s still a wardrobe forward of the bedroom, opposite the shower, as well as plenty of eye-level cupboards in the bedroom and new coat hooks for jackets and bags.

Of course, all the previous Arto features remain. All models use an Al-Ko chassis (tag-axle for the 88 LF) and the location of the water tanks and batteries is designed to keep the centre of gravity as low as possible and the handling as stable as it can be. N+B even reinforces the low-frame chassis with additional crossbars and struts for optimum rigidity. Hill start assist, an electronic limited slip differential, bus-type mirrors and LED daytime running lights are all standard, while optional SKA captain’s chairs ensure driver comfort. LED headlights offering brighter light are now optional.

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