2014 Adria Coral Plus 670 SL Motorhome: The beauty of single beds

Sleeps three, seats five, but somehow it all adds up for this latest Coral from Adria. One of four from the Plus line-up (Coral is the low-profile designation, there are also Axess and Supreme variants, covering all configurations), this is the new-for-2014 Plus 670 SL, featuring twin single beds at the back, set over a large, exterior-access storage area.

Yes, it’s a layout that’s popular on mainland Europe but still looking to really find favour over here. Nevertheless, the attractions of a twin single bed arrangement will be the initial plus point for a lot of would-be buyers.

Even for a vehicle like this, at just over 26ft in length, Fiat’s standard 2.3-litre 130bhp engine is a more than adequate powerplant, more than capable of handling the body, yet turning in commendable performance and, especially if you’re not in a hurry, decent economy.

What you will need to watch though – and it’s particularly prevalent with imported motorhomes – is creeping prices. That £51,990 figure doesn’t really tell the whole story, because there’s a £4,390 Plus Pack of options to consider (details below but, as you can see, it adds a lot)… and then more on top of that.

OK, so this is, realistically, more like a £56,000-plus motorhome. Still good value? Yes, in view of its most obvious competitors, most of which are likely to be fellow imports.

So, those beds, then. Well, their one-piece mattresses on slatted bases (part of the Plus Pack) certainly makes them extremely comfortable. Access is via a couple of fixed steps, so you do need to be a little bit nimble but, a bit more daunting is the location of lockers that mean sitting up in bed isn’t viable, despite the facility to adjust the backrest angle.

Bed number three is a bit more temporary, made by re-arranging the seating in the forward lounge and dropping down the fixed, pedestal leg table.

This Coral gets rather luxurious washing facilities, however, thanks to a separate shower cubicle and toilet room, en suite to the rear beds.

That does put a bit of a squeeze on the kitchen, though. Despite Adria’s claim that a “V-shaped” worktop enhances things – it allows for a clever three-ring hob as well as a generous sized sink and Thetford Duplex oven/grill; and it’s complemented by a huge 154-litre Dometic fridge/freezer across the galley – but there’s minimal workspace. And it’s a pity there’s no scope to fit a microwave.

You can definitely call the Coral’s decor modern, Adria not being afraid to challenge us with a mix of hues between light cream and dark brown, with a fair bit of polished metal, too.

Plus, features like the “media wall” (designed to house a tablet and more) just inside the caravan door, and the flatscreen TV locker,

It’s funny. The Adria brand has been with us for decades now, the Slovenian company today producing the most comprehensive of motorhome portfolios – from van conversions right through to A-class’s. Owners of all types usually speak very highly of their vehicles, and yet still the company struggles to be seen as anything more than just a bit quirky here in the UK. Are its designs too radical for us? It’s hard to say? Perhaps it’s time to challenge the perceptions. They’re certainly not budget offerings – rather there’s considerable build quality here – and, as an early runner, this Coral sets the single beds benchmark.

Verdict: Quality coachbuilt with a style of its own

Plus: Quality construction

Minus: Lots of options should be standard, tight kitchen

In-a-nutshell: Singularly successful

Cost to insure: £320.50

In summary

• Adria Coral Plus 670 SL

• Fiat Ducato, 2.3-litre, 130bhp Euro V

• Dimensions 7.83m L, 2.30m W, 2.76m H

• Maximum weight 3500kg

• Payload 543kg

• Key options: Plus Pack – Double electric door mirror with demist function, radio pre-installation with loudspeakers, antenna integrated in mirrors, plastic covers for seat base, cruise control, cab air conditioning, re-upholstered cab seats, passenger airbag, side cab window blinds, entrance door with window and flyscreen, plus waste bin and central locking, panoramic window above cab, reversing sensors, cab door entrance steps, L-shaped lounge seating, bed with slatted frame and spring mattress, loose carpets, drainer, ambient lighting (including panoramic window), media wall, Truma Combi boiler 6E plus digital control panel (£4,390)

• Security and Safety Electronic immobiliser, remote central locking to cab and habitation area doors, ABS, twin airbags

• MPG estimate 23-26

Recommended retail price from £51,990**

There’s more information on the Coral range on the Adria website and to find out more about our low-cost premiums visit the motorhome insurance discounts page. 

Alternatives: Dethleffs Esprit T7150-2 EB, Burstner Nexxo t 728G, Swift Bolero 712SB

*Motorhome insurance cost based on Adria Coral Plus 670 SL retailing at £51,990 Motorhome must have an Thatcham approved Cat 1 alarm before inception. UK travel only. Kept in secure storage at TD9 8ED. Motorhome owners – professionals over 50 years old with no claims, convictions or health conditions in last 3 years. 4 years no claims bonus mirrored from car policy and 2 years motorhome driving experience. Members of motorhome club doing less than 5000 miles annually. £300 excess applies. Keys may need to  be locked away securely at home in a safe and motorhome may need to have reversing camera or sensor fitted. Premiums include insurance premium tax at 6% and are correct at 05/11/12

**On-the-road, including VAT at 20%