Expanded Adria range released

New Australian distributor, Apollo Motorhome Holidays, has relaunched the Adria brand Down Under, displaying a significantly updated and expanded range of the Slovenian-built caravans at the 2014 Queensland Caravan and Camping Show.

Apollo, which took up the Adria distributorship in February, made a big splash at the Queensland show, rolling out a good representation of the expanded five model-eight layout range, all displayed undercover with new signage, pamphlets and a glossy new brochure to impress prospective buyers.

Also making an appearance at the show were representatives from the Adria factory, indicating how bullish the European manufacturer is about its prospects in Australia, where around 1000 Adria caravans were previously sold from 2007-2013.

While the latest range includes single axle, Altea 432 PX and 512 PU models previously available as part of the 2013 model range, the other models are new and part of the substantially refreshed 2014 range.

The pint-sized 390 DS has been dropped, replaced by a much more practical but still featherweight, three-berth 402 PH. 

Priced from $41,990, the single axle model packs a double bed, dinette, kitchen and combined shower/toilet into its compact 4.77m long body, along with a Tare weight of just 1200kg and 1500kg ATM.

The other big change is the new range-topping Adora 612, which now comes with tandem rather than a single axle and is available in three layouts, all with full rear ensuites. The 6.77m long van is priced from $59,990 and with a Tare of just 1650kg and 2000kg ATM, is towable by large sedans as well as medium SUVs.

For families, there’s a new 552 PK model, with north-south bunk beds and separate shower/toilet at the rear, a lounge/dinette and small kitchen, and east-west double bed at the front. ??The 6.31m long family van is priced from $44,990 and has a similarly impressive 1420kg Tare and 1700kg ATM.

All 2015 models benefit from a new ‘i-shape’ modular design, which includes flush-mounted grab handles and separate front and rear body mouldings for easier repairs.

The interiors also reflect more modern, upmarket European caravan design, including better quality fittings and finishes, an updated kitchen with soft-closing drawers, LED ambient lighting and in the top-spec 612, a UK-style sky-roof and panoramic windows as well as new Australian-designed entry door with security screen.

The new models also feature the latest, 240V-only Truma Saphir Comfort RC underbunk ducted air-conditioning system, for both heating and cooling, rather than separate gas ducted heating and roof-top air-conditioner often found on Euro vans in Australia.

Another improvement is a significant increase in water capacity, from 100 to 130 litres depending on model, although the tanks are still located under the lounge seats rather than underslung, cutting into interior storage space. ??

All models also come standard with a Thule Omnistor roll-out awning, 190 litre fridge/freezer, and two 11kg gas bottles located in a separate, front locker compartment.

As with previous Australian-spec Adria caravans, the latest models have a stronger Al-Ko chassis and thicker side walls and window supports but continue to offer less road clearance than many of the latest ‘jacked up’ British vans.

Talvor/Adria business development manager Peter Eller said further upgrades are also being considered, such as USB ports to recharge mobile devices and smart phone integration for the entertainment system.

The new Adria range will join Talvor as another Apollo retail brand, and marks a move to a fully imported caravan range for the Queensland-based company, following the recent influx of US-built Talvor models.

Talvor launched an Australian-built range of caravans with much aplomb in 2011-12, but the sleek, Euro-style fibreglass models have since been replaced by various Talvor-badged caravans from the US.

However, Apollo continues to build motorhomes for its rental fleets at its factories in Australia and New Zealand.

“There’s no question manufacturing in Australia is challenging, it’s costly, so that has been one of the major issues,” Eller said.

He also confirmed Apollo is working with the Adria factory to introduce a range of Adria motorhomes to the Australian market.

The new Adria models are currently being rolled out at Adria dealerships across the country, including Melbourne & European RVs and new Brisbane dealer, Benstead Car and Caravan.

A new Adria Australia website has also been launched.