Living With The CI Carioca 656

Having decided to sell my home and tour Europe in a Motorhome, the time arrived when a decision on what to buy had to be made. Having looked at 1000’s of different vehicles both new and used over a 1 year period, I decided that a new vehicle with a warrantee was the sensible option. Now the nightmares began. Did I want an A class, a B class or a coachbuilt? Although the A & B classes were excellently specked, all had different things that I didn’t like, be it the layout out or berths or that they did not feel right. I decided that a coachbuilt would be the conversion to purchase. So, off to my local dealer, Pioneer Caravans in Eye Peterborough, who have put up with me asking silly questions for the last year! Pioneer have recently been appointed main dealer for the CI range of Motorhomes and have most of the current models on show including some of the Rivera range. They also have a good selection of pre loved Motorhomes, new and used caravans and have been trading over 25 years. Reliability and longevity spring to mind with a dealer who has lasted that long.
Looking around the CI range, I was spoilt for choice and hard pressed to make a decision on the layout I preferred. A rear bathroom and fixed bed would have been ideal. However, I decided on the middle of the range rear bunk Carioca 656. Based on the reliable Fiat Ducato 2.3 litre engine with PAS, there is no ABS, no radio, manual mirrors and no central locking. Items I would have expected to see fitted as standard these days. The Carioca 656 has a good size garage with a door either side, Thetford cassette toilet with a good size shower cubicle, 4 burner hob, grill, Dometic 3 way fridge, 2 fixed rear bunks, King size over cab bed and a Pullman dinette that converts to either a double bed or 2 singles, making 6 berths in total. There are plenty of overhead lockers, TV cabinet with 12 volt and 3 x 240 volt sockets, under seat storage, a good size cupboard under the grill (where an oven could be later fitted) and a good sized wardrobe. The toilet also has 3 cupboards. The bottom bunk can be raised and fixed in the up position to give a very good size garage with 3 locks on each of the 2 doors. Priced at £28195 it is in my opinion a very good buy, despite the lack of electrics in the cab.

Modifications

First on my list of essentials was a TV aerial. I decided on the Status 530 directional version. This was fitted by Pioneer Caravans before delivery. Next was an LCD TV. I bought a Sharp 17” LCD before I bought the ‘van, not my wisest buy. The problem was that it was about ½” too tall. I really should have measured the opening! I finally bought a Matsui 15” LCD from a local chain store which fitted in the TV cabinet with millimetres to spare and a Philips Digital receiver. That’s when I encountered a common problem with LCD TV’s – the viewing angle. Unless the TV was tilted – by putting a pack of playing cards under the base – the picture was far too dark to see when it was in the TV cabinet. Another plan was formulated, which meant a drop down LCD bracket was a necessary purchase and needed to be fitted to the bottom of the TV cabinet. A trip to the local superstore resulted in an AVF bracket duly purchased along with the necessary cables. Just the 6mm screws and T nuts to find now. All holes drilled, bracket fixed and cables fitted all was looking good. The TV was now watchable, but what to do with the TV cabinet now? I decided that as there was a 240 volt socket in the cabinet, a microwave was the obvious choice especially with no oven fitted to the ‘van. A Microwave purchased. The next problem was how to make sure it did not move during travel. A simple and ideal solution was suggested by my other half who, unlike me, thinks laterally. I used 4 of the fixings made for curtain rails. These have a ½” hole in them and 4 fixing screws. Duly placed in the cabinet the Microwave was put in position and the front fixings were stuck down with super glue. When this set, the 4 screws were fitted. This was repeated with the rear fittings. With the shutter closed, the Microwave is secure during travel. Another modification to the ‘van was the addition of a curtain between the cab and the habitation. Silver screens are supplied but a pair of curtains take seconds to close or open.

