Leura blurs motorhome boundaries

In the towable RV market, one of the biggest trends is the hard-top camper trailer – a style that blends traditional caravan comfort with the rugged, off-road underpinnings and manoeuvrability of a camper trailer.

Now it seems motorhome manufacturers are getting in on the hybrid act, with models that blur the lines between a compact, van-based campervan and fully-fledged, body-on-chassis motorhome.

Following the release of the entry level Sunliner Vibe earlier this year, NSW’s Avida RV has been rolling out to dealers in time for Christmas its own version of a compact, entry-level, B-class motorhome.

Priced a little less than the Vibe, from $103,990 (RRP) but using the same Fiat Ducato cab-chassis, the new Avida Leura features an electric drop down bed (again like the Vibe) to maximize space in a relatively tight interior.

Despite the low-profile design and nimble 6.71m (22ft) length, Avida has managed to pack in a full width rear ensuite with separate shower and toilet, roomy lounge/dinette, and compact kitchen featuring a microwave, stainless steel sink, two-burner cooktop and 106 litre fridge.

Other standard features on the fibreglass composite bodied Leura include an LED TV with DVD player, roll-out awning, LED lighting, battery system and 124 litre freshwater and 100 litre grey water tanks. Ducting air-conditioning is optional, but it does come with glass louvre Hehr windows with their ventilation and security advantages.

The two-berth motor-camper can be driven on a car licence and weighs just over three tonne unladen, with around 1100kg payload.

Buyers can choose from the Fiat Ducato 2.3 or 3.0-litre diesel engines, with manual or auto transmission. There’s also 13 different interior and 13 exterior combinations to select from.

Like the rest of the Avida RV range, the Leura is backed by an industry-leading three year/one million kilometer factory warranty and two year roadside assistance.

Avida CEO Ben Binns said the new entry-level motorhome is specifically aimed at those with limited parking space.

"We wanted to create a motorhome for those that had limited space at home to park their motorhome, “he said. “By including innovation in our design with our unique electric roll down bed we were able to do this. The interior is modern and stylish which will appeal to many.”

And in case you were wondering, Leura is a quaint, old-style town in the Blue Mountains, only a couple of hours’ drive from Sydney -- just the sort of week-end getaway destination Avida had in mind for its latest model.