Adria Sonic Plus 700 SL

Berths: 4 Travel seats: 4 Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato Gross weight: 3,500kg Payload: 299kg

Adria’s premium A-class motorhome range has been completely redesigned this season, offering more comfort and more differentiation between the two spec levels: Plus and range-topping Supreme.

There are three layouts – single bed or island bed floorplans in a 7.52m length, or a new tag-axle twin bed version measuring 8.80 metres in Supreme spec only.

Here we look at the 700 SL (single bed) layout in Plus trim, which sits on a standard Fiat chassis rather than the Supreme’s Al-Ko.

On the outside, the new Sonic is instantly recognisable, thanks to a bold, automotive-style grille with integrated daytime running lights (optionally LED) and black and chrome detailing. New (top-hung) mirrors and larger side windows improve visibility, while the overcab panoramic sunroof – a rare feature in an A-class – comes into its own when you lower the cab bed. Great for those lazy Sunday morning lie-ins!

Inside, Adria has created what it describes as “an environment of true harmony and luxury”. Throughout the new Sonic, small details from the comfort and feel of the seating, to grab handles just where you need them,

and even a place to put your slippers, make all the difference.

In the lounge, soft pillow-style backrests add comfort, while car-style headrests add safety. Aesthetically, the top lockers – redesigned with a concave shape – merge neatly into the base of the drop-down bed.

The stylish galley comes with soft-closing drawers, with central locking for security while you drive, and extra shelving in a unit that the firm says has a new ‘S line’ shape.

As well as the 175-litre fridge/freezer, the UK specification includes a combined oven/grill unit.

Further to the rear, the split washroom facilities have been improved and now include a ‘bowl-on-a-plinth’ washbasin.

The rear bedroom features breathable, ventilated mattresses for the single beds, while the front A-class bed claims improvements in comfort, a lower frame, lightweight construction and ambient lighting.

The Sonic Plus trim level includes ‘Tempo’ interior styling, a choice of engine for the Fiat base vehicle, Adria’s Comprex body construction, ambient lighting in two ‘stripes’ and a new media wall with integrated TV holder.

A-class motorhomes have been part of the Adria stable since 2005, when the Renault Master-based Vision was launched to coincide with the opening of the company’s state-of-the-art factory. Vision’s replacement, Sonic, is now in its second generation and goes on sale backed by a two-year general warranty, 10-year water ingress warranty and on-the-road aftercare.

Options include chassis upgrades to 3,650kg or 4,300kg (on a Ducato Heavy chassis).

Heating is by the ever-popular Truma Combi 6kW gas/mains electric system, while an unusual extra is Isofix for easier fitting of child seats in the rear.

If you enjoyed this review, you can read the full version and more in the April 2017 issue of What Motorhome magazine.

You can get a digital version of this latest issue of What Motorhome magazine here.