Laika EcoVip L 3009: winner of prestigious design award

Laika is an Italian camper brand with a lot of attention to 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, which also take into account ease of use and quality. There were no fewer than 60 entries for the 'Campers and Caravans' category - from which the international jury selected the Laika EcoVip, a special camper series built in the Laika factory in Tuscany.

Exterior Laika EcoVip

The EcoVip series consists of both semi-integrated and integral. We look at model L 3009, a semi-integrated car of 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 available today. A 140 hp version is also available at an additional cost, or the 160 hp that we would prefer.

The EcoVip has a double bottom that has been increased to 2021 centimeters from model year 30. Technical installations and water tanks have been placed there, which are therefore well protected against frost. There is also a through-loading 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 loading capacity of up to 250 kg and is a great place for e-bikes and camping furniture.

Comfortable and homely

Inside you will immediately understand why the EcoVip has received the 'Red Dot Award': the camper immediately feels comfortable and homely. And spacious, thanks to the 210 cm high ceiling, where you can optionally order a pull-down bed (additional charge). In the interior, two types of wood are subtly combined with each other, which match nicely with the high-gloss spray-painted cupboard flaps that we also see in the sleeping area.

The bronze-colored frames around the table and kitchen worktop are bold and we see nice details that distinguish Laika from other campers, such as its own design locks for cupboards and hanging hooks for clothes. For the furniture upholstery, a combination of artificial leather and cushions in a contrasting green color was chosen, which are again trimmed in gray - a lot of attention to detail, as we have come to expect from Laika. Daylight enters through the roof hatch and the additional panoramic skylight. The seating area offers space for five people and indirect lighting creates a nice 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 upper cabinets and the drawers under the worktop. Next to the kitchen is the narrow, high Thetford refrigerator with a capacity of 142 liters including freezer compartment. At the back of the camper we find two comfortable single beds that you can connect together, with cupboard space under the footboards; shelves on one side, an extendable hanging area on the other. The compact bathroom has a toilet, shower and a sink 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 not only runs on gas but also on electricity: that saves on gas bottles. You can also upgrade to Alde liquid heating - nice during winter sports. The dirty water tank with electric valve is useful: you can empty it at the push of a button. The camper has plenty of USB connections: 6 pieces. This way you never have to look for a charging spot for phones, campers and tablets.

Conclusion Laika EcoVip L 3009

The Laika EcoVip L 3009 is a deserved winner of the 'Red Dot' design award. It is a comfortable travel stroller. There are still a few finishing touches: a passenger airbag is missing and the standard 120 hp engine could also use an upgrade to 140 or 160 hp. And while you're still working on the options list: add a pull-down bed if you ever expect to have guests and be sure to check the Truma Combi-6E instead of the standard Combi-6. You won't regret it.

Plus minus

+ design interior
+ standing height
– no passenger airbag

Specifications

CHASSIS/ENGINE
Chassis: Fiat Ducato broad 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: cm 225
Height: 296 cm
Headroom: 210 cm
Wheelbase: 380 cm

WEIGHTS
Maximum mass: 3.500 kg
Curb weight: 3.050 kg
Load capacity: 450 kg

SIT* & SLEEP
Number of seats/berths: 4/2
Rear bed: 2x 197 x 82 cm
Lift-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 Laika's current offering on our website? Click here for it current range of Laika campers. Even more camper tests view here. Or read the latter camping news.