CI Mizar Elite

OPULENCE IN MOTION

Words and photos by John Page

Cocking a snook at all the killjoys that suggest Camping should be all about hardship and hair shirts, this elegant looking Profile Motorhome promotes the idea of a de-luxe en-suite bedroom in a compact body just 7.33m long. The full layout for a crew of two or three has a forward lounge integral with the cab, a lavishly equipped galley and a washroom with separate shower cubicle. In fairly parky weather towards the end of January we had the best possible conditions to check out the heating and the insulation when the overnight temperature dropped below the zero centigrade mark for two consecutive nights. Small sized eminently practical windows and 70mm thick floor insulation suggest that someone on the Ci research and development team is probably a winter sports enthusiast. At £41,200 the price has a useful edge on the competition so the million dollar question, how is that possible?

Construction

Ci along with Auto Trail is part of the mammoth Trigano Group giving them considerable purchasing clout where the raw materials and the appliances are concerned. The only disadvantage of that though is less opportunity for the designers to imprint their own individual ideas. All the more surprising then to look at the adventurous shapes that are a characteristic of the Carioca and Mizar Motorhomes. Look closely at the Elite shape and the aerodynamics of that swept back front and the way if follows the windscreen angle is a joy to look at. More important such a shape drastically reduces resistance to the airflow and the noise level as it slices rather than buffets its way through it. Aside from the steel of the cab body, all other straight and shaped sections of the body shell are of GRP with it resistance to knocks and abrasions. The standard specification is interesting, for its inclusion of a passenger airbag, alloy wheels, Camping car suspension and the 6000w combined space and water heater, although a radio, air conditioning and spare wheel are not on the inventory. That spare wheel replaced by a fix-and-go kit leaves me vaguely uneasy. Fixings on the rear moulding are designed for the attachment of a cycle rack, the full vehicle width locker could easily accommodate skis and a gas locker with provision for a 7kg and 15kg gas cylinder was reassuring. In the cold conditions our 7kg cylinder was fully exhausted on the fourth day.

ON THE ROAD

Fiat’s domination of the Motorhome chassis supply situation throughout Europe has been achieved because of their readiness to supply what the Motorhome builders deemed necessary. This applies to suspension that will cope well with large and sometimes high-bodied vehicles without losing the comfort feel and engines that can cope equally well at a dawdle or respectable cruising speed. Powered and heated mirrors, central locking the advanced braking system with electric brake distribution – it’s all there just like the cars we drive today. We’re spoilt with vehicles that can not only cruise at way beyond the limit where it’s legal but will also return a fuel consumption that won’t break the bank. In this case close to 26mpg with the excellent 16-valve Common Rail turbo diesel of 2.3-litre capacity. Noise levels for the ride and motor were both nicely subdued. And, as for the feel of it, the shape the weight distribution on the long wheelbase chassis and relatively low height gave a ride like “on rails” all the time. Yes, we missed a radio and had it been warmer the lack of air con would have been noticed but in the semi arctic weather the heater was fine. I liked the concealed bonnet release to foil the opportunist thief, the superbly supportive shape of the cab seats and their armrests and the overall ergonomic package that puts the controls and the instruments just so.

TAKING IT EASY

A low set integral entrance step is a civilised way to make an entrance; it also renders any sort of powered contraption superfluous. Lights at floor and eye level here are also thoughtful. Where though is the control switch and regulator for the heater? In the most unlikely place against the bed base plainly visible when on all fours! No matter it was straightforward to actuate and highly effective within ten minutes of switching on. Centre stage in the lounge/diner is a large uniquely shaped table designed to be comfortably within reach of both cab seats and the bench seats on either side. Anchored firmly to its central leg it is also multi-directional and adjustable for height when forming the base of the single bed conversion. Although the bench seats are plain and square the rotated cab chairs adjust every which way to be supremely comfortable at meal times and later. All windows in the living quarters including the entrance door are smooth acting Sietz, double-glazed type with linked fly-screens and blinds. Generously cut curtains complete the picture.

For the décor there is a pleasing harmony between the autumn shades of the fabrics, honey coloured woodwork and plain beige removable carpets over a vinyl floor covering. Plenty of daylight via the panoramic rooflights above the lounge and the bedroom and, at night the detailed attention to lighting has a combination of spotlights and domed ceiling fittings that leaves no corners in darkness.

