Mini Review: Trakka Torino Xtra

Take a Fiat Ducato 160 Multijet Extra Long Wheel Base (XLWB) van, combine it with Trakka know-how, and you get the Trakka Torino Xtra. Its namesake, the popular Trakka Torino, is easy-to-drive and ready to go, but layout options are limited due to the size of the original Ducato van.

The new Fiat Ducato range now comes with a longer wheelbase option, which has given the designers of the Xtra another 3ft (1m) to play with. The result is an elevating bed layout enhanced with space efficient ideas.

To power the Xtra, Trakka's opted for the largest Ducato engine, the 3L, 115.5kW/400Nm turbodiesel, which is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox. It's a potent driving combination that easily handles most roads. An automatic gearbox is expected to be an option soon.

The Torino Xtra has hopper windows all round, and the black infill around the windows compliment the metallic paint job. It has a Fiamma F65 awning, two external lights and the external bins for a power lead, gas cylinder and the Thetford toilet cassette.

Trakka makes use of Fiat Ducato's factory-fitted swivelling driver and passenger seats, which turn to face the table behind. A two-person seat opposite is fitted with high backrests and seatbelts to facilitate travelling with four. Behind the dinette is the bathroom, and along the nearside is the kitchen bench. The curved cabinetwork is made from a pliable lightweight laminated, and is finished with space saving roller shutters.

The bed can be powered up from its waist-high position to under the overhead lockers for daytime storage of bikes. Two halogen reading lights are on the nearside bedhead, and there are overhead lockers each side. In addition to the windows all round, there is a big Seitz hatch in the ceiling.

The well fitted-out bathroom conceals a Thetford toilet, which motors in and out at a press of a button to provide extra room for the shower.

All the essential kitchen items are there. In the nearside bench area is a Cramer three-burner cooktop and stainless steel sink combination, with tank and filtered drinking water, a small scraps bin, six drawers and a half-height wardrobe.

Opposite, between the dinette seat and bathroom, are an IndelB 130L fridge and a Sharp microwave above, set back to allow space for hot dishes.

Conveniently, the microwave has a small shelf above it, which can be closed off with a roller shutter door when not used.

We like the front dinette/lounge area. The driver and passenger seats can be swivelled without a problem and the rear seat is comfortable for just sitting and when travelling – it has a full-height back and lap/sash seatbelts. When not needed, the table can be lifted out of the way and stored.

Two 100Ah AGM batteries supply the 12V load and they are charged by either the vehicle alternator or 15A charger. Solar panels are an option. Lighting is all 12V halogens and switched using the tricky little electronic master switching that we became used to very quickly.

It's hard not to be impressed by this motorcamper. The major asset is its size. It's easy to drive around town, is comfortable for cruising, and the 3L turbo delivers plenty of oomph. Not bad for a weekend escape machine that can transport passengers and be used for longer-term travel as well. Combine this with a design that not only has an elevating bed but a lounge/dining area that's relatively spacious for a van, and the Trakka Torino Xtra is hard to beat.

Trakka
9 Beaumont Road
Mt Kuring-gai, NSW 2080
1800 872 552.

For more information, visit www.trakka.com