European vanlifers rejoice! Eriba, the caravan specialist division of the Erwin Hymer Group, unveiled the Eriba Car camper at the CMT Holiday Exhibition held in Stuttgart, Germany, earlier this month. Building on six decades of expertise in creating iconic caravans, Eriba has extended its design philosophy to the camper van segment. The Eriba, based on a VW Crafter chassis, is a blend of style and functionality, designed to appeal to both long-time, long-distance enthusiasts and weekend warriors seeking a mix of retro charm and modern convenience.
On paper, the Eriba Car camper seems as good as any van option for comfortable and reliable vehicle-based travel. But that comfort and reliability do not come cheap, of course.
The Eriba Car’s design pays homage to the classic Eriba Touring caravan range from the 1960s, yet with a contemporary twist. It is available in three bi-color exterior designs—Deep Ocean (our choice), Cherry Red, and Metallic Indium Grey—allowing for personalization that reflects individual style. The interior design features an open, spacious layout with mostly clear sight lines and an open shelving unit above the kitchen. Modern materials, including the “Deep Ocean” anti-fingerprint material, “Tiberino” dark furniture finish, and yacht-effect flooring, create an inviting and stylish yet practical living space. The interior is further enhanced by a lighting concept that combines direct and indirect lighting, providing the ability to change the mood inside the vehicle.
The bed measures 200 centimeters long x 136 centimeters wide and is equipped with integrated disc springs for added comfort, and the bed length is a bonus for taller individuals. The interior can be further customized with a choice of two standard fabrics, “Toledo Sand” and “Seattle Stone,” or two types of leather, “Dayton Cognac” and “Boston.” These options are complemented by matching living area cushions and decorative stitching that coordinates with the chosen exterior color.
The Eriba Car is replete with innovative ideas for maximizing space and utility. It features practical compartments on the platform floor and open overhead lockers for additional storage. The seating area, designed with a cozy lounge aesthetic, ensures comfort during travel and relaxed chilling inside the vehicle. A tilt adjustment adds an extra layer of comfort for extended stays. The kitchen area is thoughtfully designed with a fold-out table, an additional pull-out worktop, and a 90-liter compressor refrigerator that fits seamlessly into the narrow chassis.
While a welcome, if not essential, addition to a modern camper van, the bathroom in the middle of the camper takes up a large amount of space slap bang in the middle of the camper. The integrated compact bathroom combines essential facilities in a relatively small space, offering the versatility of a standard shower that can also be used as an external shower.
Driving the Eriba Car is designed to be as comfortable and easy as driving a car. Its dimensions, 599 centimeters in length and 207 centimeters in width (excluding wing mirrors), contribute to its maneuverability. Standard features such as the headlight control system, Air Care Climatronic automatic air conditioning, and adaptive cruise control enhance safety and comfort, particularly on long journeys. Additionally, the Eriba Connect app allows users to control air conditioning, heating, or lighting efficiently via a smartphone or display. In addition to the standard electrical infrastructure, upgrades are available, such as a 150 amp-hour lithium battery pack.
The VW Crafter 35 3.5T (on which the Eriba Car is based) features a 2-liter TDI SCR engine, delivering 130 kW/177 PS power and complying with Euro VI-E standards. It is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth gear shifts. The vehicle rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels finished in black, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
For comfort, the driver and front passenger seats include seat heating, which can be adjusted independently across three levels. Entertainment and navigation are handled by the Discover Media radio navigation system, which includes four loudspeakers and an 8-inch touch display. The system features two USB ports (type C) on the dashboard, supports streaming and internet, and has voice control functionality.
The Crafter also has a Truma Combi D 6 E diesel heater, incorporating a 10-liter hot water boiler. The heating system offers adjustable levels of 2,000, 4,000, and 6,000 watts and includes an electric heating element with settings of 900 and 1,800 watts, ensuring optimal temperature control.
The Eriba Car is set to be available from European dealers starting in spring 2024. There has yet to be an indication if the camper will join Eriba Caravans on dealer forecourts across the USA.
$82,000 | eriba.com
