Coachman Amara 520/4
Image
Key Features
Model Year
2009
Product Class
Single Axle
Price from (£)
£14689
Berths
4
Full Review
COACHMAN’S Amara range is the happy recipient of a makeover for the 2009 season.
It’s the range at which Coachman ownership starts, but it has never had an entry-level feel or price to match.
From the outside you’ll be hard-pressed to see any difference between this and the 2008 counterpart; the graphics are the only telltale sign.
They’re grey in colour and restrained in design, but who needs fancy swirls and bright scribbles when you’ve got perfect external proportions married to low-set wheels with pressed alloy sides that are among the most handsome on the market?
Whilst the outside of the Amara reveals little in the way of change, inside it’s a different story. To my eye, the interior is transformed by an as-yet-unseen version of hardwood framed Tecnoform cabinetry with curved, handle-free lockers giving a sense of minimalism whilst flush-fit opaque cabinet doors blend in neatly.
These hover above Thetford’s stainless steel fronted N107 fridge, bringing the Amara into the modern world of contemporary touring caravans.
From branded electricals, like the Sony microwave and CD/DVD/radio/MP3 player, to the upholstery you know will still have guts in five years’ time, it all inspires confidence that you’re making a sound investment.
Of course this 520/4 doesn’t offer anything new in terms of layout – it’s the run of the mill central dinette with nearside kitchen and full width end washroom.
Chief engineer Paul Gallagher and the team have worked hard to ensure that nothing else in this caravan could be described as run of the mill.
The new cabinetry wraps around the front dinette with new corner pods and integrated lighting in a sweeping horseshoe. These Tecnoform units emit an unusual hint of pink, highlighted even more by the use of chrome around the interior.
The central dinette allows decent passage space between it and the kitchen opposite, and there’s minimal wheel arch intrusion for diners.
With many entry-level models, they’re easy on the pocket but not always on the eye. In this layout you won’t only find a full width washroom, but a Coachman full width washroom, which means you’ll find style.
The door is new and resembles the thicker domestic-style that’s becoming increasingly common throughout the industry.
The shower cubicle and wardrobe unit are on the nearside; the latter has four large shelves against the caravan’s rear panel and twin hanging rails for added practicality.
Although both tables live in here, the design means they don’t intrude. The square shower sits flush with the wardrobe front and, although it may be the most efficient use of space, it’s not an inviting area.
Elsewhere, the combination of timber, chrome fittings and cupboards with opaque doors helps make the Coachman feel that little bit special.
New for 2009 is Thetford’s N107 stainless steel fronted fridge, Sony microwave as standard and revised Omnivent extractor fan which now has a soft start and stop function. Opposite is the central waist-height unit above the heater with Coachman’s trademark hinged top giving immediate access to the heater’s gubbins for service or repair.
A bank of switches sit just above for various applications, including the media entertainment and the Truma thermostat.
We know the 520’s dimensions, but at the time of testing this 2009 tourer has yet to be weighed and plated with final weight values.
Our verdict:
The Amara’s an odd one. Entry-level van by title maybe, but certainly a cut above the usual standard we’ve come to expect of caravans in this class. The cabinetry is tough but reasonably weighted, and it feels like the heart has been replaced by all-new Tecnoform timberwork.
The extra kit ensures this caravan is brimming with desirability and, if it’s priced and weighted right, this tourer is bound to feature highly on anyone’s list.
• This review was first published in the October 2008 issue of Which Caravan. To subscribe to the magazine, click here.
It’s the range at which Coachman ownership starts, but it has never had an entry-level feel or price to match.
From the outside you’ll be hard-pressed to see any difference between this and the 2008 counterpart; the graphics are the only telltale sign.
They’re grey in colour and restrained in design, but who needs fancy swirls and bright scribbles when you’ve got perfect external proportions married to low-set wheels with pressed alloy sides that are among the most handsome on the market?
Whilst the outside of the Amara reveals little in the way of change, inside it’s a different story. To my eye, the interior is transformed by an as-yet-unseen version of hardwood framed Tecnoform cabinetry with curved, handle-free lockers giving a sense of minimalism whilst flush-fit opaque cabinet doors blend in neatly.
These hover above Thetford’s stainless steel fronted N107 fridge, bringing the Amara into the modern world of contemporary touring caravans.
From branded electricals, like the Sony microwave and CD/DVD/radio/MP3 player, to the upholstery you know will still have guts in five years’ time, it all inspires confidence that you’re making a sound investment.
Of course this 520/4 doesn’t offer anything new in terms of layout – it’s the run of the mill central dinette with nearside kitchen and full width end washroom.
Chief engineer Paul Gallagher and the team have worked hard to ensure that nothing else in this caravan could be described as run of the mill.
The new cabinetry wraps around the front dinette with new corner pods and integrated lighting in a sweeping horseshoe. These Tecnoform units emit an unusual hint of pink, highlighted even more by the use of chrome around the interior.The central dinette allows decent passage space between it and the kitchen opposite, and there’s minimal wheel arch intrusion for diners.
With many entry-level models, they’re easy on the pocket but not always on the eye. In this layout you won’t only find a full width washroom, but a Coachman full width washroom, which means you’ll find style.
The door is new and resembles the thicker domestic-style that’s becoming increasingly common throughout the industry.
The shower cubicle and wardrobe unit are on the nearside; the latter has four large shelves against the caravan’s rear panel and twin hanging rails for added practicality.
Although both tables live in here, the design means they don’t intrude. The square shower sits flush with the wardrobe front and, although it may be the most efficient use of space, it’s not an inviting area.
Elsewhere, the combination of timber, chrome fittings and cupboards with opaque doors helps make the Coachman feel that little bit special.
New for 2009 is Thetford’s N107 stainless steel fronted fridge, Sony microwave as standard and revised Omnivent extractor fan which now has a soft start and stop function. Opposite is the central waist-height unit above the heater with Coachman’s trademark hinged top giving immediate access to the heater’s gubbins for service or repair.
A bank of switches sit just above for various applications, including the media entertainment and the Truma thermostat.
We know the 520’s dimensions, but at the time of testing this 2009 tourer has yet to be weighed and plated with final weight values.
Our verdict:
The Amara’s an odd one. Entry-level van by title maybe, but certainly a cut above the usual standard we’ve come to expect of caravans in this class. The cabinetry is tough but reasonably weighted, and it feels like the heart has been replaced by all-new Tecnoform timberwork.
The extra kit ensures this caravan is brimming with desirability and, if it’s priced and weighted right, this tourer is bound to feature highly on anyone’s list.
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• This review was first published in the October 2008 issue of Which Caravan. To subscribe to the magazine, click here.
