Knaus Sky Wave 700 MEG
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Description
Prices from: £57,995 Price as tested: £57,995 Berths: 6 Travel seats: 4 Type Approval: European Whole Vehicle
Key Features
Model Year
2013
Product Class
Low Profile
Product Model Base
Fiat Ducato
Price from (£)
£57995
Length (m)
7.47
Berths
6
Belted seats
4
Main Layout
Fixed Single Bed
Full Review
Not that long ago, getting fixed beds for four into a coachbuilt motorhome meant you had to go long, possibly adding an axle along the way, add an overbearing overcab or fork out for an expensive A-class. Then came the phenomenon of the low-profle with a drop-down bed, a class which Knaus has only now brought belatedly to the UK.
The Sky Wave 700 MEG, at 7.47m isn't going to fit into anyone's definition of a compact motorhome but it does have just two axles and is a genuine low profile at just 2.80m high.Of course, the drop-down bed features in the Sky Wave's make up, as it does in all four models in the range. A drop-down bed keeps the roofline low and is almost as good as fixed since it's so quick to deploy.
The overhead illustration of the 700 MEG's layout in the brochure looks rather cramped, particularly when compared with the shorter, French-bed fitted 650 MF. Happily in reality there is far more space, light and height than the brochure portrays.
The Lounge
The lounge area has seating for six when the cab seats are swivelled. The wobble-free table has an extending leaf that makes plenty of room for four diners. A skylight above and windows either side, combined with light fabrics combine to create an open, airy space with plenty of room.
A sliding window gives the rear passengers a breath of fresh air.
The Kitchen
Just behind the lounge, with it's own dedicated window, skylight and LED strip lighting is the kitchen.
Fantastiic storage is abundant throughout with regular soft-close drawers and cupboards complimented by super--practical pull-out wire racking systems.
The P-shaped design of the worktop and main kitchen units provides space for someone to cook and room enough for others to get past without squeezing.
Worktop space is limited but the burners-in-line hob frees up some space, while more extravagant cooks will need to involve the kitchen table for a little more space.
The sink is actually noteworthy, a broad, deep bowl, well beyong the tokenism of many motorhome sinks, you could actually do some washing up in it.
A no-cost option here is to sacrifice the 190-litre fridge/freezer for a smaller 110-litre model. This gives you an oven/grill though.
The Washroom
The Sky Wave's washroom is genuinely big enough to cope with it's full sleeping capacity. The sliding basin which moves to the right when the shower isn't in use, is an especially neat design feature that opens up the low-lipped shower base as extra floor space.
Sleeping Area
The 700 MEG features two fixed single beds at the back. There's storage above and below and an access panel to the garage area that sits beneath the rear portion of the beds.
Despite their raised position, there is still 0.80m of headroom above each bed, though cupboards make sitting up to read difficult.
The drop-down double bed, which comes down easily from the ceiling with a firm tug is larger than a standard double at 1.91m long by 1.40m wide and is a pleasure to sleep on.
The bed in the lounge is made up of cushions and surprisingly very easy to put together, as well as being comfortable to sleep on.
Storage
Outside, the sole garage door opens to reveal a huge (2.19m by 0.87m by 1.13m) storage area.
It's big enough for bags, bikes and all the necessary 'big' stuff that a decent camping trip entails. Knaus also fits what it calls a Service Box. It's an all-in-one portal for electric hook-up, fresh water fillin and drainage taps for waste and fresh tanks, though it doesn't go as far as Frankia's system with electric lead and water hoses already attached on wheels.
To read the review in full, order a digital copy of July 2013 Which Motorhome here.
Our Verdict
A high-quality, well-laid out motorhome with plenty of modern touches. The layout works for family camping trips and couples who occasionally take kids or friends.
Advantages
Instant beds for four
Stylish design inside and out
Sliding washbasin
Build quality
Service Box
Well planned kitchen storage
Choice of oven or bigger fridge
Disadvantages
Only 85Ah leisure battery
Fixed lights on nearside only for drop-down bed
