MMM Motorhome Awards 2024: Best Fixed Double Bed Motorhome

WINNER – Best Fixed Double Bed Motorhome

Bailey Alora 69-4S

(Staff photos)

Why the Alora 69-4S?

Making an unexpected debut at the Motorhome & Caravan Show was Bailey’s latest motorhome range, Alora.

The company’s first narrow-bodied coachbuilts (just 2.12m wide), they reflect a growing interest in slimline vehicles that offer the space, comfort and insulation of a motorhome in a size a little closer to that of a campervan. However, at almost 7m long, the Alora was considered too big to fit into our Best Compact Motorhome category.

The brand-new range includes the expected single bed and island bed floorplans, but it’s the transverse bed model, the 69-4S, that appealed to our judging panel. Yes, it has the bed access issues for whoever is sleeping alongside the back wall that are intrinsic to this floorplan, but the MMM team felt that the much greater feeling of interior space (compared with the 69-4I) was well worth the compromise.

Adding to the appeal is the fact that the rear bedroom has a padded headboard on the offside and opening window at the foot – and, for once, there’s plenty of room to sit up in bed to read. Then there’s the clever fold-out double steps to climb into bed and the very neat slide-out wardrobe (with shelves and hanging rail) that’s also concealed under the bed.

A spacious interior

Another factor that makes this newcomer feel bigger inside than you’d expect is the face-to-face lounge with a large overcab sunroof letting in lots of daylight. It’s a great place to relax and it can even be adapted to offer a pair of rear travel seats, thanks to the foldaway Aguti chairs hidden beneath the sofas.

Turn to the right, rather than the left, as you enter through the habitation door and the Alora feels far more open than any island bed model of comparable size. The washroom design contributes towards this as it adopts some of the thinking from the Endeavour campervan, with a tambour door that slides back to increase floor space in this area. A washbasin that slides to one side to increase the room for showering is another bonus.

Despite the Alora being a fairly compact motorhome, the kitchen spec hasn’t been compromised. As standard, it comes with a combined oven and grill, three gas rings and a mains hotplate. Even more generous is the 141-litre capacity of the Thetford compressor fridge.

Based on the Ford Transit with 130bhp motor, the Alora should drive well and an automatic version costs a reasonable £2,000 extra. The cab spec also includes a 12in touchscreen infotainment unit with sat-nav.

The contemporary interior décor has Grey Elm woodwork mated with Satin Cashmere and Anthracite finishes, while Truma’s diesel Combi heating reduces your reliance on gas.

Specifications

Highly commended

Adria Coral Supreme MB 670 DC

(Staff photos)

Not so very long ago, a price tag north of £100k would have pushed this Adria firmly into our Luxury category, but now it’s relatively easy to find low-profile motorhomes at this level. The Coral Supreme easily justifies its position in the market, firstly with Mercedes-Benz chassis and then with its striking exterior design featuring a metallic grey cab and all-silver habitation bodywork.

Inside, clean lines emphasise the loft apartment look, while a side sofa lounge with folding table makes the most of the space. The separate shower and toilet areas can be combined into a generous en suite, while the island bed can offer chaise longue-style relaxation as well as a comfortable bed.

Throughout, the latest Coral has the sort of fresh, modern design that we’ve come to associate with this Slovenian brand. And with the largest sunroofs (overcab and above the lounge) in its class, the 670 DC will feel super-spacious even on a dull winter day. Quite simply, this is one of the most stylish models in its class.

Specifications

Highly commended

Knaus Van Ti Plus 700 LF Platinum

(Staff photos)

With a slimline 2.20m overall width and a Volkswagen Crafter chassis, this Van Ti Plus has immediate appeal to the driver in the family, especially as the spec here includes the 177-horsepower engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, the Knaus is unusual in a market saturated with island bed layouts. Here instead is a French bed with a very practical washroom alongside, featuring a swing-wall to create a supersized shower. The length of the double bed (around 2m) is another plus.

Up front, this German motorhome breaks away from the norm, too, with an L-shaped nearside settee and a straight sofa opposite. It’s the sort of spacious seating area (with plenty of room for feet-up sprawling) that seems ideally suited to UK tastes.

In Platinum trim, the 700 LF also benefits from a high spec, including a metallic grey cab, reversing camera, oven, 142-litre AES fridge, Combi 6 E gas/electric heating and even a 32in TV with Oyster satellite dish.

Specifications