2014 Adria Adora Seine caravan review: Streaming success for single beds?

An even more modern look for Adria’s Adora range for this year looks set to build on the rivers of Europe names theme for the five models that was introduced the season before. That’s something that’s been retained, as is the Seine featured here, although you can’t help wondering if this should really be the French bed variant.

Enough of the joking, the Seine floorplan continues with twin singles, compared to main sister models Isonzo (transverse island bed) and Thames (French bed), all with a full-width washroom across the rear and a lounge at the front that offers two more night-time berths.

Bear in mind, also, although Adrias are imported to the UK, unlike their peers they’re very much built to UK specifications, for example with the door on our nearside.

They retain their own identity inside and out, however, arguably appealing to more flamboyant tastes than would be considered the UK norm.

As with so many ‘vans these days, each Adora now sports a sunroof at the front (opening, in this case). Like many Adrias, there’s also a considerable tail overhang, but this is offset by a drawbar at the front that’s longer than most rivals. It’s certainly no lightweight, however. You’re going to need a two-tonne car to lug it around.

Bodywork is GRP-clad rather than the aluminium still favoured by many manufacturers, and the only minor gripe here is the slight inaccessibility of the corner steadies.

Inside, and again there are plenty of touches to show Adria isn’t afraid to do things a bit differently. For example, it foregoes the traditional fitting of a small chest of drawers between the lounge’s settees.

Stretching out along the offside mid-‘van, too, the kitchen is focussed around a highly practical hob comprising three rings (all of different sizes) combined with a sink set at right angles to it. It’s an arrangement that appears to free up a lot of valuable work space and, even better, below all this is given over to large drawers (which again, prove far more practical that straight lockers).

Kitchen appliances are completed by a suitably large 104-litre Thetford fridge/freezer plus a Spinflo Midi Prima oven and separate grill (although some may feel the latter is set just a bit too high).

Heating and hot water are courtesy of Truma’s Ultraheat and Ultrastore systems respectively, both with the facility to operate from mains electricity as well as gas.

There’s a 10cm difference in the lengths of those single beds (the longer is a full 2m), but both are 0.78m wide. The front double also boasts generous dimensions, 2.12m x 1.54m.

Across the back, the washroom is just about wide enough to allow use as a full changing room. Facilities here extend to a free-standing transparent basin (be warned, they do show any marks), swivel-bowl toilet, good cupboard storage, opaque window as well as a roof vent.

The only surprise is the shower cubicle isn’t full-lined – you’d expect proper plastic rather than just wallboard in a ‘van of this stature.

But, is it better than a Brit? Its main rivals are either lighter or shorter, or both. They also tend to be better equipped overall, although – perhaps Sterling apart – none quite has the individuality of the Adoras.

Verdict:

Plus: GRP-clad body with ten-year warranty, distinctive interior styling, sturdy all-round build with a good dose of individuality

Minus: Hefty, needs a proper shower cubicle, lack of an electronic anti-snaking device or standard fit security which is often seen on UK manufacturer ranges. Our suggestion would be to invest in the optional AL-KO Secure axle wheel lock for peace of mind and to get discounts on your caravan insurance.

In-a-nutshell: Sufficiently different

Cost to insure: £285*

In summary:

• Adria Adora Seine
• Dimensions 8.19m L, 2.45m W, 2.58m H
• Internal length 6.14m
• Berths 4
• MTPLM 1700kg
• MIRO 1503kg
• Payload 197kg
• Key options: Adora Pack – alloy wheels, AL-KO Secure receiver, wheel covers, kitchen sink cover and drainer, LED lighting (£650)

Recommended retail price from £18,285**

There’s more information on the Adora range on the Adria website and to find out more about our low-cost premiums visit the caravan insurance discounts page. 

Alternatives: Bailey Pegasus GT65 Rimini, Coachman Vision 565/4, Elddis Affinity 574, Sterling Eccles SE Solitaire, Swift Challenger SE 565

*Caravan insurance cost based on Adria Adora Seine caravan retailing at £18,285. Fitted with hitchlock, AL-KO Secure wheel lock (optional). Kept on drive at HX4 0BE. Caravanners over 30 years old, claim free for 3 years and a member of a caravanning club. £100 excess. 180 days European cover and up to £75 per day for up to 15 days emergency accommodation cover included. Legal expenses cover, extended European cover and other emergency accommodation expenses cover options are available at extra cost. Quote includes 10% online discount and 6% Insurance Premium Tax and is correct as of 08/01/14

**On-the-road, including VAT at 20%