Mobilvetta K-Yacht MH79 Tekno Line motorhome review

Affordable Italian style machine

Maybe you should have a closer look at the latest Mobilvetta A-class motorhomes before trying to guess their prices. They look a million euros, but their actual cost here in the UK is considerably less… until we finally leave Europe, of course. Then, who knows? Suffice to say the talk is already of significant price hikes for all motorhomes – wherever they’re made – from season 2018 onwards.

It’s timely, then, to take the opportunity to get closer to this A-class from Italy. Part of an initial three-model range for the UK, it’s got a distinctive enough look to prepare you for an equally individualistic interior… it’s not for nothing that Mobilvetta uses the word yacht in the names of its Tekno Lines.

The base vehicle is Fiat’s almost ubiquitous Ducato, with the 2.3-litre, Euro 6, 150bhp engine as standard, with Comfort-Matic available as an option should you want automatic transmission. Around the Ducato’s running gear, Mobilvetta adds a coachbuilt body that uses all the latest build techniques. It’s a timber-free construction, with inner and outer walls in GRP as well as a curve to the top on the exterior that’s more normal on super-premium motorhomes of this ilk. A five-year warranty covers water ingress. Lower skirting in aluminium and black alloy wheels contribute to a very modern, sleek leisure vehicle.

Inside, the MH79 has a typical – and increasingly popular – floorplan of a front lounge and a rear island bed with shower and toilet at its foot in a washroom area that spreads across the width of the vehicle.

Over the lounge, there’s a typical drop-down double bed, too, making this a genuine four-berth. Alternatively, for couples who like big, comfy sleeping areas to themselves a format like this also makes perfect sense.

The island bed has electrical operation, meaning you can raise it should you wish to optimise storage space in the garage area below, which can be easily accessed from both sides. Lowering it makes it all the easier to get into bed at night without resorting to steps or a ladder.

Centre-‘van is taken up by the kitchen. Its L-shape makes the most of the space for both storage and worktop. Kit starts with a Dometic three-ring hob tucked in the left-hand corner and a deep circular sink opposite, and a waste bin set into the worktop between. Other details include a kitchen roll holder and clips on rails. Plus, there are soft-close drawers and good locker space.

Across from the main kitchen unit, there’s a 149-litre Thetford fridge/freezer with automatic energy selection, plus a Dometic grill/oven, as well as extra storage thanks to a tall slide-out locker with metal baskets.

Sliding doors give privacy to the washroom. There’s a “salad bowl” basin in the centre here, with the shower cubicle on the offside and a swivel-bowl toilet on the opposite side. Storage includes lockers under the basin and beyond, and above the toilet.

The standard specification is simply awesome. Everything you can see here, plus fittings like the 130Watt solar panel, underfloor heating, external sockets (gas, mains electric and shower), rear-view camera and handling aids (Traction Plus, Hill Assist and Hill Descent) are included in the price. You’ll want a tracking system, however. At the time of writing, there was also a special offer of a HAL-Locate with two-year subscription, for £599 – some of which will be offset by a reduction in your insurance premium.

Do consider the chassis upgrade option, too. If your driving licence allows, the 3,650kg rebadge ups the payload to a more respectable 493kg.

Verdict: Blends style and quality with a price that’s also easy on the eye

Plus: Oodles of equipment, stylish looks inside and out, well priced

Minus: Limited payload on standard chassis

In-a-nutshell: A-class, Italian class

There’s more information on the K-Yacht range on the Marquis Leisure website www.marquisleisure.co.uk. Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome on our motorhome insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Adria Sonic Plus 700 SBC, Pilote Galaxy 650C