Adria Twin 500S: Keeping it short. And en suite

Here’s a clever camper that’s short on length – it’s based on Fiat’s sub-5m long Ducato – but not on height (it’s the high-roof variant) and, if initial reports are anything to go by, it’s already appealing to buyers.

That appeal is easy to understand. Despite the diminutive demeanour, it packs in four travel seats that convert to two single beds (going on to make a double if required) as well as all the camping facilities you’d expect from something much larger.

It’s an all-new model for 2015, but it lines up alongside its well-established Twin stablemates – they offer more, but they’re longer. Instead, this is more a leisure vehicle-cum-camper, yet the on-board facilities do extend to a decent enough kitchen – three-ring hob and sink combination unit, 65-litre compressor fridge – with some decent storage plus a useful flip-up worktop extension.

A prime selling point for this little Twin, however, will be the rear offside corner arrangement, where a bi-folding door opens out to provide a washroom area complete with plumbed-in swivel-bowl toilet. There’s also a neatly unobtrusive flip-down sink here plus, if you really want, you can draw the two curtains, removed the cover from the inset floor tray, and take a shower here.

There’s also a good level of equipment, generally. Much of that is thanks to the Golden Anniversary Pack that comes free of charge with all this season’s Adrias and celebrates the Slovenian manufacturer’s 50^th year of leisure vehicle production.

Among the goodies this brings are an upgraded Truma Combi 4 programmable heating and hot water system operating from gas and/or mains electricity, TV holder, electric step for the nearside sliding door, ambient LED  lighting, a 100Ah leisure battery, cab window blinds and more.

Keeping it two-berth for sleeping makes sense. It would be cramped for four, and the practical conclusion would be to bring a tent or drive-away awning away with you if you want to cater for any more people. You would need to consider safe storage for such an item, however.

In that respect, the twin (sic) sliding doors can prove themselves a real boon. Along with the full-height double doors at the back, you’re never going to complain about lack of access to this Twin.

The side doors, especially, also prove their worth on day tripping such as visits to the supermarket, even the school run.

There’s more than a modern, automotive feel to the interior, too, thanks to the Titan furniture finish shown here. A wood-style alternative is also available.

You can make a decent lounge from those four separate travel seats, swivelling the captain’s style cab chairs and adding the single-pole table and leg. The latter is offset on subsequent models but it’s an aspect Adria still hasn’t got quite right.

Likewise storage, perhaps to be expected, is a bit limited. There’s a narrow wardrobe and the overhead lockers are lined, but only one of the rear seat bases provides any stowage space.

That £41,090 price is a little misleading, because it’s hard to see anyone ordering their Twin 500S without the £1,699 Driver’s Pack detailed below. Note also, the silver exterior featured here is also from the extras list.

Nevertheless, you certainly save considerably over the price of a larger Fiat Ducato-based high-top. And you might just prefer the extra versatility of this Twin 500 S.

Verdict: Full camper facilities with daily-driver appeal

Plus: All-round versatility thanks to manageable size, Golden Anniversary Pack, four separate travel seats

Minus: Table location and storage issues, Driver’s Pack only an option

In-a-nutshell: Complete and clever

Cost to insure: £242.50*

In summary

• Adria Twin 500 S
• Fiat Ducato, 2.3-litre, 130bhp Euro V
• Dimensions 4.96m L, 2.05m W, 2.63m H
• Maximum weight 3,300kg
• Payload 545kg
• Key options: Driver’s Pack – cab air conditioning, passenger airbag, cruise control (£1,699), metallic paint (£890), offside sliding door flyscreen (£345), reversing camera (£599), spare wheel and holder (£179), towbar with electrics (£1,199), alloy wheels (£899), Comfort-Matic automatic transmission (£1,920)
• Security and Safety Electronic immobiliser, remote central locking to all doors, ABS and EBD
• MPG estimate 28-32

Recommended retail price from £41,090**

There’s more information on the Twin 500 S on the Adria website and to find out more about our low-cost premiums visit the motorhome insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: East Neuk Fifer Touring S, WildAx Pulsar

*Motorhome insurance cost based on Adria Twin 500 S retailing at £41,090 fitted with Thatcham Category 1 alarm and manufacturer fitted immobiliser. 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. Premiums include insurance premium tax at 6% and are correct at 01/04/15

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