Knaus L!ve TI 650 MEG: Promising entry-level series
For model year 2018, the German camper manufacturer Knaus is introducing a new series of campers that should attract newcomers: L!ve, with – indeed – an exclamation mark that underlines the strengths of this motorhome. We tested the Knaus L!ve TI 650 MEG for you.
That Knaus has high expectations for its new entry-level model is evident from the fact that three variants are immediately launched: an alcove camper, a 'regular' semi-integrated and a semi-integrated with a raised roof, in which a pull-down bed is located. The trendy interior and striking exterior striping clearly show that Knaus is targeting a younger demographic. The 10-year watertightness guarantee shows that no compromises have been made in terms of the well-known Knaus quality.
Exterior of this Knaus
For this introduction, we are looking at the Knaus L!ve TI 650 MEG semi-integrated: a version just under 7 meters, with two single beds in the rear part of the camper. If we walk around the camper, you wouldn't say that we are dealing with an entry-level series here: instead of the usual body windows, we see Dometic built-in windows that we usually encounter in more expensive versions. The window in the door has not been cut either. The motorhome is built on a Fiat Ducato chassis and the vehicle is powered by the well-known 2.3 diesel Multijet (130 hp).
The floor of the Knaus L!ve TI 650 MEG consists of a wooden sandwich construction, the walls are made of aluminum and on top of the camper we see a hail-resistant GFK roof, all well insulated with EPS foam. In the back of the camper is the spacious garage, accessible from both sides, with plenty of room for camping chairs, a table and two bicycles. The gas bottles are accessible from the garage and via a service hatch outside. A second service hatch provides access to the water tank, 230 Volt connection and boiler. However, a few essential accessories are missing in the standard version of the L!ve, to keep the starting price down: passenger airbag, cruise control and engine air conditioning are included in an optional package at an additional cost.
Living, eating, sleeping
With an entry-level series, you expect a straightforward interior, but certainly not the graceful rounded lines with which Knaus has equipped its L!ve, including the single beds in the back of the camper. Under the foldable foot end, we find an easily accessible cupboard space. Above the beds, a rectangular roof hatch has been placed, allowing a lot of light to enter.
The combined shower/toilet room on the left has a space-saving roller door. Behind it, we see an easy-to-clean bench toilet from Thetford. A large mirror makes the room appear optically larger. Clever is the hinged wall to which the washbasin is attached and behind which the shower appears. Directly next to the entrance door is a not too large kitchen, with two wide drawers. There is not much storage space, but extra workspace is created by a foldable countertop extender – which then blocks the entrance door.
Next to the kitchen is the narrow Thetford fridge/freezer combination – the white door gives the whole a modern, fresh look. If we turn both cabin seats around, a cozy seating area for five people is created at the front. The place where the TV is hidden is refined: from the backrest of the L-shaped sofa, the device automatically rises. Two large roof hatches provide a lot of light – and ventilation – in the vehicle. In the evening, the indirect lighting creates a lot of atmosphere.
Technology
A common place for the Truma Combi 6 heater/boiler is in the dinette bench – and so it is in the Knaus L!ve. Right next to it is the electrical block. In the camper, we find four outlets for the heater and no less than five 230 Volt connections – more than enough for the average camper. Unfortunately, there is only one USB socket; that could be better. There is no 230V socket in the garage – so for electric bicycles, you have to come up with something else, or have the dealer install an extra socket.
Conclusion test Knaus L!ve TI 650 MEG
The Knaus L!ve Ti 650 MEG is built according to the usual Knaus quality. The 10-year warranty on watertightness speaks volumes in that regard. To offer an attractive price, a few important basic amenities are still missing, such as the second airbag (passenger), cruise control, and an engine-driven air conditioning – which you have to order immediately. Hats off to the clever shower/toilet area and the attractive interior.
Pros & Cons
+ 10-year watertightness guarantee
+ luxurious appearance
+ beautiful shower/toilet area
– steps at seating area and beds
– passenger airbag at extra cost
– only 1 USB
Facts & Figures
ENGINE
Chassis Fiat Ducato with wide-track chassis
Engine 2.3 Multijet (130 hp)
Max power 96kW (130 hp) at 3,600 rpm
Max torque 320 Nm at 1,500 rpm
DIMENSIONS
Length: 698 cm
Width: 232 cm
Height: 279 cm
Headroom: 200 cm
Wheelbase: 3,800 mm
Maximum mass: 3,500 kg
Ready-to-drive weight: 2,930 kg
Payload: 570 kg
Number of seats/berths: 4/2+1
Rear beds: 198×81 cm and 193×81 cm
Price from: € 66,002.00
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