Brabus Viano or Carisma V1?

KLee

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Hi All,

I've been looking into buying a Mercedes Viano conversion. I like the idea of a van conversion and Mercedes Viano seems to tick all the boxes. They look classy, yet discreet, from the outside and spacious and very luxurious on the inside.

Ideal for both work/client meetings while out on the road and family days out (the kids will love the integrated PlayStation too).

After a little research I discovered that Brabus aren't the only Viano converters on the market.

There's a company in Turkey (Tremo, I think) but wasn't really sold on their quality.

There's obviously Brabus (the big boys in this field). The Brabus Viano looks good, but very expensive. I also think the peripherals (fold-away tables, on-board computer, heating controls etc) look a little too plasticky (if that's even a word :confused:).

Yes, they're built in Germany, but they have a couple of dealers in the UK, so I don't see this as a problem.

I then discovered Carisma Auto Design, based in Colchester. WOW, totally blown away with their work!!!

IMO they look to be the UK version of Brabus, in terms of quality (if not better, going by the pics on their website) but almost half the price :eek:

What am I missing?

Surely this difference isn't just because of the Brabus brand, or maybe it is? Perhaps it's because I'd be buying through a Brabus dealer rather than buying directly with Carisma?

It's not like Carisma are new kids on the block, they've been around since 1998 and have a VIP client list by all accounts. I also love the fact the Carisma Viano V1 is hand-built here in Britain, I'm a bit patriotic like that.

Have I struck gold with this find, or have I just missed something obvious?

Price aside, which do you think looks better? (Carisma V1, followed by Brabus Viano).

Carisma V1 examples...
brabus-viano-or-carisma-v1-1_zps53294432-1.jpg


brabus-viano-or-carisma-v1-2_zpsac3ac10b.jpg


brabus-viano-or-carisma-v1-4_zps75aa399e.jpg


brabus-viano-or-carisma-v1-3_zps98063e29.jpg


Brabus Viano examples...
brabus-viano-or-carisma-v1-5_zps3d36170a.jpg


brabus-viano-or-carisma-v1-6_zps96ad8505.jpg


brabus-viano-or-carisma-v1-7_zps2c553531.jpg


brabus-viano-or-carisma-v1-8_zpsff876631.jpg


Thoughts welcome,

Thanks,
 

GAD Tuning LTD

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Wow in Colchester???

We are based just down the road and have a van conversion specialists who is a dealer for us (VAG T5 though :()

I might have to go check them out! Do a little recon!

Regards

Anthony @ GAD
 
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KLee

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Wow in Colchester???

We are based just down the road and have a van conversion specialists who is a dealer for us (VAG T5 though :()

Yes, pretty sure they're in Colchester, unless that's just where head office is and the conversions are done offsite, wouldn't have thought so though??

Just checked their website again and it seems they also do T5 conversions ;)

Seems to be a hidden gem.
 

GAD Tuning LTD

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Good afternoon,

I think your right! a hidden gem they very well could be!!!

Many thanks

GAD
 

GAD Tuning LTD

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Ha ha amazing! This is under "Enhanced Features"

◾Front and/or rear facing 42″ Plasma TV
◾Fridge
◾Coffee machines
◾Crystal glass sets within illuminated console
◾Reclining seats and foot rests
◾Seat temperature and massage systems
◾Spun chrome cup holders and switches
◾Power sockets
◾Cigar humidor
◾Stow away tables
◾A range of ceiling, side and floor lighting
◾Dimmable mood lighting
◾Contrasting seatbelts
◾Driver intercom system
◾Front and/or rear facing cameras
◾Dual zone air conditioning
◾Armoured plating
◾Bullet-proof windows


Im very interested in the bottom two!

Regards

GAD
 

Howard

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Carisma used to do the 'conversions' on the UK version of Pimp My Ride.
 
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