Picking the best motorhome for your travels isn’t always an easy proposition. There’s a wide selection of ‘vans on the market to choose from, all with different pros and cons to consider. Luckily, we’re here to help you choose the right motorhome for you! We’re taking a look at the Chausson S514 and the Laika Kosmo 509 – two ‘vans from two popular brands – to see how they compare…
You can also find out more about Chausson, Laika and the other brands out there in our round-up of the best motorhome manufacturers.
The basic spec:
Laika Kosmo 509
- Price: £61,040
- Berth: 2
- MiRO: 2960kg
- Payload: 540kg
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- Shipping length: 7.41m
- Width: 2.33m
Chausson S514
- Price: £46,490
- Berth: 3
- MiRO: 2600kg
- Payload: 900kg
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- Shipping length: 5.99m
- Width: 2.10m
Laika Kosmo 509 vs Chausson S514: Design
The Kosmo 509 is an entry-level van with a lot to offer. It’s based on a Fiat Ducato, and comes with a large garage at the rear, as well as an external BBQ point. A standard Ducato cab follows, with central drinks holders.
The Chausson S514 is a neat low-profile which is only 5.99m long, over a metre shorter than the Kosmo’s 7.41m length. When we saw it, we were impressed by how much is packed in, including a garage, and it’s easy to see how the S514 was the winner of the best motorhome under 6m category at the Practical Motorhome Awards. Its width of only 2.1m will certainly make driving your motorhome down tight roads a less daunting prospect too – in comparison, the Kosmo is 2.33m wide.
Laika Kosmo 509 vs Chausson S514: Lounge
An L-shaped dinette seat is on offer in the Kosmo, along with four travel seats. The table would be able to seat six, should you swivel the cab seats round.
It’s a bright lounge area, with light streaming in through the sunroof, while LEDs can be relied on in the evening.
The Chausson has a sideboard to the right of the door, an unusual move but one that doesn’t impact the legroom for the driver, despite the RHD. This is actually a handy place to put a TV, with the lounge providing a great setting for watching in comfort. If you’re on the lookout for a new television for your ‘van, be sure to take a look at our best motorhome TV guide, where we share our top picks.
During the day, a huge roof light will illuminate the lounge, while a central LED and a strip light under the locker provides evening light. You could also comfortably seat four at the table when it’s extended.
Laika Kosmo 509 vs Chausson S514: Kitchen
An L-shaped kitchen is provided in the Laika model. Motorhome cooking will be a simple affair, thanks to the three-burner gas hob and the Thetford Duplex combined oven and grill. It may be a small area, but a sink cover provides extra space and a slimline fridge is opposite. There will be no lighting issues either, thanks to a large window, Heki and LEDs.
In comparison, the Chausson has no microwave or oven – instead, you’re relying on a two-burner hob. A shelf to the right of the ‘van’s half-height fridge does have a mains socket though, and could potentially be a spot for a microwave.
Laika Kosmo 509 vs Chausson S514: Washroom
The washroom straddles the Kosmo, with the shower located on the nearside and a toilet opposite. This does mean the toilet cassette access point could be inside any awning that you end up using.
While the shower has good headroom and is well ventilated, there is only one partition across the motorhome – and it’s at the front. This means there will be open access between the washroom and bedroom.
We’re very impressed by the washroom in the Chausson, where you can create a shower cubicle by swinging out a partition. This comes with a roof vent, two plugholes and also provides decent headroom.
There’s also a big mirror and narrow, deep handbasin that can be used too.
Laika Kosmo 509 vs Chausson S514: Sleeping
Two fixed single beds are both more than 2m long, allowing you to sleep in comfort in the Kosmo 509 – you also have the option of making a luxurious double by adding in a cushioned panel.
An optional drop-down bed is also available – this is comfortable, but it’s worth noting it can obscure the door.
The Chausson has a rear transverse bed which you access via a ladder. It’s comfortable, although drawing the partition curtain will mean you only get light from a strip light beneath the locker. You can find two USB points here too.
You also get a child-size bed that can be made up with the table and by rearranging the cushions.
Laika Kosmo 509 vs Chausson S514: Storage
The rear beds don’t provide much storage in the Laika – the slats cannot be lifted. However, the lounge comes with three overhead lockers, while double shelves are above the cab. Two additional overhead lockers are found in the back, along with a boot locker by the door and two cubbyholes in the floor. The garage is also a good size – you could easily store two bikes in it.
We’re also very impressed by the washroom storage, where 2 cupboards – one with six shelves and another beneath the sink – offer plenty of options.
Our reviewer noted the Chausson’s garage could “house an upright bicycle, and more besides” – it has the additional benefit of being accessible from in the ‘van, after folding the bed. Doing this would also allow you to reach a hanging wardrobe and a shelved cupboard, while there are two small overhead lockers too.
Overall
We’re very impressed by both of these motorhomes. Perhaps the big deciding factor for you is whether you’d like to have the narrower S514, which could be easier to drive down tight roads, or the Kosmo 509, which has a kitchen with a combined oven / grill. One thing is certain though – both are sure to provide you with a great base for a brilliant touring experience.
You can find out more about both ‘vans by reading our reviews of the Laika Kosmo 509 and the Chausson S514.
If you liked this, why not read these:
- We see how the Adria Compact SC Supreme and the Auto-Sleeper Broadway EL compare
- We take a look at the different types of motorhome layout
- We talk you through motorhome vehicle classes
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