Avida Beechworth 2026 Review

Sydney-based manufacturer, Avida, chalked up its 60-year milestone last year, and the launch of refreshed models including the Beechworth, coincided with the celebrations.

With a gross vehicle mass of 4495kg, the 7.85m long vehicle is designed to give you as much motorhome as possible for those driving on a standard car licence. Vehicles exceeding 4500kg require a light rigid truck licence, which can be a turn-off for some buyers. 

A big part of keeping the weight down is opting not to fit a slide-out. As a point of comparison, Avida offers an identical length Esperance, slide-out model with a 5200kg GVM.

Simplicity, lower purchase price and less maintenance are further reasons to consider a non-slide out motorhome like the Beechworth...

Related: Avida celebrates 60 years in style

Related: New Avida Silverton lands in Sydney

Related: Avida Explorer LX 4x4 2025 Review

The Beechworth is pitched at an older demographic and is available in storage above cabin (B class) or bed above cabin (C class) variants.

For those new to motorhomes, C-class vehicles are characterised by the Luton peak; the bulbous profile above the cabin to accommodate a bed.

Both the B and C classes are available with either twin single or queen island beds, giving you four variants in total to choose from. In other words, both B-class vehicles are two-berth, and both C-class vehicles are four-berth.

Our review motorhome is the twin single B class variant with the lower profile roof (so no bedding above the cabin).

All variants sit on the Iveco Daily 50C-180 platform. The Iveco has been a popular choice with numerous motorhome builders for years due to a reputation for solid, reliable performance, to go with more recent advancements in refinement and overall good value for a European rig.

The '180' designates 180hp. In metric that’s 132kW and 430Nm being delivered from the 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine which is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission (rear wheel drive). Avida offers a 210HP version (155kW and 470Nm) with the 3.0-litre engine, which is considered a helpful boost if towing.

In my short time in the standard 132kW version, the Iveco felt smooth and responsive as far as motorhomes go – albeit unladen and over mostly flat terrain. The seats were comfortable and will be even better for all future orders with air suspension and heating becoming standard.

Avida has been building motorhome bodies from composite panels for decades. Timberless, composite panel construction is the gold standard for strength and optimum sound and thermal insulation.

The fibreglass-skinned, one-piece panels are used on the floor, roof and walls and provide good dent and hail resistance.

Our review unit was fitted with the optional-upgrade electric awning. It’s reassuring to know that you can retract at the press of a button in strong winds or if you ever feel the need to leave a campsite in a hurry. The upgrade is about $600 and would be an option box I would definitely tick. The standard electric step is welcomed too, as the Iveco sits a little higher than other platforms.

There are two large storage hatches on both sides of the vehicle. The front driver’s side hatch is filled with 2x 4kg gas bottles. The other three provide plenty of free space.

There is a void that runs the full width towards the rear of the motorhome, accessible from both rear hatches. This affords a space for long cargo such as fishing rods. There's also another smaller hatch towards the front on the driver’s side, but the space is compromised by a supporting brace for the dining area.

Running along the passenger side, at chassis level, are two lift-up panels. The front section houses the shore power and fuses, and the rear section contains the battery and shunt. The space has plenty of room for more batteries.

Another benefit of the absence of a Luton peak/overhead bed is that there is more headroom above the driver/passenger seat. That means you can step through to the dining area without having to duck your head. 

Multiple dining configurations can be deployed. For a quick stop, two occupants can sit at the table in the second row seats.

Or swivel the driver’s seat around for some more roomy seating for two. Swivel the passenger seat around, along with the extra swing-out table, and you have room for another guest or two. The second row seats came with optional seat belts, which can be handy for a couple more passengers.

The galley is functional with a four-burner hob (three gas/one electric) with grill, a 175L three-way absorption fridge and a 25L microwave above it.

A stainless steel sink sits beside the cooker, and beside that is a decent amount of bench space for meal preparation. More prep space is available thanks to the hinge-up bench beside the cooker, but it will partially block the doorway when deployed.

Under-bench and overhead storage is abundant. And a decent-sized window lets in plenty of natural light.

Rooftop reverse cycle air conditioning takes care of climate control when you're plugged in to 240V power, and for extra warmth, a diesel heater can be optioned in.

Across the way is the well-thought-out bathroom with a spacious shower cubicle and a separate Thetford cassette toilet. The stylish vanity doesn’t eat up too much space, so you can move about comfortably.

There is no above-bench storage, with a decent-sized mirror instead and a distinctive storage nook on the side wall that makes up for it.  A full-height linen closet immediately outside the bathroom significantly boosts storage space too.

Twin single beds don't suit all couples but they really open up the sleeping quarters, providing an easy walk-through passage and another comfortable place to sit. Overhead lockers can also be reached from a standing position rather than having to kneel on the bed with a typical island bed setup.

The central bedside drawers and wardrobe mean couples will need to share the space rather than having one each. While internal access to underbed storage is limited as external access has been prioritised. The smart TV is located at the foot of the passenger side bed.

The double-bed version runs east-west, but unlike many other layouts has the convenience of access from both sides, so partners won’t be disturbed getting in and out of bed.

Off-grid power as standard is minimalist but can be expanded. Onboard, we had a single 100Ah lithium battery, 2 x 210W solar panels, and a 30A DC to DC charger. Upgrades include a 300Ah battery pack, a 3000W Victron inverter and an 840W solar panel system.

Fresh and grey water tanks are both 100L, and an additional 75L fresh water tank can be optioned.

Sixty years in business and over 10,000 RVs built have to count for something. The Avida Beechworth delivers a lot of motorhome for a vehicle that can be driven on a standard car licence.

It has a decent amount of storage, and it’s nice to have a choice between B Class and C Class versions. 

Unlike its LX 4x4 rough road stablemate, the big Beechworth is a blacktop tourer most at home in caravan parks. But nothing is stopping you from getting off-grid for a few days with the standard setup, and there's plenty of scope to boost the power and water capacity via the options list.

Price: From $206,998 driveaway (as reviewed $211,000 driveaway Vic)
Base vehicle: Iveco Daily
Dimensions: 7.85m (L) x 2.34m (W) x 3.06m (H)
Engine: 132kW/430Nm, 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Gearbox: 8-speed automatic
Kerb weight: 3710kg
GVM: 4495kg
GCM: 7995kg
Towing capacity: 3500kg
Licence: Car
Passengers: 4
Berths: 2
Cooktop: Mobicool 4 burner with grill (3 gas, 1 electric)
Fridge: Thetford 175L 3-way absorption
Microwave: NCE 25L
Off-grid power: 100Ah Renogy battery, 2 x 210W Finch solar panels, Victron 30A DC to DC charger
Air-conditioner: Webasto roof-mounted
Space heater: optional
Washing machine: optional
Toilet: Thetford cassette
Shower: separate
Hot water: 23L gas & 240V
Fresh water: 100L
Grey water: 100L
Gas: 2 x 4kg
TV: Smart
Audio: Fusion Bluetooth All-In-One Audio
Supplied by: Roberts RV, Campbellfield, Victoria
More info: Avida RV