Verdict
The Adora is Adria’s best-selling range and it’s easy to see why. It’s so lightweight, but it is well made. The spec is good, although the interior might not feel quite as upmarket as some in this sector. Spacious for two, this popular layout is well worth a look.
Pros
Great lounge; masses of floor space; roomy central wardrobe
Cons
No dual-fuel hob; worktop limited
It’s now more than 45 years since Slovenian company Adria’s caravans started being imported into the UK.
Early 1970 saw the first attempt by one UK dealership to import Adria, then in late 1970, Adria set up a subsidiary in Bedfordshire to import their tourers, which used several UK components, such as the Carver SB1800 flued heater (later becoming the Truma Carver).
Already gaining popularity after being shown at the 1968 RAI show in the Netherlands, Adria began to break into more export markets. By the 1980s they were a firm favourite in the UK, with 30-plus dealerships. But in the early 1990s, the downturn saw imports slowing.
Dealers were lost and in 1995, so was the importer; it was then down to husband-and-wife team Stuart and Jenny Cook to keep the Adria flag flying by setting up Adria GB to re-establish imports. In the past decade, Adria has worked hard to maintain its appeal to UK buyers, and the Adora is now on the must-see list for many.
Silver sides, a large sunroof and a curvaceous front give this range a distinctive look
Pitching & Setting-up
In 2013, the Adoras were given a new look inside and out, but since then, little has changed in terms of their appearance.
Silver sides, a large sunroof and a curved front give these tourers a very distinctive look. And on an Al-Ko chassis, with tough polyester sides and ABS front and rear lower moulded panels, the Adora is well-built.
Heavy-duty steadies are fitted with alloy wheels, and there is a large front gas locker. You also get a barbecue point and an exterior locker.
The large, opening sunroof is one of the Isonzo’s best features. The rear road lights are LEDs and there are four sturdy grab handles, too.
Last year, the Adora received a TV aerial as standard; we also like the glazed stable door.
The main service points are on the offside and, of course, the Adora comes with the UK must-have; triple front windows. The AKS hitch helps to keep the van more stable, but you don’t get ATC, which is surprising on a tourer with this price tag.
Living
The lounge has wraparound seating, typical for an imported tourer. There’s no central chest of drawers here, but you do get a small fold-down table. New materials have been added for 2020, which are claimed to be harder-wearing. The seating feels comfortable enough, with bolsters and scatter cushions.
The superb sunroof really is the business, and it’s also well finished. It lets in plenty of natural light in the lounge.
Corner LED spotlights and a radio/CD have been fitted in the lounge, along with upgraded curtains that are new for 2020.
The deep overhead lockers, unchanged since 2013, remain eminently practical.
Four or more folk can relax in the lounge with ease and dine at the freestanding table in comfort. This bright and airy lounge will appeal to many.
Kitchen
The side kitchen is spacious and has plenty of storage, with three large drawers. There are no cupboards, although you get an overhead unit for crockery, and a microwave is fitted as standard, as is a Thetford oven and grill. Opposite the kitchen is a Thetford 140-litre fridge.
The kitchen has a neat light-up splashback. You won’t find a dual-fuel hob here; instead, Adria fits a three-burner gas hob, which combines with the generous rectangular sink.
The worktop is a bit limited, and a fold-down flap on the lounge side would help. Night-time lighting is good, with LED downlighters under the lockers. The big drawers are excellent and operate smoothly, too.
Washroom
The Isonzo comes with another UK favourite, the full-width end-washroom, located next to the bedroom. A sliding door allows access to this area.
The washroom has a window and a roof vent, so there’s lots of light and ventilation. There isn’t much room to change in, though, which might put off some buyers. But it all looks very smart and functional.
There’s no radiator in here, just an air vent for the heat to enter from the Alde system. The handbasin is a rather striking looking clear bowl, with cupboard storage below. You also get shelving here, and a wall-mounted cupboard with a mirror on the doors.
Although the shower cubicle walls aren’t lined, it does have a moulded plastic tray and its own roof vent.
Beds
Although the Isonzo is designed to sleep up to four, we reckon many buyers are likely to be empty-nesters. The key feature for them will be the transverse double bed, which has now been upgraded with a more comfortable mattress.
This island-bed is certainly large enough for two, some fixed beds are a tight squeeze, but not in the Isonzo. It feels really comfortable and it also has two overhead lockers.
The seating in the lounge makes up a double bed using slide-out bases. But whichever bed you use in the Isonzo, you will have a good night’s rest.
Storage
The Isonzo provides excellent storage, with a large front gas locker and plenty of space in the washroom.
The overhead lockers offer more capacity, and the side wardrobe comes with no fewer than five shelves! It’s one of the best features in this interior. The double bed also has a small chest of drawers either side.
Overall, the Isonzo is going to be hard to beat in terms of cupboard space. It’s ample for four, so if there are just two of you, the storage allowance will be ideal for longer tours.
Technical Specifications
| Berth | 4 |
| MiRO | 1593 kg |
| Payload | 157 kg |
| MTPLM | 1750 kg |
| Shipping Length | 8.24 m |
| Width | 2.45 m |
