Description
Malibu i450 RB motorhome : LIGHTWEIGHT - drive on normal car licence. The Malibu i450 RB-LE is a premium integrated A-class motorhome, engineered by Carthago. It is available in two main configurations: the 3.5t Lightweight version on a Fiat Ducato chassis and the 4.2t Comfort version on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. Both versions feature a rear lengthways single bed layout over a garage, measuring just over 7 meters in length. This video provides a technical examination of the construction, mechanical options, and internal layout of this integrated model.
Detailed Vehicle Specifications
Base Vehicle: Fiat Ducato (Lightweight) or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (Comfort)
Engine: 2.2L 140hp (Fiat) or 2.0L 170hp (Mercedes)
Transmission: 8-speed Automatic Torque Converter (Fiat) or 9G-Tronic Automatic (Mercedes)
Length: 7.08m (Fiat) to 7.18m (Mercedes)
Width: 2.27m
Height: 2.97m
MTPLM Max Weight: 3,500kg (Fiat Lightweight) to 4,200kg (Mercedes Comfort)
Mass in Running Order (MRO): Approx 2,933kg (Fiat)
Payload: Up to 567kg (Fiat Lightweight)
Berths: 4 Standard (Optional 5th bed configuration)
Travel Seats: 4 Standard
Heating: Truma Combi 6 (Gas/Electric options available)
Fresh/Waste Water: 125L/150L Fresh, 90L/140L Waste (Depending on chassis)
Construction: Wood-free GRP-clad walls/roof, RTM insulation, double-floor basement
Factory Packages and Options
Chassis Package: Includes adjustable cab seats, charge booster, heated electric mirrors, DAB+ radio preparation, fog lights with cornering function, and high-gloss black radiator grille.
Comfort Package: Includes XL habitation door with double locking, window, and flyscreen, indirect LED ambient lighting, Truma CP Plus digital control, large garage door on passenger side, SOG toilet ventilation, and 90Ah lithium-ion battery.
Chassis Plus Package: Includes alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and gear knob, automatic climate control, electric handbrake, and 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Media Package: Includes 32 inch Smart LED TV on swivel bracket, and reversing camera system with single lens.
Mercedes Driver Assistance: Active lane departure warning, active distance assist DISTRONIC, and tyre pressure monitoring.
Operational Costs and Efficiency
Fuel Consumption: Real-world average typically 24 to 29 mpg, depending on engine choice and load.
Insurance: Specialist C1 or category-specific insurance is required. Given the value (Approx 95,000 to 115,000 Pounds Sterling), most insurers require a Thatcham Cat 1 alarm and S5/S7 tracking system.
Road Tax: Registered as Private Heavy Goods (PHG).
Licensing: 3,500kg models are Category B compliant; 4,200kg models require C1.
Competitor Analysis: 7m A-Class Rear Bed Motorhomes
The Malibu i450 RB-LE competes in the premium A-class market. Key differences from six rivals:
Hymer Exsis-i 580
Lighter than the Malibu, focused heavily on minimizing mass. The Malibu offers superior furniture build quality and a more robust double-floor construction, whereas the Exsis-i prioritizes raw payload numbers.
Carthago C-Tourer I 144 LE
Produced by the same parent company, but sits at a higher market position with more extensive standard equipment and high-end exterior finishes compared to the Malibu range.
Niesmann plus Bischoff iSmove 6.9 E
Offers a more modern, minimalist design aesthetic compared to the Malibu's classic luxury finish. The iSmove is often lighter but has a significantly higher entry price point.
Pilote Atlas A630G
Built on the Ford Transit chassis. It is marketed as an all-terrain capable A-class. It is generally more affordable than the Malibu but lacks the double-floor insulation and German-engineered furniture joints found in the Malibu.
Frankia Neo I 7G
Focuses on maximum luxury and technical innovation on the Mercedes-Benz chassis. It is often longer and more expensive, appealing to those who want more customization in the living space.
Laika Kreos H 5109
Features a distinct Italian design language with a focus on luxury textures and high-spec standard amenities. It is often heavier and larger in footprint than the Malibu i450.
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