With its new, lower price, this multipurpose camper looks very appealing
WHEN it was launched, last summer, we liked Adria’s take on the compact campervan. We loved its twin sliding doors and the versatility of its Reimo sliding seat (far more comfortable than a RIB bench, too). We admired its design – more of a camper than a California Beach but not just a day van – and we appreciated its typically Adria build quality. What we didn’t like was the price. Fully loaded with options, it came to £77k!
By December, though, Adria Concessionaires (the UK arm of the Slovenian maker) had had a rethink. With a new starting price of £52,990 – almost a ten grand reduction – the Active Duo suddenly looks a whole lot more appealing. This is a vehicle with European Whole Vehicle Type Approval, after all, so it’ll retain its value better than some unknown brand without such safety accreditation. It has approval from the National Caravan Council (NCC), too.
Time, then, to take a fresh look at the little Renault. Starting with the Trafic base vehicle that can be seen as a plus because it’s not due any further facelifts until 2027, having just received the attention of the cosmetic surgeons. It now features a bolder, more aggressive face, chromed grille and LED headlamps, as well as bigger door mirrors. Inside, there’s an 8in Easylink touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (as a £700 option, previously £900), while under the bonnet, Renault describes the 2-litre, Euro 6D-Full emissions compliant engines as ‘new and improved’.
The version you want is the 150hp motor (with more torque than equivalent VW Transporter T6.1) and the super smooth EDC twin-clutch automatic transmission, which was a £4,975 option but has now been reduced to a more acceptable £3,780 extra. Other options have come down in cost, too, so the alloy wheels are now £630 instead of £805 and metallic paint is a no-brainer for resale appeal as it’s only £435 rather than – sharp intake of breath – £1,040.
Despite the Duo’s discounted pricing, Adria hasn’t cut back on this camper’s features. One of its trump cards remains the twin sliding doors that few rivals can match. These provide safe access wherever you park, at home or abroad, while the Reimo rear seat’s Isofix is a further family-friendly feature. The sliding seat can also create a huge rear load area almost 1.50m long by 1.17m wide and, even with the seat in its ‘camping’ position, there’s a still generous boot.
Another bonus for
