The chic c-line range has been one of Carthago’s least pricey ranges – although none of its vehicles are cheap – for nigh-on two decades now.

For 2022 the range has been given a facelift, so we went to check out the new look on its fixed-single bed A-class model, the I 4.9 Le L Superior.

Carthago has remodelled the front profile for this season. For models with Superior spec, such as this one, that means that, along with alloy wheels, you get an impressive looking front grille with horizontal and vertical bars.

Mercedes dashboard looks smartly finished and is well facilitated
Mercedes dashboard looks smartly finished and is well facilitated

Although chic c-lines are built on a low Al-Ko chassis, it is the heavy chassis with an MTPLM of 4500kg, so you will need the right driving licence.

If you do, you can look forward to a motorhome with a huge garage at the back featuring a weight limit of 350kg, so plenty big enough for a scooter. Our test model also included an outdoor shower, which is a £270 option.

The Mercedes cab is very sleek with five drinks holders and two levels of ambient lighting. Both cab seats are fitted out in the same material as the front lounge, although we found the driver’s side seat a little tricky to swivel.

Cab seats swivel to create a comfortable lounge based around a central table
Cab seats swivel to create a comfortable lounge based around a central table

The lounge is comfy with two travel seats included as part of the L-shaped dinette seat, and a side settee that’s large enough to allow you to be comfortable for several hours. An optional TV slides out behind this, and the selection of LEDs under the lockers and the drop-down bed keep things bright at night.

Kitchen is stylish and compact, with a smart three-burner hob and curved edges
Kitchen is stylish and compact, with a smart three-burner hob and curved edges

The kitchen is well lit, and ventilated by an Omnivent. Although there’s only a three-burner gas-only hob, it does have a split cover to maximise workspace. There’s also a large sink with a tap you can pull out to use as a spray. It has a cover that fits into a notch above to create another base for food preparation. In contrast, the oven here is only a combined Duplex model. But you do get a two-way opening fridge with a separate freezer.

You have a choice of three arrangements with the central -washroom layout. You can keep the passageway central aisle open, or you can close both partition doors to create a larger than average central washroom-cum-dressing room; you can also seal off the whole of the rear of the van, creating an ensuite.

Drop-down bed over the cab is a good size and well lit
Drop-down bed over the cab is a good size and well lit

The shower has two drainage holes, a huge rack for gels and shampoos, and is well lit with a roof vent. The washroom area opposite has mirrors all around, two toothbrush mug holders, a soap dispenser and towel rail.

The two fixed beds at the back are comfortable and long – both are 1.96m. Their top ends can be raised to create a daybed. You can also slide the steps forward to create more of a double bed. Superior spec models such as this include a slide-out slot for a second TV that you can have installed if you go for the £1260 sleeping area TV package.

The good-sized drop-down bed over the cab, meanwhile, is manual only.

When it comes to storage you are rather blessed, thanks to the 70cm-deep double floor. Even better, there are multiple access flaps in the lounge, allowing you to reach straight through to that huge area underneath.

That’s just as well, because the overhead lockers are rather poky. The rear bedroom includes six overhead lockers, corner shelving, and two wardrobes with hanging rails under the bed. There are also cubby-holes under the steps.

Plenty of storage space behind the mirrors in the washroom
Plenty of storage space behind the mirrors in the washroom

The kitchen includes a large overhead locker, three drawers under the sink, a drawer with bins under the oven, a further drawer under the fridge and a spice shelf next to that.

Where lockers in other ‘vans may slam shut or clatter, however, here they just clunk into place – one of many touches that reflect the sense of luxury in this motorhome.

PRACTICAL MOTORHOME SAYS…

Beds at the rear have a huge amount of overhead storage, and the heads can be raised
Beds at the rear have a huge amount of overhead storage, and the heads can be raised

Carthago has a really strong reputation for quality, and this seriously well-though-out motorhome is beautifully fitted and finished. The Carthago Chic C-Line I 4.9 Le L Superior comes at a serious price, too, once you add in the various tempting options – but you aren’t likely to find a specification higher than this in a mass-production model, or a double-floor that useful.

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