2020 Knaus Sport & Fun Black Selection caravan

Original goes back to Black

Can you believe the highly individualistic Sport & Fun caravan from Knaus dates back to the start of the century? It looks just as fresh and avant-garde today.

The German manufacturer has gone on to become something of a specialist in esoteric little tourers – supporting evidence comes via the Deseo and Travelino – but it’s the distinctive, wedge-shaped Sport & Fun caravan that kicked things off.

There have been changes along the way, of course, but so much remains the same – starting with that distinctive, aerodynamic body shape and extra-wide  door at the back. The latter already opens up the Sport & Fun – literally – to all kinds of possibilities. Motorcycles, push bikes, wheelchair access (and yes, ramps are available) and there’s also a second habitation door, on the UK, offside forward of the axle. A 10-year water ingress warranty is also very reassuring.

The original continues to be more about blue and green, but this Black Selection speaks for itself. There’s a one thousand pounds-plus premium to pay for this variant, but you get a long roll-call of extra equipment as standard – starting with a chassis that’s upgraded to 1,400kg.

The ladder and roof rails aren’t just there for show, either – they can take loads up to 75kg, so perfect for a surfboard or a bike. These, and the bodywork cappings, are in carbon-effect black, complementing the 17in alloy wheels.

The colourwork continues inside. Upholstery is called Grey Stripes, furniture has a matching grey laminate finish, while the rest of the décor falls into line with the Black Selection name.

Enter the Sport & Fun caravan from the back door and a swooping corridor takes you past the washroom and then kitchen on your right, with L-shaped seating complemented by a shaped, pedestal leg table, following the curve on your left.

It’s still a remarkably space-efficient interior, especially when you consider a permanent double bed (across the front) is part of a floorplan like no other. In standard format, that bed’s slatted base hinges up for easy access to a generous, uncluttered storage area that’s also accessible from outside. An intriguing option is a height-adjustable bed here.

The “downstairs” double bed is made by dropping the table and using a filler cushion.

The washroom is roomier than it has any right to be in what is such a small tourer. But its maybe in keeping with the more active lifestyle that Knaus expects for Sport & Fun caravan buyers.

All the key features include swivel-bowl toilet, fixed oval basin and hand-held shower, but undoubtedly the star attraction is a rather nifty slide-out tray that extends the space to shower in.

There’s clever thinking in the kitchen area, too, where you get a three-in-a-row gas hob alongside a circular sink that still allows for a generous amount of permanent worktop.

There’s even good storage, too, with a tall slide-out rack the highlight. The slimline fridge, at 145 litres, has a larger capacity than you’d expect in a small ‘van.

Other key Black Selection features include a lift-tilt sunroof, main door flyscreen, second garage door, flatscreen TV holder and 12V mobile system comprising gel battery, automatic charger and master switch, plus a water filter system.

It’s not cheap, and despite the kit upgrades you’ll do well to avoid the allure of the options list. There’s just a selection opposite, but favourites including 1,700kg chassis upgrade, load ties, motorbike holder and ramp – all pointing to the kind of folk who find the Sport & Fun caravan appealing.

It’s actually not short of rivals at this more sporty, more showy end of the market. But, there are lots of differences in overall layout and styling. Nevertheless, Knaus can claim it was very much first in the field with the Sport & Fun.

Verdict: After all these years… still a different kind of tourer

Plus: It’s different, highly practical, well made

Minus: Not cheap, not for the retiring

In-a-nutshell: The Fun starts here

There’s more information on the Sport and Fun on the Knaus website. To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Adria Action, Bailey Discovery, Barefoot, Knaus Sport & Fun, Freedom Jetstream, Swift Basecamp, T@B L400 TD