Slovenian manufacturer Adria began building caravans in 1965, exporting its first models to the UK in the mid-1970s. It has since grown to become the UK’s leading import brand. It was also the first Continental manufacturer to gain NCC approval for its UK tourers.

On test here is a 2012-season Adria Altea 542 DK. The Altea is Adria’s entry-level range, comprising four models, each to house four to six occupants. In recent seasons, Adria has become known for its cutting-edge style and lightweight practicality.

The 542 DK is a six-berth, double-dinette tourer, with parallel seats at the front, transverse sofas at the rear, plus fixed bunks along the offside wall by the corner. There is a small washroom on the offside and also a compact kitchen just across the gangway. 

Adria’s unique polyester wall technology, which features tough plastic sidewalls, makes them more resistant to dents, dings and scratches than those on conventional aluminium-clad tourers produced by most manufacturers in the entry-level sector.

What’s more, its MTPLM of 1300kg makes this the lightest 2012-season six-berth on the market – we towed it with a Ford Grand C-Max boasting a kerbweight of 1634kg, making for an 80% match. How will it fare as a tourer in coping with the demands of a budget-minded family?