Mobilvetta K-Yacht 80 A-class motorhome

Two lounge areas and a UK-handed layout

Words & photos: Peter Vaughan

The Mobilvetta K-Yacht 80 A-class motorhome

You won’t mistake a K-Yacht for any other A-class – these Italian models definitely have a look all of their own. There are five layouts in the range, including a compact model and two with rear lounges – thank importer, Marquis Leisure, for that UK-friendly approach (which also includes approval by the National Caravan Council). And the built-for-Britain angle goes further as these are amongst the very few A-class motorhomes available with the doors (both habitation and cab) on the UK side. 

That is, perhaps, most relevant in the cab as the driver can hop out without shuffling past a front seat passenger. As you’d expect from Marquis, the spec list is long and the options list short – in fact, apart from dealer-fit items such as awnings, it’s non-existent. 

What’s included

As with every K-Yacht, the 80 even gets Fiat’s nine-speed automatic as standard, along with the 160bhp engine (which will be superseded by the 180bhp motor once stocks of the  former run out). It’s built on a 4,400kg chassis, too, so the payload is generous at over a tonne.

Meanwhile, chassis spec also includes alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel, ESP, cruise control, Traction Plus, Hill Assist and Hill Descent Control, Crosswind Assist, automatic air-conditioning, an electric parking brake, Zenec DAB radio and sat-nav, and a reversing camera.

The exterior

Externally, there’s a barbecue point and 120W solar panel, plus storage at the rear that’s accessible from either side. Stretching under the end lounge, this area (with a maximum height of 570mm) is not a full garage but it’s a useful space for outdoor furniture and the like. An external shower and 230V socket are fitted here, too.

The interior

Inside, there’s not just a lounge in the stern but one up front that takes advantage of the full-width A-class cab and panoramic windscreen, as well as the swivelling captain’s chairs. The table is fixed, lighting is plentiful and three or four folk could dine here comfortably. 

Above is the typical, manually operated drop-down bed. It measures 1.89m by 1.30m and has a single reading lamp on the offside but no roof vent. 

Unusually, the K-Yacht 80 also has a second drop-down bed at the rear and this one is electrically controlled. It’s not dissimilar in size (1.85m by 1.34m) and has an LED strip light on the nearside as well as a large rooflight but it’s a shame it doesn’t come down lower for easier access and greater headroom. 

Open storage pockets on the back wall are a useful addition for night-time knick-knacks.

The kitchen

The central kitchen, along the nearside, has a modern Thetford cooker with two gas burners and one induction ring powered by mains 230V. Then, under the sink (with its split cover) is a Thetford Duplex combined oven and grill. 

Cabinets have a striking gloss, duo-tone finish with chrome handles and the galley is completed by a tall fridge (Thetford again) with 141-litre capacity and a bottle drawer.

The rear lounge

The reason to buy this model, though, will be the rear lounge, which eschews the usual U-shape for an L-settee and a sideboard that incorporates a pop-up TV bracket. Triple aspect glazing here adds to the appeal but the sofa suits feet-up lounging best as it’s a tad high off the floor. 

The washroom

Finally, the washroom is on the offside and includes all its facilities in one zone. It’s not a big space but it is strikingly appointed with yacht-like wall panelling, a backlit shower tower and large mirrors. A swing-wall feature creates a generous shower compartment with twin drains in the floor. 

Don’t forget, too, that the K-Yacht comes with part faux leather upholstery and Alde central heating as standard.

Where to buy

The Mobilvetta range is imported to the UK by a sister company from the Trigano Group, Marquis Leisure, which has 13 outlets around England. Marquis branches can be found in Lancashire, Northants, Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Dorset, Devon (Exeter and Plymouth), Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey, Suffolk, South Yorkshire and County Durham. 

In Scotland, Mobilvetta motorhomes are also sold by The Motorhome Company in Perthshire.