Malibu 440 QB: Winter-proof mid-range model
Malibu Campers are relatively new to the camper industry: five years ago, Carthago introduced the sister brand as an alternative to its own premium campers. Malibu started with panel vans, but now also has semi-integrated and integrated campers in its portfolio. With a modern interior and a lot of attention to light and a sense of space. We take a look at the 440 QB, with a 'queen bed'.
Exterior Malibu 440 QB
The Malibu is equipped with smooth aluminum with hard foam insulation material in between. You won't find wood in the 33 millimeter thick walls – just like its big sister Carthago, the Maibus are also constructed according to the most modern methods. The roof is made of polyester, minimizing the risk of hail damage. The bottom plate also has such a polyester layer on the underside, which means it cannot absorb water from splashing rainwater on the road and is also resistant to stone chips. The warranty on watertightness is 6 years, but you can upgrade it to 10 years.
The camper is based on a Fiat Ducato, with a low wide-track chassis. The engine consists of the well-known 2.3 liter Euro-6 diesel engine. The vehicle is standard equipped with ESP (stabilization), ASR (anti-slip) and a Hill Holder. At the front we see modern bus mirrors that offer a good view to the rear. The camper is equipped with flush-mounted windows and at the back we find the large garage in which a handy feature has been incorporated so that bicycles fit effortlessly: on the right side, the floor is slightly lowered for the front wheels of the bicycles, and the queen bed – more on that later – can be lifted, so that the bicycles fit effortlessly underneath. The garage can be loaded up to a whopping 250 kg.
Living, eating, sleeping
Inside, the Malibu is sleek and modern in design – a significant contrast to the Carthagos, which look a bit more traditional. Striking is the completely flat floor, without annoying steps: the vehicle is equipped with a double floor, with most technical installations incorporated into the intermediate space. Very practical is the deep floor hatch directly at the entrance, with plenty of space for groceries and holiday luggage. With the cabin seats turned around, you have space in the seating area to have drinks with five people – the table can be adjusted in size. Above the seating area, a second double bed is incorporated into the ceiling; so you can go on holiday with four people. The camper is equipped with plenty of indirect lighting and a number of reading spots; all windows are equipped with integrated mosquito nets and blackout. In the corner kitchen we see a three-burner gas stove and for cooking utensils you have no less than six drawers at your disposal.
Opposite the kitchen, directly next to the access door, is the Dometic SlimTower fridge/freezer combination with a capacity of 146 liters. At the back of the vehicle is the bedroom, with a lockable sliding wall. Here we find the so-called 'queen bed': a centrally placed double bed, which you can walk around on both sides. On either side of the headboard are two spacious wardrobes for clothes. You can put the headboard in a high position during the day, making the entire bed slightly shorter: a clever invention to create more walking space in the separate shower and toilet. Under the foot end of the bed is a large drawer for clothes. The Mailibu is equipped with a spacious shower and the toilet room – with a mirror cabinet for toiletries – can be closed with a roller door.
Technical installations
The Malibu is equipped with a heated double floor. This makes the camper suitable for winter sports: guaranteed warm feet and because the water tanks are placed between both floors, they will not freeze. Another advantage is – as we wrote above – the completely flat interior floor in the living area, without annoying steps. Handy are the two service hatches at the front of the camper, which allow the double floor to be fully loaded, for example for skis. Heating and hot water come from the Truma Combi-6, cables and pipes are neatly – and frost-free – concealed. The central electrical block is located under the driver's seat.
Conclusion
The Malibu I 440 QB is an interesting motorhome, clearly positioned more affordably than its 'big sister' Carthago. It's a quality vehicle, though you'll likely need to order some option packages immediately upon purchase to upgrade the somewhat basic standard level. Downsides include the dimensions of the queen bed – the drop-down bed offers more space – and the limited number of power outlets. It's noteworthy that the Malibu only has one USB port: that's outdated. But you can fix that at your dealer for a few tens of euros.
Pros & Cons
+ Double floor
+ Lots of storage space
– too few 230V and USB sockets
– basic standard equipment
Facts & Figures
CHASSIS/ENGINE
Chassis: Fiat Ducato Light chassis
Engine: 2.3 ltr 4 cylinder Multijet
Maximum power kW/hp: 96kW/130hp at 3,600 rpm
Maximum torque: 320Nm at 1,500 rpm
Length: 699 cm
Width: 227 cm
Height: 294 cm
Headroom: 198 cm
Wheelbase: 4.035 mm
Maximum mass: 3.500 kg
Ready-to-drive weight: 2.990 kg
Payload: 510 kg
Number of seats/berths: 4/4
Drop-down bed front: 195 by 160 cm
Bed rear: 193 by 146 cm
(*seats with safety belts)
Price from: € 90.172
More information: Malibu-carthago.com
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