One-of-a-kind Tourer CUV gets a second layout
ONE of the most radical and innovative novelties of the 2023 launch season was the Knaus Tourer CUV – a compact coachbuilt motorhome with a pop-top roof in the style of a campervan. Now, for 2024, there’s a second layout for this VW T6.1-based vehicle, the 500 LT.
Once again, Knaus is calling this model a CUV (Caravanning Utility Vehicle) and says it combines the best of two worlds. With its elevating roof, the Tourer CUV is described as manoeuvrable and compact like a small campervan, with a low overall height that’s less wind resistant, improving fuel economy. But on site, the pop-top gives full standing height of 2.17m, with the roof operated electrically via a remote control, increasing headroom by 70cm.
The new 500 LT layout has a total length of just under 5.9m, and a maximum gross weight of 3,200kg (optionally 3,500kg). It can sleep up to four if the optional ‘slide bed’ in the front is ordered and has four travel seats. Its floorplan includes a face-to-face lounge at the front, while the side kitchen features a two-burner hob, a sink and a 90-litre compressor fridge. There’s a swing-wall bathroom, too, and a large external door on the left-hand side, measuring 1.48m by 0.43m, for access to the external storage. Heating is provided by a Combi 4 diesel heater, installed under the floor to save space.
The Tourer CUV is based on a VW T6.1 chassis-cab, with a 110bhp engine and six-speed manual transmission. More powerful engines and a sevenspeed dual-clutch automatic transmission are also optionally available.
The new Tourer CUV is also offered in CUVision spec with an Ascot Grey cab, 150PS motor and DSG gearbox, 17in alloy wheels, LED headlights, air-conditioning, heated front seats, reversing camera, Discover Media sat-nav and an inductive charging station for smartphones. The CUVision also has a raft of safety systems, including emergency brake assistance, adaptive cruise control, drowsiness detection and multi-collision braking.
UPDATED CRAFTERS
For 2024, the two VW Crafter-based Van TI Plus low-profile models receive extensive measures to make them lighter, including lightweight furniture, the switch to a compressor refrigerator and a compact diesel heater. There’s a more powerful lithium-ion battery, too, which alone saves 12kg. The highlight, however, is the floor, which is 10cm thicker but around 10kg lighter and, due to its higher insulation values, further improves winterisation. Overall, the 2024 models weigh around 75kg less.
Both layouts (650 MEG with single beds and 700 LF with a French bed)
