Cream of the crop
American singer Diana Ross and Slovenian manufacturer Adria have one thing in common – the backing of three Supremes! In Adria’s case, the trio of flagship A-class motorhomes is here and now – and it looks every bit the contemporary leisure vehicle.
In latest guise, Sonic Supremes have a new, sharply dressed front end that complements the GRP-clad bodywork with Styrofoam insulation and aluminium sideskirts. There’s a double-floor construction, too, all set on an Al-Ko chassis with Fiat providing the automotive power.
This A-Class motorhome is all further enhanced by the silver metallic paint finish and alloy wheels, but you’re going to have to shell out quite a bit more of your cash for these. Items like a wind-out awning remain on the options list, too.
Adria keeps things on the driving licence-friendly – 3,500kg chassis initially, with upgrades available – just as well, as the payload is a measly 262kg. Luckily, it’s a no-extra-cost option to change the rating to 3,650kg… or go the whole hog and have the 4,250kg chassis and three-litre engine that a model like this is really crying out for.
It might all cost more, but the proof is in the pictures here. The predominantly silver and black exterior is good preparation for what awaits inside. The black leather upholstery is, again, an optional extra, but makes for the ultimate contrast with the white gloss finish to the tabletop. Those Aguti cab seats are as comfortable and supportive as they look, too, as well as being particularly easy to spin round to join the rest of the lounge when you’re parked up. And, they fold over easily when you want the overcab double bed to glide down, electrically, to its lowest level.
The Supreme 710 SBC is a full four-berth – with king-of-the-road travel for a quartet as well as two double beds – the island bed at the back is the optimal distance from the aforementioned drop-down. The former is also set high enough to allow some exterior-access garage space. You can adjust the upper back section of this bed, if you like sitting up. Full privacy is also guaranteed by the sliding door that also keeps the washing facilities en-suite.
If there’s any compromise, it’s the kitchen. It’s L-shaped, meaning Adria has to make the most of some limited space. Facilities extend to an oven/grill and a particularly neat hob – its three different sized gas rings in a row again help optimise the space all around. Worktop is at a bit of a premium, but there are fill-in sections for the sink. Across the galley, the fridge/freezer is set at a convenient height.
There’s a step up from the kitchen to the separate shower and toilet room. Neat features in the latter include the “salad bowl” basin and swan-neck tap, with two adjustable hooks adjacent as well as a sliding mirror front to the vanity unit.
This was never going to be a low-cost vehicle. It’s also fair to say it has a fair few rivals. As Ms Ross may well have sang: “It’s cost me a lot/but one thing I’ve got/it’s my ‘van”!
Verdict: Well-made A-class with plenty of panache
Plus: Practicality matches the appearance
Minus: Limited payload, options that should be standard
In-a-nutshell: Looks that thrill
There’s more information on the Sonic Supreme range on the Adria website (www.adria.co.uk). Find out more about our low-cost premiums at our motorhome insurance discounts page.
Alternatives: Bürstner Elegance i 745, Dethleffs Advantage I 7051 DBM, Hymer Exsis-i 598, Knaus Sky I Plus 700 LX, Rapido 8090dF
Adria Sonic Supreme 710 SBC factfile
Model | Adria Sonic Supreme 710 SBC |
Base vehicle | Fiat Ducato, 2.3-litre, 130bhp Euro VI |
Dimensions | 7.52m L, 2.32m W, 2.96m H |
Berths | 3 |
Travel seats | 4 |
Maximum weight | 3500kg |
Payload | 262kg |
MPG estimate | 28-30 |
RRP | from £78,990 on the road** |
Safety & security | Electronic immobiliser, ABS, twin airbags, central locking |
Key options | 150bhp engine (£1,399), Comfort-Matic automatic transmission (£1,920), 4,250 chassis with three-litre engine (£4,999), metallic paint (£890), alloy wheels (£899), leather upholstery (£1,215), reversing camera (£599), Fiat stereo upgrades (from £735), towbar and electrics (£1,199), fifth travel seat (£399), Alde heat exchanger (£899) |
Superb looking vehicle with everything at hand. Super quality. Just love it!
Same as Bavaria which is a superb A class too. Layout, extras, everything, like looking at our van but worth every penny. Feels like luxury as well as looking like luxury.