2023 Knaus Azur 500 FU caravan

Viewed from side on, there’s nothing to suggest anything out of the ordinary with this new series of caravans from top Germany manufacturer, Knaus. Don’t be fooled by the rather “plain-Jane” exterior, with its toned-down styling.

This is not just a caravan unlike any other, it’s a Knaus unlike any other. The clues are there on the outside – the offset, single window at the front, for instance. Also, some rather stylish alloy wheels, and a door that’s wider (and indeed sturdier) than typical offerings.

They’re built that bit differently, too. Knaus says its Azurs come with a “self-supporting Fibre Frame with FoldXPand technology”, which means – unlike so many caravans – the bodyshell, comprising sections that are bonded together, doesn’t rely on the furniture fittings for overall structural rigidity. Those panels are UV-resistant and self-healing – that is, minor scrapes and dents can actually repair themselves. It’s also highly recyclable.

FoldXPand, meanwhile, signifies the pronounced curves on the front and back panels that help add to the sturdy build, as well as optimising internal space.

Go, configure

Launched for the 2023 season, there are four Knaus Azur caravan layouts initially, with the 500 FU floorplan, as here, further exemplifying the radical thinking.

In this video, we take a look around the all-new Knaus Azur 500 FU caravan…

The lounge is at the back – it’s U-shaped and with particularly high-backed seating with an angle to it, plus head restraints.

And then at the front of the Knaus Azur 500 FU floorplan you get a French-style permanent double bed alongside the washroom.

In amongst all this, the kitchen and washroom almost come across as traditional, albeit with plenty of modern, practical features.

The kitchen has a three-in-a-line gas burner hob with a neat separate sink to its left, plus a worktop extension.

The Dometic grill/oven is added for UK buyers, although you might find it’s set a bit low.

The other key kitchen feature in the Knaus Azur 500 FU caravan is the fridge, a slimline Dometic model with a generous 133-litre capacity and automatic energy selection.

At the front offside, the washroom might look narrow, but its solid door opens to reveal a Thetford bench toilet – with the usual proviso that it’s easier to clean around these compared to swivel-bowl models.

Also, here is a fixed shower, and what looks like a drop-down basin is in fact two lockers.

These are supplemented by a high-level locker, plus there are a couple of handy clothes hooks, as well as a full-width hanging rail.

The biggest downside is just the single drainage point for the shower, although the footwell here is fairly deep and has a contoured surface that will give your feet far better grip than a smooth finish.

Outside this room, and next to the bed, is a countertop basin on a grey worktop, with a rather trendy tap.

Throughout the Knaus Azur 500 FU caravan there are noteworthy details. The grey interior colouring is distinctively modern, highlighted by lots of ambient strip lighting and touches like the concealed catches for the lockers.

Pull back the backrest in the lounge and you’ve got open shelving. Also, in the lounge, the Smart Wall, fabric-covered panelling gives the whole interior a more hushed feeling (you do need to sit in yourselves to appreciate this). There’s also extra storage behind these sections.

And then there are more typical fittings, like the flatscreen TV holder just as you step inside.

Do check out the amazing array of optional extras available from Knaus (some of which are shown opposite). Yes, it allows you to tailor the Azur to your needs, but you won’t want your budget to run away with you. In that respect, the configurator function on the Knaus website can be a great help.

To find out more about insuring a Knaus Azur 500 SU or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page.

Verdict: A free-thinking radical

Plus: Ground-breaking body construction

Minus: Door stays UK offside

In-a-nutshell: Daring to be different could bring dividends

Alternatives: Hobby Excellent 495 UFe