The return of an original
It’s back. And it’s better than ever. Nobody expects big sales for the Adria Action. After all, it’s far too funky for the traditionally staid UK caravan market. Isn’t it? Or, could now be the time for Action?
The colouring has changed in this re-born version, but that distinctive GRP-clad body with ABS panelling is the same as ever. This is curvier than your favourite celebrity, seeking just as much attention. The door is on the UK nearside (whereas earliest model had it on the offside), while the twin-windowed front means you can get a view out via the lower section – although neither open fully.
It’s put on a bit of weight since it first appeared in the UK (is it really a decade ago now? Nearly). You might want to consider the chassis upgrade, as on this example, to 1,300kg, which would give you over 300kg of payload to play with. Let’s face it, if you’re going to use your Action for some kind of outdoor, er, action, you may well be carrying some hefty kit. Nevertheless, the weight and aerodynamic shape augur well for easy towing.
Step inside and it appears far roomier than the outside suggests. Lots of LED lighting combines well with the predominantly white-gloss finish to help that feeling of spaciousness.
It’s almost a tradition two-berth front lounge/rear kitchen floorplan, but the styling is thoroughly modern – even if some of the fittings are recognisable. The somewhat old-hat Truma heater, for example.
The seating area is U-shaped and the cushions are flat (a benefit when it comes to bedmaking). There’s a handy flip-up table top at the front, which will come into use more often than not – because the main table is rather awkwardly stowed in a seat base. There’s a Bluetooth Media Controller as standard, with pre-wired speakers (you supply the rest of the hardware), as well as a couple of USB sockets. Plus, there’s a TV bracket.
Adria claims you can sleep three thanks to the creation of a transverse “double” some 2.00m x 2.04m, using pull-out slats. That’s a rather liberal interpretation, in all sense of the phrase. Or you can stick with twin singles at a commendably lengthy 2.00m (they’re 0.66m wide).
Behind the lounge, it’s an unusual, high location for the fridge – A Dometic 90-litre model with removable freezer compartment. Storage is excellent for one so small. Remove the shelves from the large cupboard under the fridge if you prefer to use it as a wardrobe (there’s an extending hanging rail in here).
The kitchen is across the back. For cooking, there’s a two-ring hob and a combined oven and grill. Next to the hob is a small sink in a matching stainless-steel finish. Again, storage here is excellent, thanks to large drawers (although the lower two foul on the waste bin attached to the main door) and there’s even some permanent worktop.
The corner washroom was always going to be cosy, but there are plenty of space-saving initiatives here. The bench toilet, for instance, and the flip-down basin (although it’s actually just a glorified run-away for the water supply), as well as the mirror-fronted vanity unit. There’s a shower, too (beware, though, the tiniest of drainage holes in the smooth shower tray) and a handy permanent hanging rail for wet clothing etc. Plus there’s a window.
Specification extends to a 50-litre fresh water tank. But, you’ll have to negotiate with your dealer for the fitting of items ranging from leisure battery to awning, motor mover, TV aerial etc. It’s arguably still a bit pricey. But, maybe there’s a price to pay for daring to be different?!
Verdict: Definitely not run-of-the-mill
Plus: Still a step ahead, a different kind of caravan
Minus: Pricey, table storage
In-a-nutshell: Action ‘van is here
There’s more information on the Action on the Adria website. To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page
Alternatives: Knaus Sport & Fun, Swift Basecamp
Adria Action 361 LT factfile
Model | Adria Action 361 LT |
Dimensions | 5.19m L, 2.20m W, 2.55m H |
Internal length | 3.61m |
Berths | 2 (3) |
MTPLM | 1,100kg (upgradable) |
MIRO | 968kg |
Payload | 132kg |
RRP | from £17,575 on the road |
Safety & security | Al-Ko AKS stabiliser, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, CRiS |
Key options | Dealer fittings only |
Brilliant design and very practical. All mod cons and extremely functional. The reading lights, however, both broke within minutes of first usage, the attention to exterior finish detail bypassed the quality build control team. Its fully kitted out for TV usage but they’ve not left room on the roof to fit the ariel footprint. The fridge rubs against the shower bulkhead and whilst these may be deemed ‘trivial’ by Adria it spoils thier reputation for a quality produvrt. I have no doubt at all that once these delivery defects are sorted I will still be a prouud owner of something different but highly functional.
We hope you get these problems sorted soon John.
Interesting good for short breaks but expensive
Interesting, newsy and simple.
This looks like it would be very useful for short breaks at short notice style holidaying. Or for people who volunteer at special events that take place over a weekend or Bank Holiday weekend attractions, where most people would take a tent, this would give you a little bit of extra comfort and probably a better nights sleep than a bed roll on the ground sheet.