Adria Matrix Supreme M 677 SC

Adria Matrix Supreme MS 677 SC 2012

Adria’s low-profile with drop-down bed Matrix grows bigger – and gets a Renault base...

Adria are aggressively expanding their share of the motorhome market across Europe and see current trends towards low-profiles with drop-down beds and A-class models as helping them in their quest. We’ve already seen the Matrix, of course, (our Motorhome of the Year 2010) as well as the all-new Sonic A-class. But while the Sonic has switched to a Fiat chassis (the previous Vision was on Renault), Adria’s latest introduction is amongst the first motorhomes to be based on the all-new Renault Master.

The newcomer is called Matrix Supreme and it sits above Matrix in the range, both in terms of size and price. At 7.76m long it is Adria’s largest ’van, something that results in a massive rear overhang – driving onto ferries will have to be done with extreme caution.

That aside, Matrix Supreme is a handsome beast, as long as you like the ‘butch’ look of the new Renault. The cab comes in white or silver, with a choice of black or colour-coded bumper. And while the roofline is taller than some low-profiles – to accommodate that bed – the drop-down bed is actually an option. If you do specify it, then it’s one of the best – electrically operated, it will stop in any position between the ceiling and its lowest point, and when stowed there’s 6ft headroom beneath. A super-sized rooflight over the bed and an overcab sunroof mean there should be no shortage of ventilation.

But the real difference here is the chassis and Which Motorhome was the only magazine allowed a test drive at the UK launch. A gruff engine note on start up did not bode well, but once up to cruising speeds the Master lived up to Renault’s promise of being quieter than a Fiat (while Adria build quality meant no rattles from behind the cab). The dCi 150 engine (a lower-powered dCi 125 is standard – both are to Euro V emissions standards) also provided decent performance and easy 70mph cruising, while the Matrix Supreme was exceptionally stable on a windy A1, though our test vehicle did have the advantage of the optional SSA rear air-suspension.

Overall, it doesn’t feel quite as car-like as a Fiat (or as quick as a 3-litre Ducato) but the Master – like its predecessor – does have a softer riding appeal of its own. With the optional Quickshift sem-iautomatic available on both engines and the best cab seats we’ve ever sat in (more sportscar than motorhome), interested parties are well advised to book a test drive.

What you won’t be able to sample at your local dealership is the superiority of Matrix Supreme’s Alde heating system. Operated on gas and mains, it offers up to 8kW of heating and includes underfloor heating throughout. Alde promise that their silent system avoids the cold neck issues of sitting by a window and the condensation problems that can go with traditional blown-air set-ups. It certainly seems as if this is a motorhome for serious winter use, with heating under the cab seats and an optional heat exchanger to take heat from the engine to provide instant warmth and hot water when you stop.

Matrix Supreme also comes with a choice of two layouts – fixed high-level single beds (SL), or a more unusual transverse island bed in the SC model. We’re big fans of this arrangement but the Adria needs a little fine-tuning – the blank rear wall makes the bedroom look bleak and the generous mattress length leaves insufficient space to squeeze around the end of the bed. In the morning you can, however, slide the bed back electrically to create a sort of double chaise-longue with a view out of the nearside picture window. Neat.

Unfortunately, we were not alone in finding the light grey/ brown décor a bit too uniform, and a bit bland. In the large under-bed locker we found alternative cushions with a reddybrown than would make for a warmer feel. A change of fabric would be welcome in the big front lounge, where space to dine, relax or entertain is not an issue.
If you think European motorhomes lack lounge space then you need to see this. It’s very comfy too.

But a big bedroom and a big lounge mean the L-shaped kitchen is squeezed between the two. It does have a smart modern cooker with oven/grill, and there’s a 149-litre SES fridge/freezer alongside, but there’s precious little worktop. That situation improves slightly if you opt for the smaller sink that’s on offer.

The washroom has a spacious separate shower, but despite three large mirrors, it seems to lack room around the loo and basin. There’s trendy bathroom LED lighting that can be changed to different colours.

Other novelties (all optional) include cornering lights, LED running lights in the front bumper, and latest generation ESP, while an upgrade to 3880kg gross weight will probably be essential for most users.


To read the full motorhome review in PDF format exactly as it appeared in the July 2011 issue of Which Motorhome, click here.
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With a drop-down bed and an electric island bed (on the SC, the SL has single beds) the Adria Matrix Supreme M 677 has many innovative ideas and is well worth a look.