From Carthago’s other brand comes a single bed model that’s one of the best
IF you’re looking for a top-notch German ’van, Carthago is a name that’s sure to be on your list. But what about its other brand, Malibu? Malibu’s range isn’t as bewildering as its rivals, with just four layouts, each offered as a low-profile or A-class. This is the longest of three single bed models, priced from under £85k. But add the near-£9k Touring Pack, then tick a few more essential options, and you’ll soon reach £110,000.
All Malibus are Fiat-based and, while it’s possible to order any of the range with a 3,500kg gross weight, most will want the Heavy chassis, rated at 4,250kg, giving over a tonne of payload.
Storage is plentiful, with a large rear garage (1.19m high) and chassis rails extending under its floor. There’s no spare wheel but the garage can accommodate up to 250kg. More carrying capacity is found in the deep double floor.
At this price point you’d expect the framed windows, while the habitation door (62cm wide) closes with a satisfying ‘thunk’. But if you want the central locking, it’s £310 extra. And, because the external step pops straight out, there’s a larger-than-some first step of 34cm into the ’van. Then, just inside the entrance is the biggest of the internal flaps for access into the double floor. The waste drain is also operated from here (where it won’t freeze) and the tanks themselves (125 litres fresh, 90 litres grey) are inboard.
Inside, there’s a choice of five no-cost upholstery options, as well as part or full leather. The layout holds no surprises, with a typically continental lounge, split ablutions and high single beds above the garage, but its execution is anything but run of the mill. In the lounge, there’s good headroom (1.93m) but what’s more noticeable is that this extends well into the cab, where large cupboards are fitted in front of and to the sides of the Skyview sunroof (a £1,230 option), which is almost horizontal. The second rooflight over the lounge is the wind-up type and artificial illumination is excellent, too.
The lounge is super-comfortable, with a well-judged seat height and supportively shaped backrests. A flat floor all the way from the cab to the rear bedroom is a further plus, but the table seems overly large. The TV pops up manually from behind the single offside seat.
The oven, like the telly, is fitted at a far more sensible height than in many rivals. As standard, though, you only get a three-burner hob. Alongside is a circular sink with split lid, the larger part creating a useful servi
