2018 Knaus Sun TI 700 MEG Platinum motorhome

Solid gold…

Sun TI models for the UK are indeed something a bit special, not least in terms of the extensive list of standard equipment. They’re seriously well equipped, and sure enough there’s a price to pay. But build quality is up there among the very best, too, for this, the Sun TI Platinum five-model range of low-profile, Fiat-based coachbuilts.

Also, so much on this line-up points the way to others who want to make their motorhomes just a bit more practical. Topping that list is the now patented Service Box. It’s a simple enough concept, but key fittings like the electric hook-up point, water tank access, leisure battery, gas cylinder storage and more are all housed inside a single hatch.

Then there are the two floor lockers just inside the habitation door, ideal for putting your (potentially mucky) footwear before heading on-board. Okay, so that entranceway isn’t switched for the UK – which means the interior layout isn’t either. It’s not an issue for many, of course.

The interior of the 700 MEG reviewed here boasts a floorplan that’s proved very popular in recent years. From the back, there are twin permanent single beds set over a large garage area, central kitchen and washroom, then, at the front, a typically continental lounge with double travel seat that adapts to an L-shape when on site, plus a single inward-facing chair beyond where there’s a pull-up bracket for the TV, and swivelled cab seats grouping around an oval-shaped fixed pedestal leg table with height adjustment.

The large sunroof over the cab, plus rooflight over lounge – both opening – should alleviate any feeling of claustrophobia as well as optimising ventilation.

Beyond the lounge, the kitchen might seem small, but its L-shaped and houses a space-efficient hob – with three different-sized gas burners in a line – a master of space creation, allowing worktop space in front of it. Note, also, the deep circular sink.

Storage is excellent, especially considering this is supposed to be a small kitchen. There are three large soft-close drawers. The undersink cupboard has slide-out baskets. The overhead locker has an adjustable shelf. There are lots of other nooks and crannies, too.

Across the corridor is a generous 190-litre Dometic fridge/freezer with AES (automatic energy selection). The grill/warming oven above this almost seems an after-thought, such is its high location.

For ablutions, shower and toilet facilities are split, with a shower on the nearside and toilet room offside, the latter including Dometic’s ceramic-bowl loo and a fixed corner basin.

At the back, there’s a ladder if you want easier access to the two permanent single beds. There’s also a pull-out central section that allows you to change to a double bed.

All this sits on a double-floor construction which means superior insulation (not just for you, but for key appliances, not least the water system) as well as lower-level storage. Indeed, storing your touring gear is surely not going to be an issue in a vehicle like this. The garage, for instance, has large doors to each side and includes floor rails for bike carrying.

Criticisms? The Dometic grill/warming oven is set far too high. And, the presence of overhead lockers means you’ll never be able to sit upright on either bed.

Check out the specification for yourselves – it goes all the way up to Alde heating and an Oyster satellite system, including 19in TV. But, these Knaus Platinum models are more than just a long list of kit. The quality and innovation are just as impressive, too.

Meanwhile, if you want pointers towards the quality, check the exterior sealants, the way the exterior hatches close, the interior locker doors, the water taps and more. The list is almost as endless as the standard equipment.

Verdict: Modern, upmarket

Plus: Superior UK specification, no shortage of innovation, overall build

Minus: Can’t sit up in bed, grill too high

In-a-nutshell: Quality counts in a thoroughly modern motorhome

There’s more information on the Sun TI range on the Knaus website. Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome on our motorhome insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Adria Matrix M 670 SL, Bürstner Harmony Line TD 728, Auto-Trail Savannah, Benimar Mileo 264, Dethleffs Globebus T4, Hymer T 678 CL, Rapido 666F