The all-new Horizon Multi Concept Vehicle isn't the first camper van based on the new Mercedes Vito – we've already seen the Terra Camper Tecamp, for one – but it is purportedly the first such camper made in the UK. The new camper van is designed to adeptly straddle the fence between everyday family van and holiday camper. A host of quick-converting interior amenities help it achieve that duality.
The Horizon MCV is sized to transport up to four adults and one child. While it isn't quite as versatile as camper vans with removable modules or sliding rear benches, Horizon does position it as both a weekday family hauler and weekend/vacation motorhome. It won't haul as many people as a stock Vito or other vans, but it looks cozy enough for shuttling the family to school, work and daily errands.
When it comes to sleeping and living quarters, Horizon outfits the MCV with a furniture suite meant to be both functional and luxurious. The electrically-folding rear seats and swivel front seats are upholstered in two-tone leather, and the countertops are made from Compac quartz granite. A kitchen area with a sink, dual-burner stove unit and Vitrifrigo 87-liter (23-US gal) 12V fridge/freezer lines the rear side wall, and a folding table provides dining space. The van sleeps four adults and a single child with its combination of auto-folding rear bed and hydraulic pop-up roof bed. The design is a bit compact to expect a full bathroom, but it does come standard with a Fiamma bio pot 30 toilet stashed under the bed.
Onboard utilities include a gas tank contained within a vented metal cabinet, a 30-liter (8-US gal) water tank with 12V pump, and an electrical system with two 12V outlets, a double 240V socket and a 75A battery. LEDs offer soft, functional mood lighting within the cabin, and a Heatsource gas blown-air heating system keeps the temperature comfortable.
The exterior includes a built-in awning with LED outdoor lighting, and Horizon shows the possibility of mounting a tent over the sliding door. The kitchen area is designed to be accessible from outside as well as inside, so the tent creates a covered outdoor cooking/dining area. The exterior also includes hookups for an outdoor shower and barbecue.
The MCV is powered by the Vito's 136-hp 2.1-liter CDI four-cylinder with six-speed manual transmission. It rides on 16-in alloy wheels and can be ordered in either compact or long wheelbase.
Horizon introduced the MCV at the Motorhome and Caravan Show last October. Prices start at £49,995 (US$73,000), and options include a £535 ($783) diesel heating upgrade, £1,500 ($2,200) automatic transmission and a £350 ($512) 240V microwave. Horizon also offers conversions based on last-generation Vito models, and it plans to add additional camper van models to its line in the future.
Source: Horizon MCV
