on test adria coral s660sl & dethleffs advantage t6611 · 2 the euro lounge is popular because...

On Test Adria Coral S660SL & Dethleffs Advantage T6611

146 I AUGUST 2008 www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

Words & pictures by Jonathan Lloyd

Words & pictures by

ADRIA CORAL S660SL

Most people spend less than a third of the 24-hour day kipping,

but if they have a disturbed or uncomfortable night, boy do they (and their co-habitees) suffer the following day. To reduce the

possibility of such problems occurring in the land of nod, the combatants in this month’s Head-to-Head test both candidates place a high priority on permanent beds at the far rear.

Bed(s) plural is correct as they each have two longitudinal singles: more on them later.

Are there any other similarities between the ‘vans? Well, both have a garage and are pulled along by Fiat’s highly acclaimed 130 horsepower ‘motorhome special’ turbo-diesel power unit, driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. As a side issue, are there any naturally aspirated diesel engines used to power new motorhomes these days? Can’t think of any.

Price-wise and as presented, the Adria wins

BETTER BOUDOIRS��

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each have two longitudinal singles: more on them later.

similarities between the ‘vans? Well, both have a garage and are pulled along by Fiat’s highly acclaimed 130 horsepower ‘motorhome special’ turbo-diesel power unit, driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

■ OVERALL LENGTH: 7.23m (23ft 8.5in)

■ OVERALL WIDTH: 2.29m (7ft 6in)

LAYOUT PLAN

by a couple of thousand pounds, though you’ll need comfortably over forty grand to buy either.

When travelling, four can be safely and comfortably accommodated and the same is true on site, though a mix of two adults and two children would be the most suitable.

Anyway, the Teutonic Dethleffs looks lower and shorter than the Slovenian Adria because it is.

Both use featureless flat bonded sandwich panels for the coachbuilt body, though with different material for the cladding. Adria has opted for tough, but textured GRP whereas Dethleffs prefers to use high-lustre painted aluminium. This difference in surface shine was exacerbated by the fact that the importer hadn’t washed the Adria offering.

However, its tardiness is our gain as the exterior photograph clearly shows the route the run-off water takes when discharging from the roof... And it ain’t very clever.

If you’ll just pass me my anorak I’ll comment on the overcab roof pods. They might look the same but to us saloon bar sages they are actually quite different. Only the Dethleffs is a true low profile, as the forward departure slope from the windscreen starts straight away without an up-stand. The Adria is actually a low-line - though none the worse for that. In fact, both manufacturers have produced easy

Same, but different low profi les feature fl exible

permanent sleeping arrangements on trial

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www.outandaboutlive.co.uk AUGUST 2008 I 147

Head-to-head test▲

■ OVERALL LENGTH: 6.98m (22ft 11in)■ OVERALL WIDTH: 2.33m (7ft 8in)

LAYOUT PLAN

DETHLEFFS ADVANTAGE T6611

on the eye exteriors, though the completely flat and unadorned rear wall of the Adria might appear a bit plain to some.

Adria has gone for an all-white-on-the-night approach using light grey skirts and mouldings over the joints to add interest. Well-judged graphics are far more likely to appeal than offend. Dethleffs opts for solid colour on the sidewalls to gain recognition. A silver grey central insert on the big ‘chin’ and grey panels just forward of the wheel arches is an attempt to make the front look more purposeful. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so worth mentioning is the availability of a Polar Blue, Tizian Red, or Agate Grey Advantage if you dislike ‘our’ Titan Sliver. A dimpled finish is also available if you don’t like the smooth one, though this is in only one colour-way - white!

Dethleffs has been producing touring caravans since 1931, Adria since 1960. Both companies have been designing and building coachbuilt motorhomes since the early nineteen-eighties. The Globetrotter Pirat was the first offering from Dethleffs, Adriatik the first from Adria, both on the earliest incarnation of the Fiat Ducato.

Enough history: in the manner of the trio of visually challenged rodents, let’s see how they run...

MOTIVE POWERWith the same engine and transmission, one would have expected both to drive in a similar fashion and they did, but were not identical, though more of that later. Despite some negative comments and rather unfortunate teething problems on the new model (mostly

regarding water ingress to the engine compartment and juddering), the 2.3-litre 130 horsepower engine and gearing remains the best compromise of power with economy available to motorhome manufacturers today. Put simply it’s a joy to drive, and that’s coming from a dyed-in-the-wool Ford fan!

