Verdict
So, can the 2014 Adria Adora Loire compete with its more-established rivals? Well, we think this model should be a hit with UK buyers because it features a popular layout, plus there’s tonnes of storage and the kitchen is great for cooks. However, it is slightly let down by cost-cutting – for instance, the seat slats are only made of softwood.
Pros
It has a large kitchen
There’s plenty of storage space
It has an opening sunroof
It’s a stylish design, handsome inside and out – the most attractive Adria in years
Cons
There is no TV aerial
It lacks a microwave
The shower is not in a fully moulded cubicle
The seat bases are disappointing
Ask caravanners which brand of imported tourers they’re most familiar with and most will say Adria. And for good reason: it has been a staple in the UK since 1971.
The Slovenian company often goes its own way with unusual layouts and equipment. For this season’s Adora range, Adria has added one feature that UK manufacturers have already embraced: a front sunroof. Another introduction to refresh the range is the launch of the brand’s first end-washroom two-berth, the Adora Loire.
However, the main talking point of the range is its new, more attractive profile. The front was clearly influenced by Swift, but Adria has gone further by making its sunroof larger – and it can be opened.
A fresh, surprising approach to a popular layout, with a large kitchen and plenty of storage space
Pitching & Setting-up
The Loire is mounted on an Al-Ko chassis fitted with an AKS stabiliser, but not the ATC trailer-stability system. However, it does have the Euro Delta axle, which helps the outside wheel on a turn to resist centrifugal force. Alloy wheels and an Al-Ko Secure receiver are part of the standard kit, while the Adora options pack includes the wheel lock itself.
The sandwich-construction sidewalls are finished with Adria’s durable polyester facing, while the end panels are of ABS. The full-height one in front has three windows and a full-width gas and storage locker.
The rear panel is only three-quarter height and, while the road lights have been redesigned, it looks unfinished. All the plastic grabhandles are dressed in a handsome chrome effect.
Locating the winding nuts for the rear steadies isn’t easy, because a bulky moulding impedes access. The battery box has connections for an aerial (not included in the kit list), while an external gas point is in the nearside locker.
Living
Parallel seats at the front appear conventional at first, but Adria has dropped the familiar central chest of drawers between them with a shallow padded bench and, at its back, a flip-up occasional table. British caravanners may consider this an unnecessary economy.
Something else that UK buyers would expect as standard at this price is a full-length access flap at the front of each bed box. Instead, access is only via the top, and two lids must be lifted: one with softwood slats rather than a more durable material. These are shortcuts that we would not expect on a mid-market tourer.
Still, this is a pleasant place to be. It is bright and airy thanks to all the windows and the sunroof, which is beautifully designed and well executed. For night-time illumination, LEDs integrated in the sunroof’s surround are complemented by corner spots and ambient lighting behind the roof lockers.
The seats are comfortable and four scatter cushions are handy for lounging. The TV has a peculiar location, though: a bracket that is fitted to the far side of the large wardrobe, by the main entrance door. From there, it must be swung 180˚ to face the lounge.
Adria has stuck with the conventional Truma 3004 S heater, along with a blown-air system. The single vent in the lounge may not be sufficient when the weather turns cold; two would be better. Overhead lockers along both sides are stylish and deep – one houses the radio/CD player.
Kitchen
Adria breaks with convention again in its offside galley, which boasts enormous drawers below an expanse of worktop shared by a stainless-steel sink and hob, whose three gas burners are arranged in a line. The L-shaped unit is attractive, but the sink isn’t all that large.
LEDs beneath the overhead lockers, a wide window and Mini-Heki roof vent throw plenty of light for food preparation where it’s needed.
There is also a large cupboard, a 104-litre fridge-freezer, and a separate oven and grill. There is space for a microwave, but this is not fitted as standard.
Washroom
Instead of squeezing the midships kitchen and wardrobe to provide more lounge and washroom space, Adria did the opposite. The result is a narrow washroom, but it is still practical to use. For added light and ventilation, there’s a window as well as rooflight, sensibly placed in the shower area.
The electric-flush toilet is on the offside, and the ‘salad bowl’ basin and vanity unit are against the rear wall. The shower cubicle is not a fully moulded unit. In addition, cupboards below and to the sides of the basin provide sufficient space for toiletries.
Beds
At night, the lounge is converted into a spacious double bed, measuring 1.54m x 2.12m. To make this happen, pull the frames with the slatted seat bases from both seats and arrange the cushions to fill the gap. The lounge is not suitable for use as twin beds.
There’s ample space under the seats to store bedding, but you must lift the whole seat base.
Storage
There is copious storage capacity in this new for 2014 Adria Adora Loire. A large wardrobe and lots of lockers are among the many and very well proportioned storage options.
The long kitchen features huge drawers and a good sized worktop, but leaves less space the lounge. In the kitchen the ‘salad bowl basin’ sits on top of a generous vanity unit.
Technical Specifications
| Berth | 2 |
| MiRO | 1164 kg |
| Payload | 135 kg |
| MTPLM | 1300 kg |
| Shipping Length | 5 m |
| Width | 2.3 m |
