Niesmann + Bischoff Arto 78 F Review

Style and substance from the Arto 78 F

If you’re looking for a motorhome that oozes style and offers year-round comfort, the Niesmann + Bischoff Arto 78 F truly delivers.

It’s eight years now since Niesmann + Bischoff introduced its recognisable bold exterior – and the Arto range takes style a step further by offering the chance to add a customisable kick. Eye-catching colours from Lava Orange to Miami Blue can be added to the front and wing mirrors of the vehicle for additional class.

The vehicle’s curves and contours scream premium and have won numerous awards and accolades.

At under eight metres, the Arto 78 F is described by Niesmann + Bischoff as a compact liner. Larger tag-axle models up to 8.76m are available, but the 78 F has proved extremely popular with couples and grandparents, particularly the more adventurous who want to see the world.

The vehicle’s aluminium walls and double floor offer fantastic insultation properties and the impressive 800kg payload provides plenty of storage for longer trips all year round, or even ski trips in the mountains.

The interior of the Arto 78 F offers all of the luxury people have come to expect from Niesmann + Bischoff. As a deliberately compact motorhome – at 2.32m in width it’s relatively narrow, too – the team has come up with some neat ideas to ensure all features are present.

The L-shaped lounge has a bench seat on the side, meaning five can comfortably sit round the extendable table.

The kitchen is well-equipped with a smaller fridge freezer, allowing room for the oven British buyers crave, as well as a three-burner hob. The island bed offers easy access to both sides and there is wardrobe space either side.

It’s the little touches that make Niesmann + Bischoff stand out as a luxury brand. All key furniture fixings and hinges are metal and ceiling cupboards can be selected in matt white or high-gloss wood. There’s a vast choice of upholsteries and interior styles to suit all tastes, including full cream leather as shown here.

It’s far from style over substance, though. The designers at Niesmann + Bischoff have worked hard with clever positioning of water tanks and batteries to ensure the Arto has a low centre of gravity. Compared to other vehicles of a similar size, the Arto 78 F handles much more like a car. With hill start assist, an electronic slip differential and hill decent control fitted as standard, the driving experience is a joy to behold – even for a novice. SKA seats adapt to every body shape and size.

Also available is a Lithium Energy Package, offering around nine days of self-sufficiency with typical electrical consumption, perfect for those who like to disappear off-grid for a while.

The Arto 78 F is powered by the Fiat 2.3 160hp (Euro 6) engine and ZF nine-speed automatic gearbox, along with 16in alloy wheels.

Compact yet roomy, stylish yet practical, it’s easy to see why the Arto 78 F has proved a popular choice with discerning motorhomers