Laika EcoVip L 3009: winner of prestigious design award

Laika is an Italian camper brand with a strong focus on design. The brand recently received the prestigious 'Red Dot Award' design prize for the EcoVip camper 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 less than 60 entries – from these, the international jury chose the Laika EcoVip, a special camper series built in the Laika factory in Tuscany.

We review model L 3009 — We are looking at model L 3009.

Exterior Laika EcoVip

The EcoVip series consists of both semi-integrated and integrated models. We are looking at model L 3009, a semi-integrated model just under seven meters. It is built on a Fiat Ducato chassis with the so-called light chassis. In the standard configuration, the camper 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 which 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 so you can also 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 camper immediately feels comfortable and homely. And spacious, due to the 210 cm high ceiling, where you can optionally order a drop-down bed (extra charge). In the interior, two types of wood are subtly combined, which match beautifully with the high-gloss painted cabinet doors that we also see in the sleeping area.

Bold are the bronze-colored frames around the table and kitchen worktop, and we see nice details that distinguish Laika from other campers, such as the custom-designed cabinet latches and hanging hooks for clothes. For the furniture upholstery, a combination of artificial leather and cushions with a contrasting green color, trimmed in gray, 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 drawers under the worktop. Next to the kitchen is the narrow, tall Thetford refrigerator with a capacity of 142 liters, including a freezer compartment. At the back of the camper, 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 has 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: a recommendation, because the Combi then works not only on gas but also on electricity: that saves gas bottles. Optionally, 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 push of a button. The camper has plenty of USB connections: 6 of them. This way, you never have to search for a charging spot for phones, cameras, and tablets.

Under the comfortable beds there is cupboard space.

Conclusion Laika EcoVip L 3009

The Laika EcoVip L 3009 is a deserving winner of the 'Red Dot' design award. It is a comfortable touring vehicle. However, some improvements are still needed: 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

+ interior design
+ headroom
– no passenger airbag

Floor plan EcoVip L 3009 — Floor plan of the EcoVip L 3009.

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
Headroom: 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
Drop-down 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

Curious about the current range of Laika on our website? Click here for the current range of Laika motorhomes. Even more motorhome tests can be viewed here. Or read the latest camping news.