The rear garage layout with fold-down bunks is particularly clever, giving you proper storage space when you’re not using all the sleeping capacity. It’s the sort of practical thinking that makes the difference between a good family trip and a cramped nightmare.
Size and Practicality of the CI Carioca 656
Living with the Carioca 656 day-to-day, you’d find it surprisingly manageable for its size. At roughly 6.5 metres, it’s certainly not a small motorhome, but it’s not unwieldy either. You’d likely manage most supermarket car parks, though you might find yourself walking a bit further from the back spaces.
The 2.28-metre width keeps you within standard lane widths, and the 3.2-metre height means you’d clear most barriers, though you’d still need to watch for those sneaky 3-metre restrictions in some car parks. With the Fiat Ducato base, you’d benefit from decent ground clearance for rougher campsites, though you wouldn’t want to attempt serious off-road adventures.
That 585kg payload figure needs careful consideration with six berths. Two adults and four children might just squeeze within limits, but you’d need to pack strategically. The 110-litre fresh water tank alone weighs 110kg when full, so you’d be looking at around 475kg remaining for people, clothes, food, and all the paraphernalia that comes with family holidays.
Driving the Carioca 656 on the Road
Behind the wheel, you’d find the 2.3-litre JTD engine provides adequate motivation for most situations. With 130bhp on tap, it’s not going to set any speed records, but it should pull reasonably well on motorway inclines, especially with the six-speed manual gearbox allowing you to keep the engine in its sweet spot.
The Fiat Ducato base brings proven reliability and widespread service network coverage, crucial when you’re touring with the family. You’d find parts and expertise in most European destinations, which provides peace of mind for longer adventures. The cruise control would prove invaluable on longer journeys, helping maintain steady speeds and reducing driver fatigue.
Fuel economy would likely hover around 25-30mpg depending on your driving style and load. With a family of six aboard and luggage, you’d probably see closer to the lower end of that range, but it’s still reasonable for a vehicle of this size and weight.
Living Space in the CI Carioca 656
Inside the Carioca 656, you’d discover a layout that prioritises practicality over luxury. The four forward and rear-facing belted seats provide proper travel safety for the family, though the rear-facing arrangement might not suit all children – some find it uncomfortable or motion-sickness inducing.
The living area centres around a telescoping table that you could adjust for different uses – meals, games, or workspace. When you’re touring somewhere like the Lake District, having flexible seating arrangements becomes crucial for those inevitable rainy afternoons when everyone’s cooped up inside.
Storage throughout the living area appears adequate rather than generous. You’d find the usual overhead lockers and under-seating storage, but with six people’s belongings, organisation becomes critical. The wardrobe behind the passenger seat provides hanging space, though you might find it limited for longer trips.
Carioca 656 Sleeping Arrangements
The sleeping configuration offers genuine flexibility, which is where this motorhome really earns its keep. The overcab double bed folds away when not needed, giving you better headroom in the living area during the day. For a couple touring without children, you could leave the rear garage clear for bikes and outdoor gear.
When you need all six berths, the rear garage transforms with fold-down bunks. It’s a clever use of space, though the garage bunks would suit children better than adults (headroom and comfort are limited). The arrangement works well for families with younger children who don’t mind the more basic sleeping arrangements.
The main bed over the cab would accommodate most couples comfortably, though taller individuals might find the space a bit restrictive. Access involves a bit of climbing, which could become tiresome for older users, but it’s manageable for most people.
Kitchen Space in the Carioca 656
The Carioca 656’s kitchen provides the essentials without unnecessary frills. You’d find a four-burner hob giving decent cooking flexibility – important when you’re catering for six people. The grill adds cooking options, though you’d need to manage ventilation carefully in the confined space.
The 97-litre trivalent fridge offers reasonable capacity for a family, running on 12V, 240V, or gas depending on your situation. When you’re wild camping in Scotland, the gas option becomes invaluable, while the 240V mode works perfectly on serviced pitches.
Worktop space appears limited, which is typical for motorhomes of this era and price point. You’d need to work efficiently, perhaps using the dining table as additional prep space when cooking more elaborate meals. Storage for pots, pans, and provisions looks adequate for shorter trips, though longer adventures might require careful planning.
The Carioca 656’s Bathroom
The separate shower unit represents a significant advantage over many motorhomes in this price bracket. You’d have a proper enclosed shower space rather than a combined shower/toilet arrangement, which makes a real difference to comfort and practicality, especially with children.
The cassette toilet follows standard European practice, with the waste tank accessible from outside. It’s a proven system, though you’d need to plan emptying stops carefully with six people using the facilities. The separate arrangement means one person can shower while another uses the toilet area, which is crucial for family harmony.
Hot water provision would likely come from a combination boiler system, providing both space heating and hot water. You’d get reasonable flow rates for showering, though with six people aboard, you might need to stagger shower times to avoid running out of hot water.
Power and Water Systems
The Carioca 656 runs on a fairly standard setup for its era. The 110-litre fresh water tank provides reasonable capacity, though with six people aboard, you’d probably find yourself refilling every couple of days. The 105-litre waste tank offers similar capacity, maintaining a sensible balance.
Gas storage includes both 13kg and 7kg bottles, giving you flexibility in supply and weight distribution. The dual-bottle setup means you’d have backup capacity, crucial when you’re touring remote areas where gas supplies might be limited.
Electrical systems would be basic but functional, don’t expect sophisticated battery monitoring or solar charging from a 2007 motorhome. You’d likely rely on hookup power for extended stays, though the engine alternator would maintain the leisure battery during travel.
Practical Considerations for the CI Carioca 656
The Fiamma awning adds valuable outdoor living space, particularly important when you’re touring with children who need room to play. The bike rack acknowledges that many families want to explore their destinations on two wheels, though you’d need to consider the impact on payload.
The reverse camera is a welcome safety feature, especially valuable when manoeuvring a 6.5-metre motorhome in tight spaces. With children around campsites, the additional visibility could prevent accidents.
At 17 years old, this particular example would need careful inspection. Italian motorhomes from this era generally used good-quality components, but you’d want to check for any signs of water ingress, particularly around windows and roof lights. The Fiat base should prove reliable with proper maintenance.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Carioca 656 doesn’t quite fit your requirements, several alternatives merit consideration. The Roller Team Auto Roller 695 Family Four Berth Value Excellence Review offers similar six-berth capacity with potentially more modern features, while the CI Carioca 5 Fewer Berths More Compact Choice provides a more compact option from the same manufacturer if you need fewer berths.
For those seeking a different approach to family motorhoming, the Benimar Mileo 282 Spanish Build Quality Family Approach Review represents Spanish build quality with potentially different layout solutions.
Final Thoughts
The CI Carioca 656 from 2007 represents honest family motorhoming without pretension. You’d get genuine six-berth capacity, reasonable build quality, and proven mechanical reliability in a package that doesn’t require specialist licensing or enormous running costs.
It’s not a luxury motorhome, and you shouldn’t expect premium finishes or sophisticated systems. What you would get is practical family transport that could handle everything from weekend breaks to extended European adventures. The rear garage flexibility is particularly appealing, allowing the motorhome to adapt as your family’s needs change.
For families stepping up from tenting or considering their first motorhome purchase, the Carioca 656 offers a sensible entry point. Just ensure you budget for any age-related maintenance issues and remember that 17-year-old motorhomes, however well-built originally, will need more attention than newer alternatives.
Do you have a motorhome to sell? Call us on 01283 240237 or simply enter your reg number here to sell your motorhome!