Further, live-in tests of motorhomes equipped with this engine and gearbox combo have revealed that (for me under real road conditions) fuel consumption achieved was around 25 per cent better than was ever managed from the previous 2.8-litre lump. More power, less emissions and greater economy: that’s quite an achievement.

The Adria Coral can be specified with the extra-cost 160 Multijet engine, and also with the sensational ComfortMatic automated manual transmission. Not so with the Dethleffs Advantage, although the 6611’s interior layout is available in other Dethleffs ranges that do offer these options.

Faux wood on the Dethleffs dashboard doesn’t really float my boat, though it was preferable to the Adria’s charisma-free sea of grey plastic. Much more important was the Dethleffs’ standard-fit Fiat cruise control. Now that did appeal, both as a way of avoiding further contributions to the bank balance of Mister Gatso and for stretching each precious

and expensive drop of fuel as far as it will go.Both motorcaravans came equipped

with cab air-conditioning, though a careful comparison of the specifications revealed that this is included in the Dethleffs’ windscreen price, but not in the Adria’s.

Whichever of our dynamic duo you choose, in the interests of safety please budget for a rear vision camera and monitor.

ROAD MANNERS There’s nowt as queer as folks - me included. I surprised myself by feeling pleasure (in an ironic sort of way) that at long last, I had experienced a Fiat with a tendency to judder in reverse (and then stall) when ascending modest slopes and can now identify more closely with fellow sufferers.



More ‘beans’ and slipping the clutch improved a problem that shouldn’t have been there in the first place.

Contrary to what some converters and dealers have claimed, neither I, nor my

fellow sufferers, have suddenly lost the ability to drive. However, it must be said that I’ve driven six similar vehicles and on only one was there a problem. I haven’t said which of our combatants it was, because it doesn’t matter, as both share identical engines and gearboxes made by the same manufacturer.

On a more positive note, the ride from Fiat’s own chassis is so well sorted now, there is almost nothing to say - which itself is a recommendation. Only when driving competitively will drivers notice the difference between the handling of the Dethleffs low-frame chassis on 15in wheels against the Adria’s Maxi chassis running on 16in wheels. The Dethleffs was certainly nimbler, no question, but for me of greater import was the Adria’s advantages of higher payload, more ground clearance and a lower percentage of rear overhang, especially as neither manufacturer has built in a departure angle to the skirts behind the rear axle. It is my contention that although neither ‘van sports a pretty rear end, both look better on the actual vehicle than they would left behind on a ferry ramp or a friend’s sloping driveway.

I did wonder whether Fiat changes the speedometer gearing on the Maxi chassis as its larger wheels may affect the accuracy of the speedometer.

LOUNGE AND DINE Five years ago, these Euro-lounges were considered very avant garde, now their appeal is such that they are becoming the most popular choice in mid-size mid-range coachbuilts such as these. This is with good reason as they offer so much flexibility. However, it was irritating to find that both lounges had a step in the floor, waiting to trip up the unwary and provide an obstacle for walking disabled and wheelchair users. That said - both lounges provided comfortable pews for either lounging or dining, though the Dethleffs Isri cab seats were more suited to my (rather odd) shape than the Adria’s Agutis.

If you haven’t noticed that the Adria’s lounge has five seats whereas the Dethleffs only four there is obviously something seriously wrong with the camera, or more likely with its operator!

Adria has made better use of the overcab storage areas and also provides a moulded drinks and oddments tray in the table extension.

Even though there was little difference in the prices of our combatants, this would be further reduced if cruise control and an

I LIKED■ Maxi chassis■ Practical kitchen■ Spacious washroom■ Useful garage

I WOULD HAVE LIKED ■ Centrally placed cabinet between rear

beds ■ A grill

I DISLIKED ■ Small capacity leisure battery


ADRIA CORAL

1 Pilot’s view. No radio is included as standard

2 The Euro lounge is popular because it is just so flexible. Adria’s will accommodate five for comfortable dining or lounging

3 General view rearwards showing amidships kitchen and wardrobe with washroom opposite, rear bedroom beyond

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exterior ladder were specified for the Adria so it more closely matched the Dethleffs standard UK spec.

The interiors do feel different and this is most apparent when relaxing in the lounges, especially at night where the Dethleffs LED low-consumption ‘mood’ lighting will be really appropriate when sharing a bottle of liquid sunshine with friends and/or loved ones.

