Laika EcoVip L 3009: winner of prestigious design award

Laika is an Italian motorhome brand with a strong focus on design. The brand recently received the prestigious 'Red Dot Award' design prize for the EcoVip motorhome series. High time to take a look inside the Laika EcoVip L 3009.

The 'Red Dot Award' is presented annually to strikingly designed products, also considering user-friendliness and quality. For the 'Campers and Caravans' category, there were no fewer than 60 entries – from these, the international jury chose the Laika EcoVip, a special motorhome series built in the Laika factory in Tuscany.

Exterior Laika EcoVip

The EcoVip series consists of both semi-integrated and integrated motorhomes. We are looking at model L 3009, a semi-integrated motorhome just under seven meters. It is built on a Fiat Ducato chassis with the so-called light chassis. In the standard configuration, the motorhome is equipped with the 120 hp manual Fiat diesel, one of the cleanest engines currently available. For an additional charge, a 140 hp version is also available, or the 160 hp which would be our preference.

The EcoVip has a double floor that has been raised to 30 centimeters from model year 2021. Technical installations and water tanks are placed in it, which are therefore well protected against frost. There is also a pass-through option, allowing you to take skis with you: you can load and unload them through the service hatches on both sides of the vehicle. The large garage has a load capacity of up to 250 kg and is an excellent place for e-bikes and camping furniture.

Comfortable and homely

Inside, you immediately understand why the EcoVip received the 'Red Dot Award': the motorhome immediately feels comfortable and homely. And spacious, thanks to the 210 cm high ceiling, where you can optionally order a drop-down bed (extra charge). The interior subtly combines two types of wood that beautifully match the high-gloss sprayed cabinet doors that we also see in the sleeping area.

The bronze-colored trim around the table and kitchen worktop is daring, and we see nice details that distinguish Laika from other motorhomes, such as the custom-designed cabinet locks and hanging hooks for clothes. For the upholstery, a combination of artificial leather and cushions with a contrasting green color, edged in grey, has been chosen – a lot of attention to detail, as we are used to from Laika. Daylight enters through the roof hatch and the extra panoramic roof window. The seating area offers space for five people, and indirect lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere in the evening.

Cooking and sleeping

The kitchen has a stainless steel sink, a three-burner gas hob, and an extractor hood. There is enough space for cooking utensils in the overhead cabinets and the drawers under the worktop. Next to the kitchen is the narrow, tall Thetford refrigerator with a capacity of 142 liters, including a freezer compartment. In the back of the motorhome, we find two comfortable single beds that can be linked together, with cupboard space under the foot ends; shelves on one side, an extendable hanging section on the other. The compact bathroom is equipped with a toilet, shower, and a washbasin with storage space for toiletries. A roof hatch and a window in the side wall provide ventilation.

Installations

The EcoVip L 3009 has a Truma Combi-6 on board that provides heating and hot water from the built-in boiler. A Truma 6E is optional: highly recommended, because the Combi then works not only on gas but also on electricity: that saves gas bottles. You can also upgrade to Alde liquid heating – nice for winter sports. The waste water tank with electric valve is handy: you empty it at the touch of a button. The motorhome has plenty of USB connections: 6 of them. This way, you never have to search for a charging spot for phones, cameras, and tablets.

Conclusion Laika EcoVip L 3009

The Laika EcoVip L 3009 is a rightful winner of the 'Red Dot' design award. It is a comfortable travel vehicle. However, there are still some improvements to be made: a passenger airbag is missing, and the standard 120 hp engine could also use an upgrade to 140 or 160 hp. And if you're already looking at the options list: add a drop-down bed if you ever expect guests, and definitely tick the Truma Combi-6E, instead of the standard Combi-6. You won't regret it.

Pros & Cons

+ design interior
+ headroom
– no passenger airbag

Technical data

CHASSIS/ENGINE
Chassis: Fiat Ducato wide-track light chassis
Engine: Fiat 120 MultiJet-2 Euro 6d-temp 4 cylinder
Maximum power kW/hp: 89kW/120hp at 3,600 rpm
Maximum torque: 320Nm at 1,400 rpm

DIMENSIONS
Length: 699 cm
Width: 225 cm
Height: 296 cm
Standing height: 210 cm
Wheelbase: 380 cm

WEIGHTS
Maximum mass: 3,500 kg
Ready-to-drive weight: 3,050 kg
Payload: 450 kg

SEATING* & SLEEPING
Number of seats/berths: 4/2
Rear bed: 2x 197 x 82 cm
Lift-up bed (option): 186 x 121/100 cm

(*seats with seat belts)

Price from approximately € 83,500

More information can be found at www.laika.it

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