New Coachman Acadia 460: Upping the ante for couples
New models from Coachman Caravans are more often than not worth the wait.
The manufacturer is something of a constant. Declining new caravan sales saw it outperforming the market in 2019, still managing to produce in excess of 2,000 units, which is pretty much full capacity at its premises on the outskirts of Hull, erstwhile Caravan capital of the UK!
2020 season sees the merging of the Pastiche and Vision caravan ranges, with Acadia the result – and it’s easy enough to argue the new 10-model line-up combines the best of both previous worlds.
The two-berth Acadia 460 caravan, here, is very much the baby of the range, but it sets its stall out with a mix of quality and specification – with Coachman’s usual understated albeit more modernised style, too.
There’s a noticeable look to all Acadia caravans, though, with their three-window fronts – four if you count the full-width sunroof – pronounced radiused curves to the leading edges, twin front lockers and subtle but premium graphics. Alloy wheels point to the Acadia’s premium credentials, too.
Inside the Acadia 460 it’s a very much tried-and-trusted end washroom/front lounge floorplan. At the front, the sculpted bulkhead includes two drawers and a floor locker. Upholstery is inoffensive but not bland. More important is the support and comfort you get from the internal springing, plus four scatter cushions.
At night, you can have two 1.84m x 0.70m single beds or pull out slats from the central chest to make a double some 2.01m x 1.73m. The single beds are slightly on the short side, and the use of slats rather than pulling together the settee bases is something of a less convenient cost-cutter.
Putting the washroom across the back of course allows for extra kitchen space mid-‘van, which – galley-style – occupies both sides. The main area for food preparation is along the offside, with full Thetford cooker (dual-fuel hob, separate oven and grill).
The sink is to its immediate left, beyond which is sufficient permanent worktop to add the plastic drainer.
A small flip-up extension to the left of this helps when you need more worktop. For storage, there’s a single drawer and lockers below and double locker above.
There’s a large expanse of worktop across the corridor, where you’ll also find the fridge and cutlery drawer, plus a large cupboard and a locker and microwave oven overhead.
If the kitchen is good, the washroom is wow. It’s full-width across the back of the caravan and Coachman has made the most of this with a separate shower cubicle, as well as swivel-bowl toilet and counter-top basin, whilst still providing space for dressing.
A big window will prove perfect for ventilation, while the chromed towel rail is an instant reminder that the whole of the Acadia benefits from an Alde heating and hot water system.
The shower cubicle has a single door opening outwards. It’s all plastic-lined, which always makes for easier cleaning and superior waterproofing.
Next to the toilet, the large wardrobe includes the header tank for the heating system as well as two drawers. The table storage in the washroom may not be favoured by all, but it has its own dedicated locker set well off floor level for ease of use.
Let’s take a look inside the Coachman Acadia 460 caravan.
Coachman never did come cheap. You’ll find lighter two-berth caravans with the same end washroom floorplan, as well as plenty that cost less. What you might miss out on is some of the kit and just that extra quality dimension that comes as standard with any Coachman.
Verdict: Top two-berth with great kit and quality
Plus: High standard specification, spacious washroom, light weight (for a Coachman)
Minus: Pricey compared to rivals, short single beds
In-a-nutshell: For the discerning couple
There’s more information on the Acadia range on the Coachman website. To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance page.
Alternatives: Bailey Unicorn Merida, Elddis Affinity 520, Swift Challenger 480
Coachman Acadia 460 factfile
Model | Coachman Acadia 460 |
Dimensions | 6.26m L, 2.26m W, 2.65m H |
Internal length | 4.63m |
Berths | Two |
MTPLM | 1,355kg (can be upgraded to 1,400kg) |
MIRO | 1,231kg |
Payload | 124kg |
RRP | from £22,345 on the road |
Safety & security | Al-Ko AKS 3004 stabiliser, Al-Ko Secure pre-fittings, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, Phantom Vanguard remote control PIR alarm with tilt sensors, CRiS, spare wheel and carrier |
Key options | AL-Ko ATC (£365), Al-Ko Secure wheel lock (£300), Phantom Sentinel tracking system (£390), 100Watt solar panel (£395), shelf pack (£50), alternative soft furnishings (£250), Tow Pro Elite cover (£400), Truma iNet (£275), Pioneer DAB stereo upgrade (£160), Whale Watermaster mains connection (£40) |
Unfortunately our caravan industry seems to have run out of ideas as far as couples are concerned. We prefer to have a single axel four berth to afford us more room, the trouble is if you are fed up of just having the same old side dinette every time there are only fixed bed layouts offered. How about a U shaped rear lounge like many Motorhomes have? Just saying.