Coachman is big on traditional appeal. As such, its products appeal to those with more conservative tastes who aren’t worried about carrying an extra few kilos or spending an extra few hundred pounds to get the quality they want. It realises however that the sort of customer they attract is the older more established caravanner and it has decided it needs to freshen up its image to appeal to newcomers and younger caravanners, without upsetting its loyal customer base. It’s a tough line to walk, but the 2011 Amara looks in good shape.

 

In terms of layouts, a new 655/6 twin-dinette twin-axle comes into the range, meaning nine models in total. The new Amara has bolder exterior graphics, sharp looking front and rear body panels and stylish grey wheels and detailing on the outside, making this the most contemporary looking Coachman in memory. Side-exiting waste pipes are new too, as is a lined wet locker for most models.

 

Inside, Amara gets more headroom, new locker doors, LED lights, new soft furnishings and a redesigned chest of drawers, thanks to that new front bed arrangement. Rear washroom models get a reworked design while most models get the electric flush toilet, new wash basins and shower cubicles. A larger digital control fridge and Pioneer CD/MP3 player finish the interior upgrades.

 

One innovation Coachman has introduced is a pull-out bed base in the front lounges. It pulls out from the offside seat bench across to meet the nearside seat and do away with the need for slats running out from under the centre chest. Making up the bed in a 2011 Coachman takes little more than 20 seconds, but with no chance of the slats dropping though, this could be the sort of thing that makes caravanners consider ditching a fixed bed.

 

Prices and weights are not yet confirmed

 

Verdict

Big changes for Amara are a complete success. All-new interiors and sharp exteriors should help Coachman attract the younger buyers it craves