Westfalia, a well-known name in European motorhome manufacturing, is celebrating a world premiere at this year’s Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, Germany, Aug. 27 to Sept. 5.
The motorhome specialist will for the first time be presenting its new “Westfalia Columbus.” The latest Westfalia development not only represents an extensive redesign of the interior concept but is also notably the first Westfalia vehicle conversion to be based on the Fiat Ducato, according to a news release.
Compact on the outside and fully fitted within, Westfalia, like no other motorhome manufacturer, stands for utility maximization in a small space. With the “Columbus,” it is now also possible for Ducato fans to benefit from a genuine Westfalia conversion. MSRP: $49,655 U.S.
With this latest addition to its product range, Westfalia is for the first time fitting a van with a built-in rear bed.
At the same time, Westfalia’s engineers are proving that not all rear beds are created equal. Thanks to a sophisticated sledge design, the rear half of the bed can simply be folded up when more space is needed, thus providing easy, safe, secure and clean storage.
The automotive two-seater bench with its back-friendly contours and ergonomic shape also assures tall passengers a relaxed and pleasant trip. At the same time, the bench, which has undergone the toughest tensile testing, guarantees a first-rate level of safety. And with its integrated ISOFIX anchorage points for child seats, it provides support and protection for the little ones too. Thanks to the patented Westfalia bed system, just two hand movements are needed to transform this comfortable piece of furniture within seconds into an additional bed.
Besides the four sleeping berths, the Columbus is fully equipped. The side kitchenette features a high quality cooker/sink combination and a revolutionary pull-out cool box (refrigerator). The cool box can be accessed from both the inside and outside.
Another feature that is unique in this class of vehicle is the heating system. Thanks to the combination of hot-water heating and an underfloor heating system that is fitted as standard, the interior is always cozy thus ensuring a maximum in comfort. In addition to this, it will be possible in the future to order heated versions of the shower tray and rear shower wall.
All furnishings and fittings feature the familiar high Westfalia quality. All trimmings are made from aluminum and are therefore considerably more durable and of a higher quality than comparable finishes. The particularly hard-wearing covers, the real glass work surface and the floor made from a wear-resistant PVC covering likewise underscore the high quality standards Westfalia expects all of its models to meet.
The Columbus is available in October. Orders are being taken immediately.
Westfalia is one of the leading motorhome manufacturers in Europe. Besides manufacturing motorhomes and recreational vehicles for international automobile marques such as Mercedes, Opel, and Ford, the premium manufacturer has for three years now been focusing increasingly on developing its own models under the Westfalia name. After a sharp decline in orders in 2009, Westfalia filed for insolvency in January of this year. The company is taking this as an opportunity to effectively restore sustained profitability. Full production and product development are continuing.
For more information, visit www.westfalia-van.de.
