Adria motorhome coming

Another Fiat Ducato-based motorhome will be available in Australia by the end of this year, as the local importer of European-built Adria RVs prepares to introduce an Australian version of the three-berth Adria Twin RV camper.

R.V. Asia Pacific has been displaying a 'prototype' Twin RV motorhome at major caravan shows this year including Sydney and Brisbane, in order to generate interest in the lead up to the first shipment of production vehicles arriving late-2011.

R.V. Asia Pacific general manager, Chris Swann, said early interest in the Twin RV motorhome had been promising, with 17 written enquiries received thus far. As soon as local compliance had been finalised, Swann said production of the Australian-specification motorhomes would begin at Adria's factory in Slovenia.

The introduction of the Twin RV was an exciting opportunity to expand Adria's model line-up in Australia, which currently consists of six caravan models, Swann said.

"People like the (Twin RV) layout, I think it will go well. It's just a matter of putting everything into place," he said. 

"Once DOTARS (Department of Infrastructure and Transport) has given final approval, it gives the green light to Adria to start working out the final costs, because there needs to be a few changes, such as electrical issues and the Dometic fridge," he said.

According to Swann the display model, which features a rear bed, kitchen, dinette and toilet/shower, has "one of the layouts we will be looking at". 

Based on a Fiat Ducato LWB, it's powered by a 119kW 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine with auto transmission, but a less powerful 97kW 2.3-litre diesel with manual 'box should also be available.

Measuring almost 6m long and just over 2.0m wide, and with a 3100kg Tare and 4005kg GVM (900kg payload), the Adria motorhome is "fitted out with everything one could wish for in a fully self-contained motorhome", according to Swann.

The display vehicle has all the usual Ducato features including two swivel front seats, as well as further seating for two. It can sleep up to three people, including a 196cm x 145cm rear double bed as well as a front dinette that converts to a bed.

It also features a small bathroom with shower, basin and vacuum flush toilet, and a compact kitchen with 97 litre fridge, cooktop, sink and oven.

Other standard features include an air-conditioner, 19inch DVD/LCD TV, two 11kg gas bottles, Truma gas heater, 100amp house battery with 150amp charger, 3.7m Fiamma F65 awning, and electric outside step.

Water's taken care of with a 120 fresh water tank and 90 litre 'grey' tank, and there's also a mains water inlet.

Options available include a tow bar, polished alloy bulbar, alloy wheels, reversing camera, and a solar charging system. There should be a variety of exterior colours to choose from, with the most likely options being white, gold, silver and dark blue.