Horizon targets offroad market

Ballina, NSW-based Horizon Motorhomes has "completely redesigned" its two-berth Acacia model, with a new, rough road-ready version available for couples who want to get off the beaten track in a relatively compact vehicle.

The 2011 Horizon Acacia is available with a range of cab-chassis options, including Volkswagen Crafter or Mercedes-Benz two-wheel-drive ‘on-road’ versions, or Mercedes-Benz four-wheel-drive ‘off-road’ models, with a choice of five different layouts.

Like the previous model, the new Acacia has a permanent double bed across the rear, but the rest of the motorhome has been substantially updated.

Up front is new dinette style seating, utilising the front swivelling driving seats and a sliding table for a more versatile area for relaxing, working or eating.

The kitchen area has been improved with a bigger, 136 litre two-way fridge, elevated off the floor and moved across the corridor for easier access. An extended kitchen counter delivers additional working space, as well as an in-counter waste bin, while the stove and sink are now separate units.

Horizon says despite rearranging the kitchen, the motorhome maintains its "wide corridors" to assist manoeuvrability throughout the van especially for older people.

Other new features include expanded underbed storage accessible from the front and rear, flick mixer taps in the bathroom, and a more sophisticated charging system for the 200Ah AGM house battery.

"This motorhome is our first to feature an extremely efficient 12 volt, three stage charging system which will ensure your house battery will now charge to 100 per cent versus the 80 per cent or so you would expect if relying on the alternator alone," Horizon claims.

Other standard features include twin 4kg gas bottles, 12V and 240V outlets, LED lighting inside and out, 19inch LCD/DVD TV, electric slide-out step, water filtering system, wind-out awning, shower and vacuum flush toilet, and tanks for fresh, grey and black water.

The on-road model boasts 175 litre fresh water storage whereas the off-road model makes do with a 100 litre tank. Options include an external gas outlet for a BBQ, additional shelving, solar power, leather upholstery, diesel heater and an air-conditioner.

Pricing for the five-model Acacia range starts at $109,000 for the Volkswagen Crafter 35 LWD two-wheel drive, up to $148,000 for the Mercedes-Benz 519CDI LWD 4x4 model, with dual rear wheels.