Roma Punto

WE LIKED
>> Value for money packaging
>> Liveable, compact layout
>> Ease of towing

NOT SO MUCH
>> Would prefer larger, higher-mounted fridge... and lower-mounted microwave
>> Only 132kg payload with both water tanks filled
>> More front stone protection please

Victorio Palmarini began building beautiful, small caravans named after his wife Roma back in 1928, but in recent times Melbourne-based Roma Caravans in the hands of his grandsons Brendan and Mark has become better known for its large custom-built tandem and even tri-axle touring vans.

However times are changing and it’s never too late for old dogs to learn new tricks, so in response to the market demand for fully-featured, smaller and more affordable vans, Roma has broadened its model focus while not leaving its roots.

First up is the new single-axle ensuite Punto that was first shown at Sandown’s Leisurefest last October.

IN THE SWEET SPOT

Aimed right at the current market’s sweet spot, the $51,990 Punto sits at the entry level of the Roma range alongside the popular Sov’reign.

It’s a well-equipped RV, with even the smallest 16ft. 6in internal length models built with a full ensuite, north-south double bed, deep cycle battery, solar panel, TV/sound system, plus dual water tanks and a large awning.

With its reasonable 1880kg Tare and 2180kg ATM, the Punto can be hauled comfortably by a range of mid-size tow vehicles and it certainly towed confidently behind our current-model Nissan Patrol Diesel on the highway, with no hint of sway -- the biggest problem was keeping its speed below the road limit.

To build the Punto for its modest price, customers – like those for the Sov’reign in the Roma range – need to forego most of the custom-built layout choices available on other Roma models.

But with a range of interior colour combinations and a choice of café or L-shaped lounge/dinette floorplans, there are likely to be few complaints about the caravan’s overall package.

FAMILIAR RECIPE

Like all of today’s Romas, the Punto uses one-piece front, rear and roof sections, which simplify construction and offer the additional benefit of better insulation. Combined with increasing use of PVC underneath in moisture-affected areas, the aim is to create a longer-lasting product and greater customer satisfaction.

Wall construction, as with most relatively low volume manufacturers, is of Meranti timber, while the ribbed aluminium exterior wall cladding has proven benefits of lightweight and ease of repair.

LED external lighting is a modern touch, now just about standard in the industry.

While you couldn’t call the Punto a style-setter, the slope on its forward roof section above the bed sets it apart from many other caravans and looks quite stylish, while no doubt enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency.

There’s nothing really surprising under the van – just proven features like a 100mm Duragal ‘Roadrunner’ chassis, leaf springs for the beam axle and 10-inch electric brakes.

But a closer look will reveal larger than industry standard axles that ensure the Punto’s ATM is, in most cases, at least 300kg above its Tare weight, depending on the model.

This means you can pack a lot of holiday gear into its many nooks and crannies, although with both standard 84 litre water tanks filled on this van, payload will be reduced to just 132 litres in total.

Standard wheels are six-bolt, six-spoke 15-inch alloys, shod with 235/75-15 Light Truck tyres and other up-spec features include both a mains pressure inlet, plus a tap of the van’s A-frame and a wall-mounted drop-down picnic table on the kerb side of the van.

SIMPLE SET-UP

On site the Punto was easy to set up, with the exception that I found the twin turnbuckles that locate its centrally mounted jockey wheel fiddly to use.

However the drop-down Al-Ko corner jacks were appreciated and the Punto was soon anchored securely.

The large front boot behind the dual A-frame mounted 9kg gas bottles is usefully deep and as well as housing the Punto’s standard 100aH deep cycle battery, 30 Amp battery charger and a power point, also includes a welcome light.

A 120W roof-mounted solar panel complements the deep cycle battery to keep most of the van’s comforts running away from a 240-volt supply for overnight roadside stops.

But that’s just the start of the storage space. Behind it on the kerb side is a tunnel boot that’s ideal for storing folding chairs, etc and other things you need to access during a roadside stop.

