THE GOOD LIFE

The Kosmo might be Laika’s most affordable motorhome at $199,000, but there’s nothing entry-level about it, says Paul Owen.

RV Mega launched Laika in New Zealand with seven models across two product tiers – Kosmo and Ecovip. Starting points for both are $199,000 for the basic Kosmo 509, and $224,990 for the Ecovip L401DS.

Customers can use a configurator when ordering to up the ante from those starting points. The NZ spec of both tiers is reasonably comprehensive, with a powered drop-down front double bed, a dining setting that seats six, separate shower and toilet, alloy wheels, 200w solar panel, reversing camera, 110L fresh and 90L grey water tanks, gas/ electric Truma 6E heating and hot water, a large garage, awning, and a multimedia entertainment system.

The wide entry door sets the stage for a good first impression. At 650mm wide, it’s around 150mm wider than most motorhome entry portals, something to be appreciated when bringing in the washing or the shopping.

Turning right, there’s a lounge consisting of a pair of two-seat couches facing each other across the floor, and the two front seats swivel 180 degrees in their camping mode. All are served by a large table with a 50/50 split in the middle so that it can be folded in half to make access to the Fiat seats easier.

Above the front seats, the Kosmo has a large opening window, complete with screen and blind, which lets plenty of light into the front lounge when the drop-down bed is up, and natural light into the front bedroom if desired when it’s down. This particular Kosmo I reviewed came furnished with white leatherette seat upholstery, which added to the already lovely airy ambience of the cabin.

The kitchen offers a three-hob burner on top of the bench and a Thetford oven/ grille below it. They are flanked by a set of soft-close drawers and a pull-out pantry; if you want further storage there is an overhead locker above the cooker, and another pull-out drawer located under the fridge on the opposite side of the kitchen.

German management, combined with Italian design flair, often result in exciting, well-made products like Lamborghini supercars and Ducati motorcycles.

To that list, you can add the Laika motorhomes that are now available to Kiwi buyers via RV Mega. These offer value, sturdy build quality, and design details that will continue to keep you engaged with these motorhomes for many years to come.