DETAILED REVIEW

Words & photos: Peter Vaughan

The Adria Sonic 700 DC

While lesser Adrias come in a range of spec levels, ranging from Axess, through Plus, to range-topping Supreme, the 2022-season Sonic comes only in the plushest trim. That’s instantly obvious from its all-silver exterior finish – something that would be a pricey option (when offered) on a German motorhome. It’s not just the colour that’s noteworthy on the outside, either, as the latest Sonic gets a new inclined rear panel, just like the latest Coral and Matrix, while the bold chromed grille gives the Slovenian motorhome an unmistakeable visage.

Although Adria has updated its A-classes, it has also discontinued the big tag-axle 810 versions, leaving just the 700 – in DC (side sofas, island bed), SC (L-lounge, island bed), and SL (L-lounge, single beds) layouts. All are just a smidgeon under 7.5m long and, for the UK, the Heavy chassis (rated at 4,400kg) has now been made standard, along with the powerful 180bhp motor. It’s Fiat’s low-frame chassis that underpins these models, too, while payloads are impressive – 1,250kg here in standard spec.

Of course, each model has a full-sized garage with 12V and 230V sockets, LED lighting and twin loading doors. Because the bed above is height adjustable, garage headroom varies from 850mm to 1.10m (with the bed in its highest position), while loading here is restricted to a relatively modest 150kg. The Sonic also features a central service area, giving easy access to all the vehicle’s utilities.           

The interior

Inside, the latest Sonic has the sort of clean, contemporary design that we’ve come to associate with this popular brand. There are new concave top lockers, which help with the impression of space, but this DC layout with its face-to-face settees already has a very open feel of the floorplan. The fixed dining table folds in half, too; although, when expanded, it measures a generous 840mm by 750mm. Five mixed fabric options are available for the seating, along with three shades of leather – the one shown is called Charles.         

The beds

In common with its sister models, the 700 DC comes with a new, larger and electrically operated drop-down bed. It comes down low over the folded cab seats, leaving the rest of the lounge undisturbed, and has a mattress measuring 1.86m by 1.43m. There’s a privacy curtain and downlighters above but the big plus is the extra-large rooflight fitted here – essential for those summer nights when touring around the Med.

At the opposite extremity of this Sonic, the island bed measures 1.93m by 1.50m but the foot of the mattress is radiused – and even then room to move around the bedroom isn’t generous. You do get dimmable lighting, a sliding bedroom door and a TV station here, however. 

The washroom

Adopting opposing locations on either side, forward of the bedroom, the toilet and shower areas look very swish – and each has a roof vent. Twin drains and a shelf are practical touches in the shower, which has clear doors (no modesty here!). Meanwhile, the toilet room has a huge mirror and a new design of basin.     

The kitchen

Completing the layout, the central kitchen has Adria’s latest S-line design, with the three-burners-

in-line hob set well back in the counter to leave preparation space in front. There’s a Duplex combined oven/grill that’s sensibly located, a 142-litre fridge and a removable draining board, too. The trio of drawers have neat pop-out handles and you even get a shelf for your Nespresso machine.      

Summary

With Comprex construction, a technical double floor containing a repositioned water tank for better weight distribution and Alde heating, there’s everything here to compete with the best, while the modern design gives the Sonic its USP.