Everything seemed to indicate that the love for leisure vehicles would decrease after the pandemic and would remain a passing fad, a consequence of months of confinement in our homes. Supply chain problems, factory closures and delivery delays have taken their toll on brands, but the success of the 36th Barcelona International Caravaning Show highlights a recovery in the making.
Once again, this biannual meeting in Barcelona has become the most important fair at the national level, but it is also an ideal space to share unforgettable moments with the family. During the weekends, the Carvaning Kids space has been very well received by families, who then regained their strength at the Gastrovaning to continue learning about the latest news.
There have been more than 150 exhibitors in the 35,000 square meters of Salón del Carvaning, an edition that ends today and that will surely break all records. Nobody wants to miss the event and the brands came with their entire arsenal, making a total of 1,000 vehicles for sale available to future buyers. Models among which were authentic firsts that we review in this article.
The most unexpected first of the show was the launch of a renewed Nissan camper range, which had said goodbye to the segment when the NV300 and NV200 disappeared. With its new Primastar and Townstar it no longer has any excuses, so the Japanese firm returns to the fray with the Ventus Luxury 3.0 and MID models.
The first level of finish is the most complete, which makes the Primastar Ventus Luxury 3.0 a direct rival to alternatives such as the Volkswagen California, with a side cabinet in which we find a kitchen, refrigerator, sink and cabinets. The MID model, on the other hand, is a slight camperization that allows the cost to be significantly reduced through a piece of furniture that transforms the seats into a bed and installs cabinets in the rear area.
The Slovenian firm’s commitment to large-volume campers is definitive and now has a new top-of-the-range version, built on the MAN TGE. The Twin Max will be available in the 680 SGX (with electric folding bed) and 680 SLB (with twin beds) configurations, both with a clear evolution in their design, equipment and the rotating bath solution to provide more shower space.
They will measure from 5.99 m long to 6.84 meters, but will not exceed the maximum weight allowed for the B driving license. The engine in the range will be the 2.0 turbodiesel, with 140 HP or 177 HP and a 6-speed manual transmission. speeds or 8-speed automatic. They also incorporate the latest advances in security systems and Adria’s Thermo-build standards climate protection, which allows you to live from -40º to 60º in temperature, with a humidity of 45 to 80%.
Barcelona is an important event for the brand, which has also presented its latest novelty in the integral segment. Measuring 7.83 m long by 2.30 m wide and 2.95 m high, this luxury “little house” moves on a Mercedes-Benz chassis with a 170 HP engine and 9G Tronic automatic transmission.
The quality in the technological section of driving, with a 10.25-inch central screen and rear camera, is also transferred to a perfectly designed cabin. Warm tones and noble materials for a room that welcomes you with open arms to travel to the end of the world. An adventure more than possible thanks to its autonomy, with 150-liter water tanks, a kitchen equipped with everything you need and bathrooms that remind us of those of a five-star hotel.
The Aviva Lite offers just the opposite, a caravan of tiny dimensions but infinite opportunities. This minimalist concept offers, for less than 20,000 euros, a home with wheels for four people. Measuring only 5.48 meters long by 2.09 meters wide, this small caravan can be driven without the need for a towing license.
The Laika Kosmo H has managed to steal many glances, and it is no wonder. Added to its spectacular size is the participation of GFG Style in its design, so we have the creativity of the Giugiaros behind its striking bodywork. In this way, Laika takes another step to become one of the most beautiful, sophisticated and elegant brands on the scene.
In the new Kosmo, also the profiled models, we find fluidity, dynamism and a robust exterior appearance, but also exquisite taste for the cabin. To the excellent construction of its skeleton, which uses only superior insulation materials, is added ‘Forest Green’ wooden furniture.
The German manufacturer has been one of those that showed the most novelties during the fair, with special mention to the fashion of 4x4s and more adventurous models. We will start with the two ML-Ts on display, which served to expose the revolutionary change that Hymer presents in its exterior and interior design.
