Built on the reliable Fiat Ducato 2.3 JTD chassis with 130 bhp and a five-speed gearbox, this Carioca represents Ci’s approach to family motorhoming during the mid-2000s. You’ll find it’s designed around the principle that everyone should have somewhere proper to sit when you’re parked up, rather than perching on bed edges or makeshift arrangements. With alloy wheels, a Fiamma awning, and a colour reversing camera already fitted, someone’s clearly thought about the practical side of motorhome ownership.
Size and Practicality of the Carioca 635
At 3,500kg maximum gross vehicle weight with a 628kg payload, you’ll need to watch your loading carefully; that’s not unusual for a five-berth motorhome of this era. The payload might seem generous until you factor in five people’s luggage, food for a week’s touring, and all the camping paraphernalia that somehow multiplies when you’re not looking.
The GRP sidewalls and fibreglass overcab construction should provide decent insulation compared to some of the thinner-walled alternatives from this period. You’d likely find the build quality typical of mid-2000s European motorhomes, solid enough for regular use but perhaps showing its age in some of the interior fittings by now.
Driving the Ci Carioca 635
That 2.3-litre JTD engine should provide adequate performance for a motorhome of this size, with research suggesting fuel consumption around 22-25 mpg depending on how you drive and where you’re touring. The five-speed gearbox might feel a bit agricultural compared to modern six-speed units, but it’s proven reliable in thousands of Ducato-based motorhomes.
You’ll appreciate the colour reversing camera when manoeuvring into tight pitches; it was still a relatively premium feature in 2005. The tow bar suggests this Carioca could handle a small car or trailer, though you’d need to check your remaining payload capacity carefully before hitching anything substantial.
Living Areas in the Carioca 635
The front dinette arrangement provides the foundation for this motorhome’s social credentials. You’ll find two forward-facing seats with proper three-point seatbelts and two rear-facing seats with lap belts, creating a proper dining area that converts to a double bed measuring 1850 x 1250mm when needed.
Behind this, the rear lounge continues the seating theme, bringing the total capacity to seven people when everyone’s gathered inside. Two tables mean you’re not constantly shuffling furniture around, and the storage lockers above and below the dinette should swallow a reasonable amount of kit.
The wardrobe behind the passenger seat provides hanging space, though you might find it’s not enormous by modern standards. The control panel above the habitation door keeps the electrical systems accessible without cluttering the living space.
Carioca 635 Sleeping Arrangements
With five berths spread across three distinct sleeping areas, you’ve got options for different group configurations. The overcab double measures 2160 x 1500mm; generous enough for two adults without the usual complaints about width. The dinette converts to another double at 1850 x 1250mm, whilst the rear offers a single bed at 1850 x 660mm.
This arrangement works particularly well for families with teenagers or groups of friends who want some separation at bedtime. You might find the rear single ideal for a child or as extra storage space when you’re touring as a couple.
Kitchen Space in the Carioca 635
The four-burner hob gives you proper cooking capability, none of that two-ring compromise you’ll find in smaller motorhomes. Combined with the 90-litre fridge, you should manage week-long tours without constantly hunting for shops.
The sink and storage cabinets above provide the basics for meal preparation, whilst the TV in the kitchen area suggests someone’s thought about entertainment whilst cooking. You’ll find the fireplace an interesting touch; not something you see in every motorhome and potentially useful for extending the touring season.
Bathroom in the Carioca 635
The rear bathroom offers a separate shower arrangement rather than the wet room approach common in smaller motorhomes. You’ll find a proper toilet, wash basin, and shower in the rear corner, with dedicated bathroom storage for toiletries and towels.
The cassette toilet system is standard for motorhomes of this era and size, whilst the separate shower should make daily washing more civilised than trying to juggle everything in a tiny wet room.
Carioca 635 Water and Electrical Systems
With 110 litres of fresh water and 105 litres of waste capacity, you should manage several days between services if you’re careful. The 85Ah leisure battery provides reasonable electrical storage, though you might want to consider upgrading to lithium if you’re planning extended off-grid touring.
The Truma heating system should keep everyone comfortable during cooler weather, whilst space for two gas bottles means you’re less likely to run out of cooking fuel at inconvenient moments. The radio and CD player might seem dated now, but they’re easily upgraded if modern connectivity matters to you.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
The CI Carioca 5 Review: Practical Family Motorhome offers a different layout approach from the same manufacturer, potentially with more modern features if you’re looking at newer examples.
For alternative family layouts, the Roller Team Auto-Roller 695 Family Review: Spacious and Versatile provides Italian build quality with a focus on family-friendly features and potentially better payload management.
The Elddis Autoquest 175 Review: British Build with Practical Layout represents British manufacturing with different interior styling and potentially more familiar warranty and service arrangements.
Final Thoughts
The 2005 Ci Carioca 635 tackles the challenge of five-berth motorhoming with a sensible approach to seating and sleeping arrangements. You’ll find it’s designed for people who actually want to use all those berths rather than just claiming them on paper.
The combination of proper dining space, separate sleeping areas, and decent kitchen facilities makes it worth considering for larger families or groups who tour together regularly. However, you’ll need to be realistic about the payload limitations and the fact that a 2005 motorhome will inevitably show some signs of age.
If you can find one that’s been well maintained and the price reflects its age appropriately, the Carioca 635 could provide years of family touring without the constant compromises that plague smaller motorhomes trying to accommodate five people.
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