When you’re looking at a 2017 Hobby Optima De Luxe V65 Ge, you’re considering what was essentially Hobby’s golden anniversary celebration on wheels. This particular model represents the German manufacturer’s 50-year milestone, and they’ve clearly pulled out quite a few stops to mark the occasion. At 6.74 metres long, it sits in that sweet spot where you’re getting proper motorhome space without venturing into the realm of needing an HGV licence.
The V65 Ge configuration tells you immediately that this is designed around twin beds positioned above a rear garage, a layout that’s become increasingly popular with couples who value both sleeping comfort and storage space. With just under 550kg of payload available from the 3,500kg total weight, you’ll need to pack thoughtfully, but it’s perfectly manageable for most touring scenarios.
What makes this anniversary edition particularly interesting is the £7,750 Deluxe Pack that’s been fitted, which transforms what would already be a well-specified motorhome into something rather more luxurious. You’re looking at a motorhome that was clearly positioned at the premium end of Hobby’s range, with features that would have been considered quite special back in 2017.
Size and Practicality of the Hobby Optima
At 6.74 metres long and 2.16 metres wide, the Hobby Optima De Luxe V65 Ge sits comfortably within standard European touring dimensions. You’d find this size manageable on most UK roads, though you’d naturally need to think twice about some of the narrower Cornish lanes or Scottish Highland routes. The length gives you proper living space without making every car park a strategic challenge.
The 3,500kg total weight means you can drive this on a standard car licence, which opens it up to a much wider range of potential owners. However, that payload of just under 550kg does require some discipline. When you factor in two people, clothes for a fortnight’s tour, food, water, and all the bits and pieces that accumulate in a motorhome, you’d need to be quite selective about what you pack.
Driving the Hobby Optima De Luxe
The Fiat Ducato 2.3 Multijet 130bhp chassis with automatic gearbox would have been a popular choice in 2017, offering a good balance of performance and ease of driving. The automatic transmission particularly makes sense in a motorhome of this size; you’d appreciate not having to work a clutch when manoeuvring into tight pitches or navigating stop-start traffic on the way to your destination.
Cruise control is fitted, which makes longer motorway stretches much more relaxed, while the cab air conditioning ensures you’d stay comfortable even on those surprisingly hot British summer days. The reversing camera would prove invaluable when backing into pitches, especially given the rear garage configuration that limits your view out the back.
Living Space in the Hobby Optima
The interior layout centres around a front lounge area with cream leather seating throughout, a choice that would have felt quite premium in 2017. You’ve got four belted seats in total, with two forward-facing seats that would be perfect for travelling with passengers or simply enjoying the view when you’re pitched up somewhere scenic.
The lounge converts to provide a single bed, giving you that third berth mentioned in the specifications. This flexibility means you could accommodate an occasional guest or child, though the twin beds in the rear would clearly be the primary sleeping arrangement for most users.
That big skylight, part of the Deluxe Pack, would make a significant difference to the sense of space inside. Natural light transforms any motorhome interior, and this feature alone would justify a good portion of that £7,750 upgrade cost.
Hobby Optima Sleeping Arrangements
The twin beds positioned above the rear garage represent one of the most practical sleeping configurations you can find in a motorhome. Each bed would be a proper single size, meaning you and your partner get your own space without the compromises that come with trying to squeeze a double bed into a motorhome’s constraints.
Storage cupboards (three on the back wall and three on each side) provide ample space for clothes and personal items. You’d also find under-bed storage, though access might be slightly limited by the garage below. The windows on both sides of the bedroom area ensure good ventilation and natural light, while reading lights on both sides mean you could settle down with a book without disturbing your partner.
Kitchen Space in the Hobby Optima
The kitchen area features a three-burner hob with a Thetford oven and grill, a combination that would handle most cooking requirements on tour. The Dometic fridge would keep your food fresh, though you’d need to be mindful of power consumption when wild camping. A cooker hood helps manage cooking odours and steam, which is particularly important in the confined space of a motorhome.
Storage includes hidden door compartments, which maximise the use of available space. The sink and preparation area would be adequate for most meal preparation, though you’d naturally need to work more efficiently than you would in a home kitchen.
The Hobby Optima Bathroom
The bathroom combines toilet, sink, and shower in a single space, the standard arrangement for a motorhome of this size. LED lighting ensures good visibility while being kind to your battery, and cabinets with mirrors provide storage for toiletries and personal items.
The shower would be perfectly functional for quick washes and hair washing, though you’d probably still appreciate the occasional campsite shower block for a more luxurious experience. The compact nature of the space means everything needs to be well-designed, and Hobby generally does a good job in this regard.
Hobby Optima Systems and Storage
That large rear garage is one of the key selling points of this layout. You’d have space for outdoor furniture, awnings, bikes, and all the other equipment that makes motorhome touring more enjoyable. External access means you wouldn’t need to traipse through the living area with muddy boots or wet gear.
The electric step makes entry and exit more comfortable, while LED lighting throughout reduces power consumption, important when you’re relying on battery power. USB and 12V sockets ensure you can keep devices charged, and the tablet holder suggests Hobby was thinking about modern connectivity needs even back in 2017.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If you’re drawn to the Hobby Optima’s twin bed layout but want to explore alternatives, the Hymer B584 Review: Compact A-Class with Legendary German Build Quality and Rear Storage offers similar rear garage convenience with Hymer’s reputation for build quality.
For something with a more contemporary edge, the Dethleffs Magic Edition Black I1 Eb Review: Stunning Modern Design Meets A-Class Innovation provides modern styling with practical touring features.
The Burstner Lyseo Harmony Line T 690 G Review: Premium German Twin-Bed Layout with Refined Design Philosophy represents another German manufacturer’s take on the twin bed garage layout, with its own unique design philosophy.
Final Thoughts
The 2017 Hobby Optima De Luxe V65 Ge represents a well-thought-out approach to motorhome design, particularly for couples who value sleeping comfort and storage space. The anniversary edition touches and Deluxe Pack features elevate it above the standard specification, creating a motorhome that would have felt quite special when new.
The twin bed layout with rear garage appeals to practical tourers who want proper sleeping arrangements and space for all their gear. However, that sub-550kg payload means you’d need to pack carefully, and the premium specification suggests this was never intended as a budget option.
If you’re looking for a motorhome that combines German build quality with practical touring features, and you can find one that’s been well maintained, the Hobby Optima De Luxe V65 Ge could prove an excellent choice for exploring Britain and Europe in comfort.
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