2014 Adria Astella Amazon Glam Caravan review: Phew, what a scorcher!

Take a deep breath traditionalists. And maybe just look away. Then again… perhaps you should consider this essential reading.

Whatever, here’s just another example that caravans can be more than just white boxes.

Sure, it might have two (alloy, of course) wheels and a tow hitch, but it looks like no other caravan, with its swept-back silver and grey exterior and UK maximum 2.45m width.

But, there’s more wow when you step inside. Even the interior layout should make you look, and think, again. From front to back, it goes kitchen, lounge, bedroom, washroom. Yes, the kitchen rally does occupy the whole of the front end.

The kitchen actually extends around the offside. There’s a 104-litre fridge, over which sits an oven and grill.It features an extensive amount of spotless white worktop with an inset three gas burner hob (all different sizes) and a separate deep rectangular sink adjacent, served by a swan-neck mixer tap and complete with a clever drainer to add on. It all gives not just loads of workspace, there’s also virtually unbounded storage that’s especially easy to access thanks to super-size drawers, while the sunroof overhead will help keep the chef from feeling anything but cramped.

Dark wood and brown leather dominate the rest of the interior interior. Taking its cues from yachts, hotels, upmarket apartments… you get the picture. Features like the swing-out lamp for the lounge help keep up the futuristic appeal.

The example on review here includes the Astella pack, because it’s hard to see anyone ordering their Adria Glam without. It gives you Al-Ko’s ATC handling system, roof rails, wheel inserts and those alloy wheels (plus spare) outside, whilst indoors there are carpets, that drainer and sink cover, ambient lighting and Horrex blinds, and a flyscreen for the main door. The leather upholstery featuring here is another “must-have” option, surely.

At night, it’s twin single beds (sister model Rio Grande has a double French bed), with adjustable backrest sections, while a full washroom across the back includes a step-in shower cubicle. There’s all kinds of upmarket specification throughout, like Alde’s heating and hot water system.

With a hefty 1,800kg-plus starting weight, you’re looking at Range Rover territory for a suitable towcar. Or, maybe something like a Porsche Cayenne is more in keeping… Bear in mind, also, that maximum 8ft width here.Adria deserves applause, not just for its constant efforts to do some thing different, but also as arguably the only non-British caravan manufacturer that actually tailors its built to the UK. This flagship may not be to everyone’s taste – or indeed budget – but there’s a “halo effect” that filters down through the rest of its offerings.

Style, panache, élan, je ne sais quoi… however you want to put it, this Adria has it in bucket loads. It’s certainly highly exclusive. And futuristic. And expensive. But, that’s not to say it’s not highly practical. It’s just a bit too avant-garde for our mainstream caravanning masses, surely?

Please note: Interior and exterior specification may vary from pictures shown

Verdict: Super stylish, but expensive, it’s a worthy attempt to take caravanning into the future

Plus: GRP-clad body with ten-year warranty, distinctive interior styling, sturdy all-round build with a good dose of individuality. AL-KO ATC anti snaking gives owners a sizeable insurance saving.

Minus: Pricy, heavy, not for the faint-hearted

In-a-nutshell: Oversize, over here, and glamorously over the top

Cost to insure: £312

In summary

• Adria Astella Amazon Glam
• Dimensions: 8.02m total length including A-Frame, 6.64m body length, 2.45m W, 2.58m H
• Internal length 6.14m
• Berths 2
• MTPLM 2,000kg
• MIRO 1,805kg
• Payload kg
• Key options: Astella Pack (£1,190), leather upholstery (£1,100), Bose sound system (£699.99)

Recommended retail price from £24,580**

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: Dethleffs Beduin/Euro Style, Swift Elegance

*Caravan insurance is based on 2014 Adria Astella Amazon Glam caravan retailing at £24,580 and including Astella Pack. Fitted with hitchlock, wheel clamp and AL-KO ATC anti-snaking device. 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 11/March/2014.

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