Confident travel thanks to new Air-Pro air suspension
The upper class of Carthage. That sounds strange somehow, so we need to differentiate a little. Because the Aulendorf-based company actually only competes in the upper class.
For comfort-spoiled beginners, there is the sub-brand Malibuwhich also has vans. Carthago itself prefers to refer to its chic series as the liner class. This is divided into four segments: c-line and e-line (on Fiat Ducato or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter), s-plus (on IvecoDaily) and liner-for-two (on Fiat Ducato or Iveco Daily).
The latter plays a special role because it is only available with a comfortable rear seating group. For all the others, there is a wide variety of floor plans. Particularly popular are those with lengthwise single beds in the rear – among other things because they allow for high and spacious rear storage spaces.
The Carthago chic s-plus I 50 LE offers sophisticated living comfort.
Photo: Sven Krieger / Car Whiz
Our test car has something like that too. At just under eight meters long, it is the shortest chic s-plus. Its big siblings are 8.60 (I 61 XL LE, also lengthways beds) and even 8.85 meters (I 64 XL QB, queen-size bed) long. They use the extra space for things like a free-standing washbasin and a long side couch behind the passenger seat. Will those who can do without it still find great happiness in the I 50 LE we tested? Let’s take a look.
This is the Carthago chic s-plus
A stately companion that is still handy enough for long journeys. It is recommended not least because of its comfortable Air-Pro air suspension from chassis manufacturer Iveco.
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Vehicle data
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Carthago chic s-plus I 50 LE
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Motorization
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Iveco 50 C 21
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Performance
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152 kW (207 hp) at 3500 rpm
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Top speed
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100 km/h (> 3.5 t)
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Gearbox/Drive
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Eight-speed automatic/rear wheel
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Length Width Height
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7910/2270/3290mm
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Mass ready to drive/payload
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approx. 4125/1675 kg
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Trailer load (braked/unbraked)
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3500/750kg
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Base price/test car price
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187,100 euros / 257,710 euros
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Although it costs an extra 13,990 euros, it comes to your aid at the push of a button when loading and offers an extra level of driving safety thanks to its adaptive control electronics, which calculate the required pressure in each damper every ten milliseconds. This is also available in the assistance package (8,490 euros) with lane keeping, emergency braking and distance control, among other things.
The table can be moved in all directions and is large enough.
Photo: Sven Krieger / Car Whiz
Anyone who likes to be self-sufficient for longer periods of time will also appreciate the capacity of the tanks or will be happy to use the various power supply options. Four gel or two Li-Ion batteries as well as a solar system with up to 270 Wp are possible here.
The chic s-plus I 50 LE has
A fairly uncomplicated creature. This is because it is well designed and therefore easy to use. A good example of this are the combined functions such as the drain valves under the entrance or the easily usable raised floor with several hatches into the living area.
A television is also possible in the sleeping area, but costs an additional 1540 euros.
Photo: Sven Krieger / Car Whiz
It is particularly comfortable with its cosy seating area – up to six travel friends will definitely enjoy gathering around the round table. If you want, you can have roof cupboards and two panoramic windows instead of the fold-down bed (2290 euros). Behind it, in the curved and therefore space-optimised kitchen, there is no pinching anywhere either. Two people can easily pass each other in the hallway. Usable space seems to have been extracted from every corner, which shows a lot of attention to detail.
This is also evident in the door to the dressing area. It is split in two and thus closes off at the front and at the same time to the toilet room, which has a chic slate look. Heating is provided as standard by an Alde hot water heater. Its draught-free heat distribution, which is supported by the fabric-covered interior walls made of aluminum that are typical for Carthago, contributes significantly to the dignified comfort.
Confident travel is guaranteed with the Carthago chic s-plus I 50 LE.
Photo: Sven Krieger / Car Whiz
It is as easy to use as it is to use in the seat. The view to the front is excellent, the seats are comfortable and the sound insulation is efficient. A recommendation (not just because of the size of the vehicle) is the torque converter automatic transmission. Unfortunately, it is only available with the large engine – for a hefty 11,490 euros.
With the air suspension, even the smallest chic s-plus soars to new heights. This guarantees confident travel. Its simplicity in operation fits in perfectly with this.
