Ready for action

Rob McCabe is wowed by a stylish two-berth from the Adria stable

To those of us who immerse ourselves in this world, it’s a caravan with a profile so distinctive, it doesn’t need any branding whatsoever to be immediately identifiable. The curvy Adria Action is an enduringly popular model, but does this two-berther’s compact size and left-field appearance make it a niche product that sells to folk who simply want something a bit more substantial than a trailer tent, or is it deserving of more mainstream attention?

There’s an easy answer to that question… 

Build quality – 93%

The polyester exterior panels endow the uniquely profiled Action with a pleasingly sleek appearance, and they’ll also comfortably shrug off any unwanted attention from errant awning poles or low-flying bicycles. Inside, everything was as I’ve come to expect from Adria – lovely joinery with nice, even panel gaps, and all neat and tidy behind the scenes. And the pale woodwork with concealed locker catches – not a handle to be seen – looks very posh and contemporary.

Towing – 95%

This is an Action double: not only do you get a caravan that will make you the centre of attention as you cruise along, but the very act of cruising along is a breeze thanks to an extremely modest MTPLM of only 1,100kg that will present little challenge to most towcars. The placing of the gas locker directly over the axle and Adria’s trademark elongated A-frame also have a positive effect on stability; and when the presence of a built-in hitch stabiliser is also factored in, your towing life with this caravan will be a very comfortable one indeed.  

Daytime – 95%

Honestly, you need to see the size of the lounge for yourself to appreciate just how big it is – four adults can each grab a comfy corner and almost have to shout to be heard by the others. Despite its name, the A-grade loungeability of this Adria is tailor-made for folk whose only action when they go away in the caravan is to get up and fetch another beer from the fridge. It’s a terrific place to spend time in, and an astonishing space for such a compact caravan.

The little fold-out shelf under the front window will accommodate coffee mugs or wine glasses, but you’ll need the freestanding table for mealtimes. It lives in the nearside seat locker, which isn’t the last word in user-friendliness.

There’s a pair of stereo speakers – but no head unit. Instead, you get Adria’s Media Controller, which is effectively a Bluetooth receiver that allows you to listen wirelessly to music, podcasts or radio stations from your own device – or you can connect to it directly via USB. Talking of USB, there are two sockets on board to facilitate keeping devices in a permanent state of charge. Mounting your telly on the substantial wall bracket frees up the shelf underneath. 

Storage options are plentiful, although the limited hanging space in the small wardrobe may underwhelm those who tour for longer periods of time. There are removable shelves in here if you don’t need wardrobe space at all – a clever little idea.

Gallery

Lots of natural light in the living area

Great double bed with flat mattress

Smart kitchen has limited workspace but great storage

Plenty of room for owners and guests

Night-time – 91%

You have two choices, both of which should result in a wonderful sleep. Choice one: ease out the pleasingly free-running slats and slot the upholstery sections together to create a behemoth of a double bed that’s over six-and-a-half feet square. There are no prominent knee-rolls to take into account, so you get a lovely flat mattress.

Choice two – just haul out your sleeping bags and pillows from the seat lockers and use the sofas as singles. At 6ft 6in long, they’re about the longest single beds in caravanning. Not only that, but the upper section of each bed base can be raised at an angle so you can sit up in perfect comfort to read or watch telly. The giant panoramic window lets all the daylight in the world flood in. Propping up your backrest and enjoying that first coffee of the day while skygazing is a great way to start the day. It also opens by a decent amount,. 

Kitchen – 88%

The Action’s end kitchen bears many similarities to a lot of other kitchens in continental caravans, ie its exceedingly handsome but with a specification that’s minimalist. Having said that, the two-burner gas hob is probably enough for most people most of the time, and the space-saving combined oven/grill is a compromise that will only feel like one very occasionally. No microwave, though – and not much workspace either.

You’re certainly not short on storage – the drawers under the hob are enormous, and the cubbyhole shelving on the back wall next to the window is both smart and practical.

The glossy, piano-black fridge is fitted on the offside wall at mid-height. The door can open from either side, meaning you can easily see and access the entire contents from either the kitchen or the lounge.

Washroom – 92%

I really admire how Adria’s designers have managed to cram so much practicality into such a small space. There’s a shower with its own mixer tap (with a wraparound curtain that protects the rest of the space) and a generously sized locker, the glazed doors of which double up as a good-sized mirror. The lower part of it also conceals the foldaway wash basin, which actually looks very stylish when it’s pulled out into place, especially with the LED lights shining down on it. You also get a window with blind, and a removable hanging rail for swimsuits or damp towels. Good job! 

Lighting – 91%

The reading lights in the lounge are highly attractive fitments that are multi-adjustable on their elongated, bendy stalks. It’s just a shame that there are only two of them to serve such a lengthy lounge. However, it’s fine if you opt to use single beds or sleep lengthways in the double, because you’ll then both be able to direct some illumination on to whatever you’re reading.

Otherwise, it’s all good: a bank of three flush-fitting lamps above the mirror/cabinet bathes the washroom with light – and there’s even a bit of bling, courtesy of a backlit panel behind the shower. The kitchen and lounge are both also well served by trios of flush-fitters, and there are a couple more that bear down on the fridge, elevating its glossy blackness to an almost mirror-like finish.  

Verdict – 92%

Singularly attractive, nicely made, easy to tow, good value and a brilliant lounge. Wholeheartedly recommended.