New campervans, little and large
AT last February’s NEC show, Adria previewed the Active Duo, a model which is well established on the Continent. This Renault Trafic short-wheelbase pop-top camper has since seen further refinement for the UK market and the first examples are already appearing on dealer forecourts here.
Significantly, Adria delayed British sales so that we would get the very latest version of the Trafic, with new lights, bumper, etc, externally and a new dashboard design (à la Captur, Kadjar) and improved multimedia. Crucially, Renault has stated that the van will now remain unchanged until 2027 – a clear advantage over Ford and VW which are in the throws of being replaced by new models.
The Active Duo enters a busy sector for side kitchen campervans but it’s not just a run-of-the-mill design. For a start, it has two fully usable sliding doors, thanks to a much more compact kitchen on the nearside. This includes a 42-litre compressor fridge and a combination single-burner hob and sink (fed by a 20-litre tank). The seat system is the market-leading Reimo Variotech, which slides along floor rails to five different positions.
Since February, the pop-top has been redeveloped to be akin to the one used on Adria’s Twin Sports, with a sprung roof bed and panoramic canvas.
Active Duo prices start at £62,795, but you’ll want to add the Comfort Pack, which includes Webasto diesel heating, an awning, carpets, leisure battery and special suspension that keeps the overall height down to 1.99m. Five exterior colours will be available (four metallics and white), as well as manual or automatic transmission.
MAXED OUT
Adria’s other big news has also been seen before; the Twin Max having debuted as a design study at last year’s Caravan Salon Düsseldorf. It is the company’s first conversion of the MAN TGE and, at 6.84m, it’s the maker’s largest-ever campervan (although a six-metre model is expected to follow).
Initially, Twin Max is a two-model range – the 680 SLB with twin beds and the 680 SGX with a double bed. The first right-hand drive production examples of these will be at the Caravan & Motorhome Show at the NEC in October.
Expect a high spec for these premium campervans, including the 177PS engine and eight-speed automatic gearbox, while prices are anticipated to be around £96,000, including a very well-appointed cab, twin leisure batteries, solar panel, awning and leather upholstery.
Inside, the Twin Max features a very contemporary look with plenty of soft radiuses to the cabinetwork. The half-dinette has comfortable, automo
