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NEWS
Lotus builds baby off-roader
Lotus joins compact off-road van brigade with new 14ft Off Grid modelLotus Caravans will join the growing number of local manufacturers offering an entry-level, hard-roofed camper, with the Melbourne off-road specialist set to unveil a compact new 14ft model at the Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow from February 24-29.
Following the tyre tracks of similar Australian-built examples like the Van Cruiser Outlaw and On The Move Crossfire, the new Lotus Off Grid van sports a G&S galvanised chassis with single axle Control Rider independent, coil spring suspension, Hitchmaster DO35 coupling, 12in electric brakes, and 17in alloy wheels with chunky Cooper tyres.
The timber frame/'composite panel body also features plenty of side and underbody checker plate protection as well as a front toolbox, rear recovery points and two 95 litre water tanks.
A pre-production model reviewed in a recent issue of Unsealed 4x4 had bold, bright green 'Alucomp' exterior panels with carbon fibre decals and matching green alloys, but it’s understood a range of exterior colours will be available. Being a Lotus, there's some nice bespoke touches including laser-cut grab handles.
Other external features include a pull-out stainless steel kitchen with Weber BBQ and glass-lidded sink, and another slide-out with an 80 litre Waeco portable fridge (although it's understood the fridge will be relocated inside on production models).
A small Thule Omnistor awning was fitted to the pre-production model, but production versions should come with a bigger awning to cover the external kitchen.
Interior features include an east-west queen bed with inner-spring mattress, kitchenette with sink and filtered tap and a 25 litre microwave, LED lighting, combination shower/toilet, roof-top air-conditioner and what looks like plenty of cupboards and drawers.
Adding to the high gloss interior finishes are other desirable features including a Fusion audio set-up and 24in TV, and a two 120Ah battery system with Redarc 20A charger and 300W roof-top solar panels.
The pre-production model had a Tare weight of around 1800kg and ball weight of 140kg. There are also plans to introduce a slightly longer version.
Wayne Freeman from Lotus Caravans said production versions of the Off Grid will retail from $69,990, which is slightly higher than some similarly-specced, Australian-built rivals.
However, he's confident it will be a hot seller for Lotus, which currently builds around five vans a week at its Campbellfield, Victoria factory.
"Since the Pat Callinan show we have received over 300 enquiries requesting more information so there is a huge market for this type of hybrid van," he said.
The new compact off-road van will be displayed at the Melbourne Supershow alongside Lotus’ larger, dual axle Freelander, Trooper and Tarmac models, ranging in size from 17ft 6in to 22ft body lengths.
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Written byChris Fincham
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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