While below its opening there’s a gas bayonet for attaching an external BBQ – Roma prefers this arrangement to the slide-out sort which effectively takes the cooking fumes back into the caravan.

Black stone-protection chequerplate cladding on the lower sections of the van’s sides is appreciated, but it doesn’t extend far up the Punto’s nose, leaving it vulnerable to gravel and stone pitting.

UNCONVENTIONAL ENTRY

The model’s centre-entry door with its built-in drop step recess mightn’t be to everyone’s preference, it gives excellent access to the van and all its features. – the north-south island queen-sized bedroom to the left and the galley/dinette to the right and beyond, the separate shower/toilet ensuite.

Large Dometic double-glazed windows at the front of the van surrounding the bed area create a light, airy look inside, making the van look roomier than its 16ft. 6in internal length.

And with their wide openings the windows offer plenty of welcome ventilation for hot night sleeping. This feeling of spaciousness was enhanced by our test Punto’s light-toned timber finish that extends to the flooring.

There’s plenty of storage room inside, beginning with the hanging robes on each side of the bed, supplemented by cupboard below them and above the bedhead. The bed also lifts up for storage of other items ranging from outdoor chairs to linen, wine, etc.

The rectangular galley with its three-burner Swift cooktop offers good bench-space, particularly with the sink insert in place and the curved top cupboard furniture gives it a distinctive, upmarket look.

However the standard Daewoo microwave is set high – a problem for shorter people – while the van’s standard 110 litre Dometic 3-way fridge/freezer is a little small for a caravan of this size and is located below the bench, which means hands and knees for retrieving items from the bottom shelf.

The (optionally) leather-trimmed café-style dinette opposite the kitchen provides comfortable seating for four, or if you wish, you can choose the alternative L-shaped lounge.

If you want to watch the standard LED TV (with its standard wind-up Winegard antenna) you should probably opt for the latter, as while it’s perfectly placed on its swivel arm for watching movies in bed, only two of the people in the café seats will be able to watch without kinking their necks!

Alternatively, just listen to the van’s JVC sound system via your iPod or iPhone.

To save on overall weight, Roma has fitted a relatively small, but effective ceiling mounted Air Command Sparrow reverse cycle air conditioner, while a Dometic Four Seasons Hatch provides plenty of ventilation, heating and cooling.

The rear ensuite ticks most of the boxes that today’s caravanner wants, with its separate swivelling Thetford cassette toilet and fibreglass shower cubicle – both with roof-mounted power hatches – separated by a wash basin and shielded from the van’s living quarters by a sliding door.

VERDICT

So there you have the Roma Punto – an honest, well equipped, albeit conventional caravan at the right price. But there’s another reason for dealing with one of Australia’s oldest caravan makers.

With around 10,000 Roma caravans on Australian roads and an estimated 40 per cent of the 350 units the company produces on average each year going to past Roma owners, there’s not only goodwill, but good resale value in the Roma name.

ROMA PUNTO

Overall length: 7.46m (24ft 6in)
External body length: 5.6m (18ft 3in)
External body width: 2.39m (7ft 8in)
Interior body length: 5.03m (16ft 6in)
Travel height: 2.74m (9ft)
Interior height: 1.93m
Nameplate Tare: 1880kg
Nameplate ATM: 2180kg
Ball weight: 350kg (maximum permissible)
Frame: Meranti timber
Cladding: Aluminium
Chassis: 100 x 50mm Roadrunner Duragal
Suspension: Leaf spring and beam axle
Brake: Al-Ko 10in electric
Wheels: 15in alloys with 235/75-15 Light Truck tyres
Fresh water: 2 x 84 litre
Battery: 100Ah
Fridge:110 litre Dometic three-way
Gas: 2 x 9kg
Price: $51,990 (towaway, Vic)
More info: Roma Caravans