Sleeping

Who ever heard of island beds in compact Profile Motorhomes? Obviously Ci, who have adopted the, “who dares wins” policy to astound the competition and amaze the buyers. After all this entire machine is only 7.33m long overall. But as you can see it has this splendid double bed with wardrobes and drawers on either side, twin heating ducts and a unique lighting arrangement. For background lighting there’s the ceiling lamp, well placed spotlights and, concealed above cubby holes recessed into the bottom of the wardrobes, low energy Led lights to give subdued illumination that won’t disturb one’s partner who crashed out earlier. Are there any disadvantages? Well as the heating installation is almost directly beneath the head of the bed, it will be audible if turned high but only a whisper on a low setting. For Camping in the high season with the temperature hovering at 20ºC plus there are the fly-screened windows on either side, the large roof vent fully opened and the blown air fan on cold. For the mattress the foam mix has just the right feel of resilience with firmness. Should there be the occasional guest or grandchild a single bed across the middle of the lounge area is made up with the cushions supported by the table and side seats.

KITCHEN

Highlights of the galley are the 170-litre auto power sourcing Dometic fridge/freezer and the four-burner hob, grill and oven from Caprice. Worktop space is limited until you bring the table into play and the deep circular sink is destined to gain a laminated top on regular production Elites.  Stowage space in the roof lockers is generous but high of access and there are no cupboards beneath the work surface because the gas locker intrudes. Placing the cutlery drawer above the fridge necessitates standing on tiptoe for all but the tallest and items intended for the locker above that will need to be tossed up there. Fridge access is ideal, the hob burners fine and the oven became a cool bread bin when not in service for baking. Kitchen lighting with twin spotlights forward of the roof lockers and a long strip fitting directly above the hob were fine.

WASHROOMS

By the foot of the bed on the nearside the shower cubicle is a spacious affair, with thoroughly modern fittings and sensible lighting. A towel hook behind the curtain would be an improvement or otherwise reach outside and grab it from the foot of the bed. The bi-fold door makes for easy access. Across the corridor with a similar door is the washroom proper complete with a very special wash basin and surround for the soap and toothbrushes etc. Locker space under the sink and in twin roof lockers is generous by `Motorhome standards and the lighting effective unless you have both roof locker doors open together.  Floor space around the flush toilet is limited but the swivel facility helps somewhat. Ventilation is by a fixed roof vent and the opening window for the warmer weather.

STOWAGE

Only the kitchen is limited for space in the immediate vicinity of the food prep’ area. Elsewhere, in the cab, the lounge and bedroom it is generous, especially under the bed reached without effort when the bed base is propped open. There is also the outdoor access locker accessed from either side of the vehicle to the rear, suitable for skis and other outdoor gear. The authorised towing weight of 1,200 kg could be useful for towing anything from a microlight to a sailing dinghy.

SUMMARY

In the introduction I posed a question, how was it possible to put the Elite on the market at the price? The answer in three parts is: ingenuity, the corporate purchasing power of parent company Trigano and a critical look at what the priorities of a potential buyer might be.  I’m pleased that the passenger airbag is standard while some manufacturers still dither, the alloy wheels are another must for practical reasons and the fact that the galley is a bit on the small side is balanced by the opulence and real comfort of the island bed. In fact, if the oven were replaced by something more modest, the resultant gain in handy kitchen storage would transform the meal machine.

TECHNICAL DATA

Vehicle specification: Ci Mizar Elite, three-berth Low Profile Motorhome

Price of vehicle tested: £41,200 otr

Vehicle kindly loaned for testing by: Ci Motorhomes, Trigano House, Genesis Way, Europarc, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN37 9TU

CONVERSION

Overall length: 7.33m

Overall width: 2.31m

Overall height: 2.90m

MPTLM: 3500kg

PAYLOAD: 460kg

Construction: All GRP exterior with foam insulation; 70mm floor, 30mm walls and roof

Fresh water capacity: 100-litres

Waste water capacity: 105-litres

Gas storage capacity: one 15kg and one-7kg cylinder

Auxiliary battery: 85Ah

Refrigerator: Dometic auto sourcing 170-litre fridge/freezer

Heating: Truma gas fired 6000w combined water and space heater.

Lighting: Mix of fluorescent ceiling lights. Spotlights and low energy led lights

Upholstery: abstract pattern, even textured fabric in subdued autumn shades

Other equipment fitted: passenger airbag, alloy wheels, brackets for cycle rack, slide out support for flat screen TV.

BASE VEHICLE

Type: Fiat Ducato long wheelbase chassis cab

Power unit: 2.3-litre, 16 valve turbo diesel

Maximum power: 130bhp @ 3600rpm

Maximum torque: 320Nm @ 2000rpm

Transmission: six-speed manual to front wheels

Steering: power assisted rack and pinion

Braking system: servo assisted all wheel disc system with ABS and EBD

Fuel tank capacity: 90-litres

PERFORMANCE

Fuel consumption: 26mpg approx

Maximum speed: 85mph estimated

Comfortable cruising speed: 65-70mph