LAIKA KREOS H 5109

The luxury brand's latest 'van is as stylish as you'd expect, says Peter Baber, but the standard spec is not hugely generous

- Peter Baber

Laika is one of the most upmarket brands in the Erwin Hymer Group, famous for A-classes that boast its signature Italian style.

To find out if the new Kreos H 5109 lives up to that, we viewed it at Erwin Hymer Travelworld in Stafford.

Unusually for the most upmarket range in an upmarket brand, the 'van is not based on a Mercedes Sprinter. Instead you get a Fiat Ducato, albeit on a heavy chassis - with an MTPLM of 4500kg, this is certainly one vehicle you'll need a C1 licence for.

As standard you also get the more powerful 180bhp engine, an automatic gearbox, 16-inch Fiat alloy wheels, and a whole host of safety and driver assistance features, including cruise control. The steering wheel, naturally, is leather-wrapped, as is the gearstick.

The superior cab seats swing round across a flat floor to join the two rear travel seats and a pair of large side sofas at an attractive circular table.

You could probably accommodate seven people sitting here, and because the table slides about, everyone should be able to get in easily.

There's plenty of ambient light in the lounge, and the cream and teal scatter cushions add to the exclusive air.