When I saw the first class of Winnebagos designed by Apollo for the New Zealand market, I could see at a glance the generational smart thinking which has made the Winnebago name synonymous with motorhomes since the 1950s.
It’s obvious from the outset that designing specifically to meet the needs of the Australian and New Zealand markets has been at the forefront of the brief.
We looked at the C-Class – a four berth maven of a haven which oozes class and quality and a sense of space – even before you deploy the slide-out. In part, the spacious feel can be attributed to the single floor extending throughout; although it’s also down to the overall open plan design of the vehicle. Throw in the classy combination of white and wood and you’ve achieved a winning Winnebago.
No surprises, then, that the Whitehaven sits at the top of the range. And, yes, the leather seats certainly continue the theme of an obviously high standard of style and quality. This is a vehicle for the discerning owner. It’s ideal for a couple, but if you wanted to take along some friends or family, there’s room for all aboard this spaceship which has seatbelts for four and a Luton bed.
I love the cafe-style seating (opposite the galley) which forms part of the slide-out. The other fixture in the slide-out is the generous bed, separated from the galley by a classy piece of curved panelling. Curves are an oft-used motif in this vehicle and their use lends a slightly nautical air to the design. They certainly reinforce the notion of quality craftsmanship.
In the main area, light from the two roof hatches floods the interior, despite the windows being on the small side. At night, thoughtfully placed LED lights would leave nothing to be desired. The LED lit handrail in the stairwell is typically thoughtfully contrived. Blinds, pelmets, curtains all add to the mix, creating a seamless day-to-night transformation that will instantly offer a cosy and warm home away from home.
Now to the nuts and bolts. The Whitehaven is built on a Fiat Ducato base with six-speed automatic three-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine with multijet power. The vehicle is well-equipped with a raft of safety assurance extras like antilock braking system (ABS), electronic stability (ESP), a traction control system (TCS), and electric brake force distribution (EBD).
Construction comprises marine grade fibreglass walks with gel-coat finish sitting on top of a hot dip galvanised steel Al–Ko chassis. A factory-fitted tow-ball is included, along with a bike rack so you can go anywhere with all the toys.
And when you get there, wind out the topper awning, drop down the external table and crank up your BBQ, plugged into the thoughtfully placed external bayonet. Should you desire, a key lock outdoor shower awaits – powered, of course, by the pressurised system throughout.
Ah, the luxury…
Review: Carado T449
Can an ex-rental motorhome continue to provide years and many kilometres of hassle-free mobile living after it migrates from the public sector into private ownership? Of course, it can, says MCD’s Paul Owen.
