For its 2020 line-up, German manufacturer Knaus will be offering novelties for lovers of A-classes, low-profiles and van conversions. There are also more particular innovations across all new and existing models.
Live gets integrated
The most significant all-new range is the Live I, A-class versions of Knaus’s existing low-profile Live ranges.
Initially, the range includes just two models, the 650 MEG and 700 MEG, both with fixed single beds and available on a Fiat Ducato base with an MTPLM of 3500kg.
With blue, grey and black decals on the exterior, and a panoramic windscreen and U-shaped LED headlights on the front, the optional styling package includes chrome strips on the radiator grille, carbon optical elements and lateral window shades incorporating the Live I logo.
Inside, you get a possible total of four travel seats and a front lounge that can be a standard dinette with an extendable table, or L-shaped seating with a telescopic pedestal table.
There’s LED lighting throughout, white lockers with matte-silver handles, and in the kitchen, a three-burner hob and 142-litre Thetford AES fridge fitted as standard. Optional extras include a 177-litre Dometic 700 MEG fridge and Alde heating.
Boxing higher
The Boxstar van conversion range has been expanded this year with two new models, the 600 STREET XL and 600 LIFETIME XL. Both include a hard high roof, which has sandwich construction sides for extra insulation, designed to help rainwater run off.
The roof also includes skylights and incorporates any air-con or TV satellite within its structure, so the overall height is only slightly greater than that of conventional models. Inside is the new ComfortSlide bed, designed to be pushed easily into position. The 600 LIFETIME XL has four berths in total.
Going platinum
For 2020, the Sky TI low-profile range is available as a Platinum Selection special edition.
Along with silver effects on the exterior, this gets you cab seats that swivel, a height-adjustable passenger seat with airbag, cab air-con, cruise control, sat nav, a DAB+ radio and electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors.
In the living area, there’s a flyscreen on the door, exclusive Platinum Selection upholstery and a special Cosy Home package, which includes decorative cushions and pillows, bed linen, a table runner and ambient lighting. There’s also an electrically operated step for the habitation entrance and a Truma iNet system.
All in the details
This year, Knaus is fitting a BWT water filter and softening system as standard to all of its vehicles, as well as a battery-charging converter.
As an optional extra, you can also get an ‘e.hit’ rear carrier for your camper or motorhome, which fits via a removable trailer coupling directly to the chassis and swings out at the touch of a button.
With indicator lights that connect to the vehicle’s electrics, you can attach an ‘e.carry’ bike carrier to hold two bikes (maximum weight 83kg), or the ‘e.box’, a 320-litre weather-resistant and lockable transport box.
Weinsberg
Budget brand Weinsberg introduces its first A-class for the 2020 season. Its CaraCompact and CaraCompact Pepper Edition ranges have also been given a new look inside and out.
The A-class, the CaraCore, is based on the Fiat Ducato and available in three layouts – the 650 MF, with a French bed, and the 650 and 700 MEG, both with fixed single beds.
The white-framed windscreen, contrasting edging to headlights and radiator grille, and full LED lighting are standard, with 17-inch alloys an option.
The 2.18m interior has four travel seats, LEDs throughout, and a kitchen with a 142-litre AES fridge and three-burner hob. Alde heating is an option.
More in the hood
CaraCompact and CaraCompact Pepper Edition low-profiles have been given a new exterior, with a roof hood made from lightweight long-fibre injection polyurethane. They also now come with full LED lighting on the rear. The Malabar upholstery includes brown imitation leather, beige fabric and copper-coloured scatter cushions.
For 2020, the 600 MG model has been discontinued, to be replaced by the 600 MF with a French bed that is more than 2m long and a bench toilet in the washroom, for easier cleaning. The bed in the 600 MEG model is now more than 2m long.
Our pick: Knaus Boxstar 600 Lifetime XL
A van conversion that provides four comfortable beds, and so much headroom that even the tallest person won’t have to duck their head, really is something to be admired. With great use of windows and rooflights, the roof spaces in the 600 Lifetime XL aren’t too poky, either.
This year, Knaus is fitting a BWT water filter and softening system as standard to all of its vehicles, as well as a battery-charging converter