Eriba is a well-known name in the European camping scene. For nearly seven decades, the German RV manufacturer has offered its clients reliable caravans defined by outstanding quality and functionality, and it continues to advocate for unique holidays spent in total comfort with the launch of the new Erica Car camper van.
Though the Eriba brand has been perceived as rather traditional by many, the company's commitment to quality and innovation has never wavered, and its travel trailers and caravans still enjoy great popularity among European and North American camping enthusiasts. To prove itself as an open and modern brand, and to grow the appeal of its products to a younger target group, the German company has been pushing the boundaries of motorhome design.
Eriba was first established in 1957 as the caravan specialist branch of the Erwin Hymer Group, but today, its model range includes so much more than just the legendary touring family. Last year, Eriba impressed with the launch of the ultra-modern Touring 820 travel trailer, and now it takes center stage in the camping world again with the new Eriba Car camper van, which is designed to "sum up the idea of the iconic Eriba caravan brand."
Due to its long tradition in the camping world, Eriba has become a cult brand, constantly setting new trends in the industry. With the Eriba Car camper van, the company wants to tap into the cult classic status of the Eriba Touring brand and into the power of nostalgia to encourage exploration and adventure in a camper van that they hope will develop the same cult appeal.
Photo: Hymer Group
"There aren't many caravan manufacturers who also tell a story in addition to simply producing vehicles," declared Hymer's Head of Central Marketing, Frank Heinrichsen. "From the very beginning, however, Eriba has been surrounded by this unique narrative of freedom, individuality, and refreshing coolness. Without sacrificing any of this, the ERIBA Car now demonstrates that we have not only grown as a company but also grown up."
The new compact motorhome measures 236 inches (599 cm) in length and is based on a modern Volkswagen Crafter 3500 van. It boasts a dual-tone exterior that harkens back to the cult caravans from the 1960s and a warm and welcoming interior specific to all the Hymer-branded camper vans. For the exterior, customers can choose to combine the white upper part with Deep Ocean, Cherry Red, or Metallic Iridium Grey, color options that reminisce of the vibrant bicolor exterior of the Eriba Touring range.
While the pop-top roof has always been a highlight of the Eriba range, the Eriba Car comes with a fixed-roof design that allows owners to stay warm and cozy even in colder camping spots.
Inside, practicality meets comfort and luxury. While the layout is nothing revolutionary, featuring the Hymer staple of a rear bed on a raised foldaway platform, a kitchenette on the passenger side, a wet bathroom on the driver's side, and a dining/lounge area up front, what makes this camper van stand out from the crowd is the unique styling and quality finishes.
Photo: Hymer Group
Eriba integrated color into the interior design as well, with Deep Ocean furniture pieces and panels, complemented by natural-colored benchtops and surfaces and soft-touch paneling throughout. A well-thought-out lighting system, a small skylight, and light-colored yacht-effect flooring help keep the space bright. Of course, there is scope for customization inside as well, with buyers able to choose between two standard fabrics - Toledo Sand and Seattle Stone - and two types of leather - Dayton Cognac or Boston.
The living space starts right up front with a cozy lounge/dining area made up of swiveling driver and passenger seats, a table with an extension mechanism, and a two-seat rear passenger bench.
Behind the seating area, you will find the wet bathroom that includes all the basics you need in a small package while also offering plenty of room for movement. It is fitted with a standard shower, toilet, sink, vanity mirror, and towel rail. When not in use, the washbasin folds out of the way, making more room for showering. The standard shower head and hose can also be used as an external shower through the bathroom window.
Photo: Hymer Group
Opposite the bathroom lies the kitchenette, with a sleek look and modern functionality courtesy of a dual-burner gas stove, a sink, and a pull-out 90-liter refrigerator. Since the counter space is quite limited, the nearby fold-out dining table comes in handy when you need an extra workspace for meal prep.
The rear of the van serves as the sleeping space and is fitted with a comfortable sprung mattress measuring 200 cm x 136 cm (79 x 54 inches) and various overhead storage cabinets.
Actually, the van is jam-packed with clever storage solutions. The bed platform comprises storage units on the sides, keeping the center aisle clear for loading large items, luggage, gear, or bicycles during the day when the bed is folded away. Other practical storage compartments are integrated into the platform on the floor, as well as additional overhead lockers at the front of the van.
For maximum comfort, the camper comes standard with heat and hot water, an “Air Care Climatronic" automatic air conditioning system, a 95-Ah AGM leisure battery, and a 100-L fresh water tank.
The Eriba Car camper van made its debut at the ongoing CMT Stuttgart show and will become available from European dealers this spring. It will retail for a base price of €74,900 (around US $81,400).
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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