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outandaboutlive.co.uk
Hymer has been busy on its 2015 range,
with the launch of the much improved
B-Class and campervans and a lot of
behind-the-scenes work to reduce weight.
But the highlight among the new arrivals
from Hymer is the new PremiumLine B-Class
(pictured) which will cost £5,000 more than
the standard model, but it is expected
to gradually replace the ‘ordinary’ B. The
PremiumLine comes with a higher spec cab,
142-litre slim tower fridge, 160-litre fresh and
140-litre waste water tanks, heated double
floor and an electric waste water valve.
A brief drive in the B704 PremiumLine was
enough to show how Hymer leads the way
in quiet A-class travel, with no rattles
and subdued engine noise. Inside
you’ll see the comfortable, shapely
lounge with its round (extendable)
table and the leather kick panels
on the base of the settee. But it’s
the galley that makes the biggest
impression, with its Corian worktops
and big, silver, soft-close drawers with
broad chrome handles.
Hymer has also been active on the
campervan front with the launch of its
redesigned Grand Canyon (LWB) and
Yellowstone (XLWB). These Fiat-based high-
tops sport the classic fixed bed
formula with refreshingly modern
execution, taking cues from the
smaller HymerCar models.
Hymer is also increasing
its successful focus on width
and weight. Currently, 65% of its
coachbuilts are under 3.5 tonnes but it
expects this to rise to 90% by 2017.
If you like your motorhomes XL-sized,
then look out for the new additions to the
tag-axle B-SL range. The 878 is 33cm longer
than the existing 778 and incorporates a
larger lounge – perfect for the UK.
Much more unusual is the DuoMobil. This
7.79m Fiat Al-Ko A-class is built to B-SL
specification, so expect a price north of
£100k, but with its huge wrap-around rear
lounge and drop-down single beds in the
cab, there’s nothing else like it in the sector.
As standard it will come on a 4.5-tonne
chassis, although a 4.8-tonne option is likely.
Like many manufacturers, Knaus has
been working to reduce the weight of its
motorhomes for the coming year.
Its Sun TI range of low-profiles, for
example, gets lightweight furniture, floor and
walls, while a weight reduction of 175kg is
claimed for the family-sized Sky Traveller
650 DG.
Innovation is always at the fore at Knaus
and this year sees the arrival of new sliding
washbasins and shower-creating swing walls
in washrooms.
Other changes for 2015 include the loss
of three models: the Van Ti 600 MG and the
same-layout, Sky Ti 600 MG, both of which
are compact low-profile with rear transverse
bed, and the Sky Traveller 60 D Front lounge,
which featured a rear kitchen/bathroom.
The five-model Sun TI range keeps the
same selection of layouts – French, singles,
transverse double and island double beds –
but model suffix letters change.
All still come as standard with half-dinette
lounges with the option of an L-shape sofa.
The other news for 2015 from this well
respected German manufacturer centres
around its van conversions, with the
2Be available in both medium and long-
wheelbase versions.
The medium-wheelbase Road 2Be
provides the familiar layout of transverse
double bed in the rear, but it’s up front where
things get a little more interesting.
Instead of the oft-found half-dinette
lounge, the cab seats swivel to face a
‘dresser’ unit.
This side-mounted affair provides drawers
in its base and a swing-out table, that serves
the cab chairs when in camping mode.
The long-wheelbase Lifetime 2Be offers
the same thing, but has twin single beds aft.
Both campervans feature kitchens with
three-in-line hobs and raised circular sinks;
bathrooms with in-aisle showers and fixed
washbasins.
Furniture remains much the same,
although dark coloured surfaces have been
changed for a lighter material. Fabrics have
gone the other way and now include darker
coloured panels in seats.
Read more about Hymer’s exciting range of
2015 motorhomes on page 33
Hymer’s new 2015 PremiumLine A-class
Knaus has been working to
reduce weight across its range for 2015
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