Security and Safety

Although the Carioca is fitted with an immobiliser, I wanted a CAT1 alarm fitted for peace of mind and cheaper insurance. Having used Safeguard Motors in Peterborough before, they were my choice of certified installer. A Meta CAT1 upgrade was fitted, along with central locking, radio CD, reversing sensors and a Bluetooth car kit. They also fitted a contact switch on the conversion door. At night, the internal sensors can be turned off so the alarm can be activated when sleeping. Cruise Control has also been fitted by Conrad Anderson.

Convenience

Having used a 6kg bottle of gas during my first week and having trouble getting a refill on a Saturday afternoon, I decided that a refillable gas system was needed. Just by coincident, we were going to the Peterborough Motorhome Show where I knew Gaslow were exhibiting. A quick chat with the Gaslow fitter regarding fitting and refilling costs convinced me that I would save money on gas from day 1. As I was planning a trip round Europe the system was fitted with 2×11kg refillable bottles. Fitting took about 45 mins and included a thorough test for gas leaks and instructions on how to fill both here in the UK and abroad. With 6kg refills costing between £15 and £18, my first refill – 20litres @ 43p litre - saved me between £22 and £28. I no longer have to worry about getting refills as gas is available in most Garages throughout France and Germany but not Spain although, the numbers of stations selling gas are increasing month by month

Fuel Consumption

On motorways, the ‘van returns around 26 mpg. Not bad for a new ‘van that’s still tight. Around town it’s about 23 mpg. Still not bad although, I have been told the MPG will get better as the ‘van frees up. The 2.3 litre engine copes very well with hills and managed to climb all that the Isle of Wight had to throw at it. At over 7 foot wide some of the Isle of Wight roads were a little tight.

Snags

As with all new vehicles some small problems can be expected and I had a few. When I returned to Pioneer Caravans with my list, the snags were dealt with straight away and efficiently. Nothing was too much trouble for Pioneer and I was kept informed at all stages. If all the companies I deal with were as customer focused as Pioneer Caravans then I would have nothing to stress me and my Blood pressure would return to normal.

Full timing in the 656

I have spent 35 consecutive nights in the 656 and have not had 1 restless night. The beds are comfortable and the ‘van is warm. With the blinds shut and the front curtains closed the van is cosy and as private as any house you would like to mention. The Truma water heater and blown air heater are efficient and perform really well. The Status aerial never fails to get a Digital or analogue signal even in built up areas. The 120 litre fresh water tank is adequate and should last a couple for about 6 days, longer if you use the shower sensibly i.e. wet down, soap up and then rinse off. With the fitted Gaslow system and travelling alone, I would guess that I will be self sufficient for a good few weeks at a time although, I will need to empty the loo every few days and possibly top up the water every 8 or so.

Conclusion.

The Carioca 656 represents very good value for money but, would benefit from ABS, a radio, central locking and electric mirrors as standard. The driver and passenger seats have arm rests as standard, full seat belts and are very supportive and comfortable. The 4 rear seats all have seatbelts fitted. The front facing seats have full belts with the rear facing seats having lap belts. For a family on a budget, the 656 represents an ideal buy that should give very good service for years to come. The residuals when eventually trading the 656 in should be very good as early Carioca’s are very few and far between and do not appear on the second hand market very often. Those that do are snapped up very quickly. The Cheery wood interior is pleasing to the eye as is the hard wearing Blue/Grey interior. The beds are comfortable and roomy. Unusually the rear bunks are almost 1 metre wide and 7 foot long. Although the bottom bunk is a bit claustrophobic, the top bunk is fine. The top bunk and overcab bed are both fitted with safety nets to prevent the occupiers falling out and ladders to allow access. The position of the ladder for the top bunk hinders the access and egress to the bottom bunk when in use and would benefit from moving to the left as far as possible. The position of the rear window would benefit from moving to the centre of the rear panel as only ½ of it is viewable from the driver’s seat. The inclusion of fittings for a Fiamma bike rack is a thoughtful addition to the rear of the ‘van and means the owner can fit a rack themselves and save a couple of hundred pounds on dealers fitted cost.