Unicat reveals its latest go-anywhere motorhome

Unicat, the German manufacturer of off-road expedition motorhomes, has revealed its latest model, the MD56c.

The new model is designed to offer up to two weeks’ complete self-sufficiency, with 600 litres of fresh water and 3.2 tonnes of payload. For electric power there is a Honda generator, solar panels, two inverters and the 24 LifeYP04 batteries provide a capacity of 1,200Ah.

The new Unicat is based on a 23-tonne MAN TGS six wheel-drive truck with permanent all-wheel drive and is powered by a 533bhp diesel engine coupled to a 12-speed automatic gearbox. It also comes with a Garmin sat-nav and heated and air-conditioned, air-sprung cab seats, while a 980-litre diesel tank is claimed to give a range of over 1,800 miles.

Its third axle steers, which, along with a ‘birdview’ camera system, is designed to make this 8.16m-long vehicle more manoeuvrable. That length doesn’t include the 1.89m loading platform for two motorcycles or a quadbike.

The living area measures 5.60m long, 2.48m wide and 2.11m high. It is constructed from GRP composite panels with steel frame reinforcement and 60mm-thick PU rigid foam insulation. A bellows connection allows movement between the cab and the habitation area. The doors are double-sealed against dust and moisture and the ‘burglarproof’ glass windows use Unicat’s own stainless-steel locks. Inside, there’s seating for six and an electrically-lowered table converts the lounge into a large double bed (in addition to the rear fixed bed). The teak veneer furniture has bamboo ribbed worktops and the kitchen features an oven, microwave, induction hob, dishwasher and 190-litre fridge/freezer.

Separate toilet and shower areas are also provided, the former with a porcelain loo and 110-litre sewage tank (the grey tank holds an additional 175 litres). The interior also has two air-conditioning systems and a diesel-powered hot water central heating system with 9kW output, so you’re ready for any climate when we can travel once more.

A demonstration vehicle that has been driven just 500 miles is available at €1,389,000 (£1,213,000).