The smallest model in Malibu’s Van range could be one of the best
Words & pictures ❚ Peter Vaughan
Often, size and price bear no relation to each other. A premium-spec campervan, like this Malibu, can cost more than a six-berth coachbuilt motorhome. But is smaller actually better?
Well, it can be, so is the smallest ’van in the whole Malibu range also the best? That’s what we hoped to find out.
We’ve been impressed with Malibu Van models before, of course – most recently with the Diversity 600 DB K. But this Compact 540 DB takes that same fixed transverse rear bed format and squeezes it into well over half-a-metre less bodywork, so is that a compromise too far?
The benefits are obvious. Less length means the baby Malibu is a little lighter and a little less expensive but also, more importantly, more manoeuvrable and easier to park. At just 5.41m long, the medium-wheelbase Fiat Ducato is similar in size to the long versions of smaller panel vans, such as the Ford Transit Custom and Renault Trafic.
On the road, you won’t notice a difference with the shorter van – not until you take a wrong turn and need to do a three-point turn, or you have to squeeze into a parking space that was probably designed for a Morris Minor. The rest of the time it’s the same recipe: ultra-firm ride for great stability and surefooted handling, sharp steering, and adequate performance from the standard 140bhp diesel motor. The same cab, too, with a high seating position and limited adjustment on the steering wheel, but it’s the hard plastics and ageing fascia design that date the Ducato these days.
This one has height adjustment on both cab seats (which are also reupholstered in the same London trim as the living area – one of five standard fabrics, with an additional six extra-cost options to choose from). That, along with a 90-litre fuel tank, parking sensors, wiring and speakers for the radio, electric/heated mirrors and cab blinds, is all part of the Chassis Package. Then there’s the leather steering wheel, which joins the gloss black grille and colour-coded bumpers in the Style Package. These packs, and the Main Cabin Package, are effectively standard spec, at least in the UK, so the on-the-road starting price for this smallest Malibu should be considered to be £71,430.
It doesn’t stop there in the case of our test ’van, supplied by one of the newest additions to Malibu’s dealer network, Choose Leisure, near Canterbury. Few will want to forgo the alloy wheels (£7
