Matrix reloaded

Nick Harding gets acquainted with the latest version of a premium Mercedes-based low-profile coachbuilt from Adria

A class winner in the Club’s latest Motorhome & Campervan Design Awards, the 670 SL is one of a pair of Mercedes-based Matrix Supreme models from Slovenian giant Adria. ‘Supreme’ is Adria’s top trim level and there’s a definite feel of luxury and style here. While on-the-road prices start at £110,565, our test example was kitted out with a host of extras – including a base vehicle upgrade from the Sprinter 415 to the more powerful 417 – resulting in a total of £127,930. Despite all this extra kit there is still nearly a tonne of payload.

Build quality – 87%

Adria has long been held in high regard for the way it makes its motorhomes – an example of this being the use of dowels, not staples, in its furniture construction.

The all-silver bodywork entails a switch from Adria’s usual use of GRP for the outer panels to a more traditional aluminium. There’s also a double floor, housing wiring, heating pipes, fresh water tank access and storage, as well as optimising insulation. 

Other pointers to a premium finish include flush-fitting windows in the motorhome body and aluminium side skirts.

You may well have noticed that, like many imports, the habitation door remains on the UK offside.

Driving – 80%

I was unable to put this particular vehicle through its paces on the road but can tell you from previous experience that it should be a thoroughly pleasant motorhome to pilot. The Al-Ko chassis adds to a particularly forgiving ride and there’s plenty of power and torque for a relaxing journey.

In the cab, the padded steering wheel with a plethora of control buttons and the 10in touchscreen – part of a sophisticated MBUX infotainment system that extends to sat-nav and voice control – draw the attention. 

Of particular note is a host of safety and security fittings – active brake assistance, active lane control, active distance assistance, hill-start assist, reversing sensors, rear-view camera, tyre pressure monitoring system and more feature here.

The starting weight of this Matrix is considerably over 3,050kg – you can drive it with a normal C1 category driving licence but you’re limited to 50mph/60mph on single/dual carriageways respectively here in the UK.

Daytime – 77%

The 670 SL floorplan features a front lounge, central kitchen, toilet room and shower cubicle, and a rear area of twin fixed single beds with garage beneath. There’s a decent amount of lounge space with the cab seats swivelled to face an L-shaped settee and a fixed pedestal leg table. Standard-issue Alde central heating is excellent, while that is real leather upholstery you spy – Adria offers three different options. 

Such is the abundance of daylight streaming in thanks to the larger-than-average sunroof over the cab, nearside window and habitation door windows, the lack of an offside window is barely noticed. 

A ‘multimedia wall’ houses a holder for a flatscreen TV (up to 32in) along with 230V, 12V and aerial sockets, plus inset shelving, a locker, dual USB ports and central controls for the electrics and water systems as well as the Alde central heating. 

Night-time – 80%

The rear sleeping area boasts two permanent singles (6ft 5in x 2ft 9in at their widest) along with an infill that can be added if you’d rather set up a double. Mattresses are high-quality EvoPore foam with adjustable upper sections if you’d prefer to be more upright.

There’s storage in the base of each bed – the nearside is a wardrobe, while there are a couple of shallow drawers in the offside. Further storage comes in the shape of a trio of fully-lined lockers on the back wall, each with a pneumatic strut door.

The drop-down double over the lounge is electrically operated, and can be lowered to any height.

Kitchen – 78%

That trio of gas burners has become a hallmark of Adria kitchens. It’s an efficient use of space, allowing for a handy worktop in front of the hob.

The sink is set at right angles to the hob and comes with a loose cover that complements the worktop as well as a section of drainer. Underneath is a trio of drawers, all soft-closing and with retractable handles. 

Cook will enjoy the Thetford combined oven and grill, while directly across the corridor Thetford also supplies the 142-litre fridge/freezer. The locker above, ready for a microwave, houses the Adria Media Controller – a Bluetooth amplifier that allows you to stream music and more from other devices.

Sophistication is further enhanced by the clever Adria Mach app, which enables you to operate heating, lighting and more via your phone.

Washroom – 80%

The shower cubicle is on the nearside and toilet room opposite, but you can use the latter’s solid door plus a slider to create a full-width washroom/changing area. The toilet room features a Thetford loo and countertop basin with click-clack plug. You also benefit from a large mirror and no shortage of storage. Opposite, the shower has a rather smooth tray, but there are two large-diameter, diagonally-opposed plug holes to ensure efficient drainage of water. Although the brown panelling in here feels a bit flimsy, it’s designed to be removed to access pipework.

Details – 83%

The longer you spend in this vehicle, the more you’ll appreciate the finer details, such as the rail in the lounge fitted with a spotlight and USB that you can move along. Similar spotlights over both cab doors and strip lighting under lounge lockers provide nice levels of illumination (some options are dimmable). The garage sports a useful drawer and other storage, plus power sockets and lighting. 

Verdict – 81%

It is not light – in weight or on your pocket – but there is a lot here to justify your investment. This instalment in the Matrix franchise certainly lives up to the billing of its predecessors.