Carado I 449

Berths: 4/5 Travel seats: 4/5 Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato Gross weight: 3,500kg Payload: 545kg

As well as launching its very first van conversions (the Vlow range), Carado has revealed its first ever A-class motorhomes for the 2018 season.

There are two models in the new range – the I 447 and the I 449 – both of which are 7.43m long.

The only difference between the two is in the rear bedroom, where the I 447 has twin single beds, while the I 449 has an island double.

Both models also have the usual A-class drop-down double bed above the cab (measuring a generous 2.00m by 1.50m according to its makers). Also offered is an optional single bed (2.10m by 0.65m) that can be made up from the lounge seating.

Both of the new I models are based on the licence-friendly 3.5-tonne 130bhp Fiat Ducato. The quoted payload for either is 545kg in standard trim, though adding options and packs will erode this.

As well as specifying UK vehicles with extras, including an oven, as standard, Carado offers options packages, without which you’re unlikely to see right-hand drive examples. Travelworld (the exclusively Erwin Hymer Group dealership in Telford), for example, has added the Basic Package, as well as airbags, cab air-con and carpets, to all of its Carado A-class stock.

Other options include the Chassis Package, consisting of ESP including Traction+, cruise control and more. Then, alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel and gearknob and an instrument panel with chrome ringed dials are all part of the Chassis Comfort Package. Lastly, the Carado Emotion Package adds side walls in Champagne metallic and special exterior graphics to completely eradicate that entry-level look.

While the exterior may be quite distinctive, if rather square, the interior feels familiar if you’ve ever spent time in one of the brand’s coachbuilts. It adopts a typical island bed floorplan, too.

The cab has captain’s chairs (with integral seatbelts) which turn to face an L-shaped lounge with single inward-facing seat forward of the windowless habitation door on the offside. The fixed table swivels, while a fabric storage pocket is fitted in place of glazing behind the side-facing seat.

There’s a small step down into the galley area where a full-width, two-door fridge/freezer with TV station above sits opposite the compact L-shaped galley, which lacks worktop. A low-level oven/grill features here, while white cupboard doors (and duo-tone wood/white lockers above) create a contemporary feel.

The floor level rises again as you enter the rear en suite bedroom with shower cubicle on the offside and toilet room (with unusual floor-to-ceiling storage unit) on the nearside. The bed claims dimensions of 1.95m by 1.50m and is squarer in shape than most, while reading lights are mounted above the head and wardrobes sit on either side. The toilet room door can close off the whole bedroom/bathroom from the front of the vehicle and, as the door is white, it doesn’t leave you looking at a wall of wood.

Already we are hearing that these new A-classes will be in very limited supply in their first season, so, if you’re looking for an affordable integrated model, don’t delay.

If you enjoyed this review, you can read more in the December 2017/January 2018 issue of What Motorhome magazine.

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