Frankia Noctra Cruiser 7.6 L motorhome

A high-class motorhome that looks to the future

Frankia, is on a journey to redesign its motorhomes and the Noctra Cruiser is the next step of this evolution. The process started with the Neo, then the Now. This model was originally to be called Next, but another maker objected. So, Noctra it is and its exterior surprises with a much more angular profile, moving away from curvy, streamlined designs we have come to expect. It’s a refreshing change.

One layout

There’s one layout with a central kitchen and washroom and twin single beds at the rear. But you can specify Mercedes Sprinter or Fiat Ducato as the base vehicle, both married to an Al-Ko VSC chassis. Plus, there are four standard interiors schemes to choose from – Dune, Ocean, Forest or Desert – with each mated to two different wood finishes.

We’re reviewing the Mercedes here as the demonstrator had more of the options fitted. That includes the Outside Lockers Deluxe option, whereby the main storage lockers are handleless. Simply apply pressure to the door at a specific point and they unlatch and pop open. It’s a neat bit of tech and it shouldn’t take an owner long to get the hang of where to press.

Clever storage

The show model also had slide-out storage boxes in the double floor as part of the Edition One Package which is standard this year. The 36cm-deep double floor has a new design which sees various functions – electrics, plumbing, storage, etc – grouped together.

The water system is now centrally located for better handling on the road, with 180 litres of fresh water and 150 litres of waste. The latter has an electric valve and a camera to help you position it above the drain point. Also new is a Gardena-style water filling connection, doing away with the hose reel – it was found that water left in this reel could cause bacteria to form unless properly drained. And there’s also a conventional filling point in the garage.

And for ease of access the electrics have been moved out of the garage into their own locker, particularly useful if you like to travel with a boot full of stuff. That rearmost space is now 1.27m high and there’s no lip to the door, so loading bikes should be easier.

Contemporary design

Stepping inside, the décor takes its cues from the Now range, with a flat floor from cab rearwards and the Frankia table that slides from side to side with just a little bit of foot pressure on the base. The settee here also swivels to create a forward-facing bench for two extra passengers.

The rooflight with built-in lights is standard and the design of these lights is also mirrored under the optional drop-down bed. The TV is located at a comfortable viewing height in a recess above the travel seats.

Kitchen & washroom

A compact kitchen sports a two-burner gas hob, set into a moulded resin worktop, but there is an induction zone upgrade, while UK buyers can specify a full cooker or a low-level separate oven. The 141-litre fridge/freezer is located next to the washroom.

Washrooms have been designed to look more domestic, with concrete-effect wallboards in the separate shower. The floor is lower for 2m headroom and the floor sits above the moulded tray with twin outlets for better drainage.

The Edition One comes with the ceramic bowl toilet and venting to the roof, but you can specify the Clesana water-free loo instead.

Single beds

The 2m-long single beds have a half-length cushion in the middle – slide the steps forward and add the extension cushion to make a very large lengthways double. Even with the bed fully extended, the steps can still be used. A final, desirable option is the panoramic rear window, which makes sitting up in bed easier as the rear high-level lockers are removed.

The Edition One Package also includes three 110W solar panels and two 210Ah LiFePO4 batteries for enhanced self-sufficiency.

If you want to stand out from the crowd with a luxury motorhome, the Noctra is distinctive and has lots of clever touches. However, many of the desired features are on the options list, so it’s easy to add to the price. And the interior décor options are more muted than some of its siblings.