Laika Kreos

young thomas replied on 14/06/2021 11:09

Posted on 14/06/2021 11:09

For benefit of Emily's Dad (and any other interested party) the Laika Kreos is a terrific range of MH, some coachbuilt and some A-Classes, all built the Fiat base with Ak-Ko chassis.

they are an Italian company owned by the Hymer group and in their portfolio of brands rank equal 2nd (with Hymer) and only below Neismann + Bischoff.

they are very well built, double floors, great insulation, large water tanks etc and offer the Hymer group some Italian design flair to sit alongside the brand's quality image.

the Fiat base (with revisions) has certainly been around for a long time (mid/late 2006) and was way ahead of its time then, hence such a large following and loyalty with a huge range of converters using it.

the recent addition of a 9-speed torque converter gearbox has move things along and Fiat have just released thier latest electronic-style dashboard/interior revisions.

the unit remains a very popular choice with converters and buyers, ive had four and would have no qualms about another (auto, revised interior..) next time.

i looked very hard indeed at a couple of Laikas before settling on our previous van six years ago. would look again perhaps at next swap.

not cheap, but a great quality MH brand who now produce some PVC versions. 

 

JVB66 replied on 15/06/2021 11:14

Posted on 15/06/2021 11:08 by Tinwheeler

I don't really care, tbh🤷‍♂️

Posted on 15/06/2021 11:14

Nor me but you posted "things have moved on" ,but not possibly for the betterwink

SteveL replied on 15/06/2021 17:01

Posted on 15/06/2021 10:03 by young thomas

Steve, thats interesting. I thought Hymer had developed a special 'superlight' lightweight chassis (SLC?) to work with the latest Merc...

im not sure of the Sevel 'contractual arrangements' between Fiat and PSA, but it seems you still cant get the latest 9-speeder on Citröen Jumper/Relay nor on a Peugeot Boxer.

i dont know if its 'corporate/policy/marketing/political' thats the issue or just that it only fits the Fiat engine not the PSA ones.

Posted on 15/06/2021 17:01

I should have perhaps said was BB. I must admit to not keeping up with the latest developments.  If a similarly weighted  Merc was available at the time, we would probably have gone for it.  We have every intention that this will be the only MH we ever buy.

young thomas replied on 15/06/2021 19:35

Posted on 15/06/2021 19:35

...to return (vaguely) to the OP...by pure coincidence a Laika A-class crossed the Henley Bridge just as i was crossing the road earlier today.

young thomas replied on 16/06/2021 08:52

Posted on 16/06/2021 08:52

...and i also note the 8000 series is now available on Iveco (for much improved payload over Merc/Fiat...upto 6.2-6.7t without the need for a tag axle) which takes things up another notch giving it an option not available on N+B and looks like its being placed in direct competition with Carthargo S Plus which has been on Iveco for a good few years...this also allows for their smooth multi speed slush box.

we are now getting into serious money...

i just trawled through their 120 page price list but failed dismally to find the price before extas...many packs, many pages of baffling add ons etc (with prices) but no starting point....too subtle for me....

however, a fully loaded Carthago S Plus on Iveco is likely to be around £175k-£200k.

How close the Laika is to this i cant say, but moving to Iveco is a drive up market. at this level, its perfectly possible to spend well over £50k on 'extras'.

young thomas replied on 17/06/2021 07:58

Posted on 14/06/2021 11:09 by young thomas

For benefit of Emily's Dad (and any other interested party) the Laika Kreos is a terrific range of MH, some coachbuilt and some A-Classes, all built the Fiat base with Ak-Ko chassis.

they are an Italian company owned by the Hymer group and in their portfolio of brands rank equal 2nd (with Hymer) and only below Neismann + Bischoff.

they are very well built, double floors, great insulation, large water tanks etc and offer the Hymer group some Italian design flair to sit alongside the brand's quality image.

the Fiat base (with revisions) has certainly been around for a long time (mid/late 2006) and was way ahead of its time then, hence such a large following and loyalty with a huge range of converters using it.

the recent addition of a 9-speed torque converter gearbox has move things along and Fiat have just released thier latest electronic-style dashboard/interior revisions.

the unit remains a very popular choice with converters and buyers, ive had four and would have no qualms about another (auto, revised interior..) next time.

i looked very hard indeed at a couple of Laikas before settling on our previous van six years ago. would look again perhaps at next swap.

not cheap, but a great quality MH brand who now produce some PVC versions. 

 

Posted on 17/06/2021 07:58

new Fiat Ducato details released

following on from the new 9 speeder auto and snaps of new digital dash, a few more details from the MMM website.

 

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