2024 Carthago c-tourer I 145 RB LE Superior motorhome video

Choices, choices, choices. Here at the top end of the motorhome market, it’s all about knowing what you want as well as having the means to get it. And here’s where you’ll meet a number of highly bespoke manufacturers, like Germany’s Carthago (pronounced “car-tah-go”). Believe it or not, it lists its c-tourer models as being that bit more affordable.

As with all its Carthago c-tourer motorhomes, you get a choice of A-class (I) or low-profile (T) body styles as well as Mercedes or Fiat base vehicles. There are also high-specification versions, labelled Superior.

Premium pricing project

Here, we’re looking at the Mercedes-based Superior Carthago c-tourer I 145 RB LE model, where prices start at a shade under £115,000.

It’s a 3,500kg chassis as standard, but this is the type of vehicle where you’re going to be looking at adding from an extensive optional extras list to create the motorhome of your dreams – and that will probably entail an upgrade to 4,250kg or 4,500kg.

There’s a distinct look and feel to Carthago’s bodywork, with stand-out features including its radiused upper edges and a deep swoop of windscreen that affords optimum views out, along with a wood-free, double-floor construction around a cage; aluminium sides, GRP roof and floor; Styrofoam insulation and more, all with the backing of a 10-year integrity warranty.

Inside the Carthago c-tourer I 145 RB LE, it’s a recognisable floorplan – front lounge, centre kitchen and washroom, going through to a bedroom at the back where you get fixed single beds set high enough for a most generous garage area below.

That garage is particularly well kitted out, too, with a single large external access door as standard, but an extra door and other upgrades available optionally.

Those rear beds are 2m/1.95m long and 0.85m wide, while the drop-down double above the cab is 1.95m x 1.60m.

Up front, as with any A-class, there’s more lounge space, with the Aguti cab seats easy to swivel to join an L-shaped settee and inward-facing seat around a fixed pedestal leg table with a swivel action as well as an extension section.

Moving towards the back of the Carthago c-tourer I 145 RB LE, there’s an L-shaped kitchen on the nearside. It’s typically continental in its facilities.

You’ll probably want to go for the oven/grill option (as shown here) to supplement the standard three-ring corner hob with cast-iron grate, even though such a fitting will curtail some of the otherwise excellent storage offerings – drawers and lockers, as well as a nifty slot for the sink cover/chopping board that converts it into a shelf. There’s also a Dometic fridge/freezer with main door that opens on both sides.

The 145 RB LE layout also allows for separate shower cubicle (nearside) and toilet room (offside), the latter with a solid door that can be used to create a full-width washroom with changing space.

The shower cubicle is all-plastic lined and comes with two plugholes and a trigger-operated shower on a riser bar, plus two integrated plastic pockets for soap, shampoo etc.

There’s also a nifty feature in the cupboard below the sink – a toilet roll holder inside the cupboard door with a slit to feed through the paper!

There are lots of other innovative storage solutions in this Carthago c-tourer I 145 RB LE, such as the shoe locker that pulls out from under the lounge settee and more storage sections under the double floor.

Photo: Choose Leisure

Photo: Choose Leisure

Photo: Choose Leisure

Ultimately, your likely spend for an A-Class motorhome like this is going to be around the £150,000 mark. It’s the various Packages that you need to visit initially, and there are strong arguments for having them all, plus an almost limitless list of individual extras to tailor this absolute premium product to your exact touring needs.

And to insure a motorhome of this value with Caravan Guard you’re going to need an S5 approved motorhome tracking device and a Cat 1 alarm, which will also attract a motorhome insurance discount.

There’s more about the c-tourer range on the Carthago website. Find out more about insuring a Carthago c-tourer or your current motorhome on our motorhome insurance page.

Verdict: Top-drawer leisure vehicle with prices to match

Plus: Overall build quality, Mercedes base, huge choice of options

Minus: Prices (as ever), weight could be an issue for some drivers

In-a-nutshell: Take your premium pick

Alternatives: Adria Super Sonic 680 SL, Hymer B-Class ModernComfort I 680, Rapido M66