Full review

THE Amara sits firmly at the bottom of Coachman’s line-up, but it is no entry-level caravan.

Its levels of equipment and specification mean that it should be likened more to a mid-range model from any other brand.

But this is Coachman, and the caravans coming out of the factory are very well built and very well specified. There is a downside and that means that this, the smallest Amara is quite pricey.

Compact it may be, but it is big and heavy compared to caravans from other makes with similar layouts.

Smart, curvy front and rear panels, twinkly lights and smart side skirts make the Amara look a lot more expensive than entry-level. The door is another noticeable difference between this and last year’s model. It’s a very smart one-piece style.

The picture window is very tall, and slides downwards into the door. Want the window open while keeping the flies at bay? Then slide the netted concertina flyscreen up and over the open window. The door liner has a spacious pocket on the inside for magazines and road atlases.

The layout is very spacious but also very standard. The extra length and width really makes a difference. There’s a comfortable and spacious lounge up front, the kitchen is in the centre and a full-width washroom is at the rear.

Coachman has always been thought of as a little old-fashioned, but the fittings are chrome and match well, the fabric is modern enough and the doors are curved in a very ‘now’ style.

The two sofas are long and convert into the double bed at night - slats slide out and the cushions rearrange. As with any caravan with knee rolls on seats, the bed will be a bit lumpier than at home.

Storage is ample with spacious overhead lockers - two at the front and two at each side.

Underseat storage is fairly ample, although a lot of the services are fitted here. It’s easy to access, though, by doors or by lifting the seat cushions up and sliding the slats out of the way.

The kitchen is a big part of this caravan, taking up almost a third of the space. On the offside there is the cooker (with oven, grill and four burners, of course) and a sink that has an integrated drainer with washing up bowl and chopping board.

There’s no worktop space, but this doesn’t matter because the dresser opposite is a perfect height for food preparation. It also holds the large 95-litre digitally-controlled fridge with electric ignition, and small freezer compartment, and the heater.

Above the heater are two more drawers offering even more storage space and the worktop itself lifts up on hinges to provide easy access to the fridge and heater fuses.

Right at the back is a very spacious washroom. Good if you like your privacy or frequently stay on sites without facilities - there are still some out there.

The washroom is where Coachman is quite brave - opting for white locker doors on the cupboards under the sink, the window and the drawers under the wardrobe. The voile curtains don’t provide any privacy  - that’s why the blinds and flyscreens are there - but they do look nice.

Our verdict:

There are cheaper caravans and bigger caravans on the market, but if you don’t want something too big and prefer solidity and luxury, then you’d do worse than to opt for this Amara.

•    A full version of this review appeared in the October 2006 issue of Which Caravan. To order a road test reprint contact Tina Beaumont on 01778 391187.

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