2016 Knaus Sun TI 700 MEG: Singles with style

Even the most cursory of glances across the Knaus motorhome portfolio will tell you there’s a great choice of single-beds models to be had here – van conversions, coachbuilts, all the way up to its flagship liner, Sun-i.

But this is a Sun TI, and it’s a slightly different beast this season compared to previous year’s models, which helps explain the slightly sub-£50,000 starting price. That, and the fact that this is yet another German import benefitting from the weakness of the Euro versus the pound sterling. Nothing else gets lost in the translation.

Note, also, the data panel opposite and there’s a rather tasty Celebration Pack. That’s exclusive to Lowdhams, which marks its 50^th anniversary this year as a leisure vehicle dealer. Other options are available, but that Celebration Pack really ups the ante with cab air conditioning, 16in alloy wheels, DAB stereo with satnav and cruise control.

In the cab, there’s a padded steering wheel with controls and leather-trimmed gear lever gaiter, plus silver trimwork to Fiat’s latest dashboard (note the lower central cup holders, chrome rings around the main instruments and folding tablet holder on the top). You might want to ask about alternative upholsteries, though. Here, it’s a very light-coloured fabric that certainly helps lift the whole of the interior, but looks like it may pick up marks over time.

But, it’s all about the beds here and the choice of fixed singles – 2.00m x 0.86m and 1.95m x 0.86m – or adding the extra cushions for a sumptuous transverse double, at 2.08m x 1.62m. Not being able to sit upright in those single beds is arguably their only failing.

There’s a third, occasional, berth to be made from the lounge seating. It’s some 2.12m x 1.23m/0.50m.

Aside from the sleeping arrangements, another key reason for a motorhome like this is the storage afforded by the garage at the back. Here, there’s access both sides to a cavern-like area that will take bikes and more.

But, there’s an excellent variety of storage indoors, as well. There’s adjustable shelving in most of the overhead lockers, a floor locker just inside the main entrance (and a bin in the door itself here), tambour-doored wardrobe with slide-out rail and a large shelved locker in the base of the nearside and offside bed respectively, and there’s even a neat glide-out fitting for a TV monitor behind the back of the lounge’s inward-facing seat.

The partly L-shaped kitchen really makes the most of its limited space, firstly by having a three-in-a-line gas hob, which frees up some worktop area. There’s also a deeper than average sink, served by a stylish mixer tap, while under that high-gloss worktop are three soft-close drawers as well as slide-out chrome racks.

Directly opposite the kitchen is a generous 190-litre Dometic fridge/freezer with AES (automatic energy selection). There’s a grill/oven above this, but plenty of folk will consider it’s far too high to be practical.

Directly beyond the kitchen zone, the washroom facilities are split, with a shower on the nearside and toilet room offside, the latter including Dometic’s ceramic-bowl loo and a fixed corner basin.

Truma’s more powerful Combi 6 provides the heating and hot water. It’s iNet-ready, too, which means it can be upgraded to operate remotely via your smartphone or tablet. Another neat signature Knaus touch is the exterior service hatch – a single door for access to the mains hook-up point, water filler and other operations.

It’s all very contemporary, but there’s a definite air of quality here, too.

There’s more information on the Sun TI range on the Knaus website www.knaus.de.

Find out more about insuring this or your motorhome on our motorhome insurance discounts page.

Verdict: Stylish all-rounder that also beats the quality drum

Plus: Well made, well specified, well priced

Minus: Can’t sit up in bed, grill/oven too high

In-a-nutshell: Premium package that brings on the style

Alternatives: Adria Matrix M 670 SL, Auto-Trail Savannah, Benimar Mileo 264, Dethleffs Globebus T4, Hymer T 678 CL, Rapido 666F