Investigations attempting to uncover reasons for the different ‘feel’ inevitably focused on build quality. Overall, despite the over enthusiastic use of plastic joint blocks, the Adria’s interior felt very solidly built indeed and there were no serious complaints at all. The Dethleffs felt even better built, or perhaps more accurately, it looked better finished. Two-tone veneers, contrasting furniture doors, designer handles and the like added a classy uptown apartment aesthetic to the interior. But many camp in their motorcaravans and don’t want to reproduce their home, so the Adria’s sunnier fabrics suggesting holidays might suit them better, though the more open weave to the material might not wear as well.

Regular readers may already have guessed that my partner (Management) opted for the Adria’s colour-way whereas the Dethleffs got my vote!

COOK’S QUARTERS Both kitchens are on the offside, just rearwards of the entrance door, though each of these is slightly further forward on the Dethleffs.

From merely the briefest of glances, it’s obvious that the Dethleffs’ galley has the wow-factor, so it can’t fail to impress. Visually it’s the more arresting and boasts opaque-glazed high-level locker doors in silver, a curved plinth for the downlighters and a combined Gormet Center (sic), featuring a hob and sink with a ‘designer’ three-piece glass cover - all of which is positively organic in shape. Line ‘em up side-by-side and the Adria’s kitchen will look ordinary in comparison.

Roll up your sleeves though and it’s a different story. The Adria’s hob has electronic ignition (absent on the Dethleffs), there is more usable worktop and the storage is better planned. The numpty who put the cutlery drawer below the oven in the Dethleffs has obviously never prepared a meal. One usually requires both cutlery and kitchen tools for every meal, whereas one doesn’t always need the oven. My back’s aching already!

Adria’s drawers and cubbyholes will be really useful and edge it ahead even further, although the Dethleffs fights back with its galleried shelves with fiddle rails and a grill/oven combo that makes the Adria’s grill-less kitchen look a bit mean.

Both galleys have similar fan-driven air extractor units with task lighting.


Head-to-head test▲

I LIKED■ Coloured sides■ Superb cab seats■ Classy fabrics■ Excellent fit and finish

I WOULD HAVE LIKED ■ More accessible garage■ Electronic ignition for hob

I DISLIKED ■ Location of cutlery drawer

DETHLEFFS ADVANTAGE

4 Cab had added cruise control and wood trim. Low-frame chassis offered road-hugging handling

5 Dethleffs’ forward lounge/diner accommodates four. Cab seats were outstanding

6 Dethleffs replicates the layout of the Adria, but with a touch more class

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Not really part of the Dethleffs’ kitchen, but attached to it was the stout grab handle to aid access and egress through the caravan door. Should be standard equipment in all ‘vans, methinks.

The designer look to the Dethleffs Gormet Center (sic) continued with the remote placement of the hob’s control knobs below the sink. Quite what the advantage is of this relocation remains unclear to me, except of course that it looks good! Really those knobs could be said to flag up the differences

PRICE■ From: £40,327 OTR ■ As tested: £41,427 OTR

BASICS (*manufacturer’s figures)■ Berths: 4■ Three-point belted seats: 4 (including

driver)■ Warranty: 2 years base vehicle, 3 years

conversion, 5 years water ingress:■ Badged as NCC EN1646 compliant: Yes■ Construction: GRP clad sandwich

construction, low profile coachbuilt■ Length: 7.23m (23ft 8.5in)*■ Width: 2.29m (7ft 6in)*■ Height: 2.74m (9ft 0in)*■ Wheelbase: 4.03m (13ft 3in)*■ Rear overhang: 2.27m (7ft 5.5in)■ Maximum Authorised weight: 3500kg*■ Payload: 570kg*

THE VEHICLE■ Chassis: Fiat Ducato Maxi XLWB chassis-cab ■ Engine: 2.3-litre turbo-diesel producing

130bhp■ Transmission: Six-speed manual gearbox,

front-wheel drive■ Brakes: Discs all round with ABS and EBD■ Suspension: Front: Independent with

McPherson struts Rear: Rigid axle on leaf springs

■ Features: Driver’s airbag, cab central locking, electrically-operated windows and mirrors, rear passenger on-road heater with multi-speed fan, reversing sensors with audible warning

INSIDE■ Layout: Euro lounge with half-dinette,

swivelled cab seats and single inward-facing seat. Amidships offside kitchen forward of wardrobe with washroom opposite. Two high-level longitudinal permanent single beds (convertible to an all-over double) atop transverse garage in the rear. Caravan entrance door forward on UK offside

■ Insulation: Floor 41mm, walls 31mm, roof 31mm

■ Interior height: 1.98m (6ft 6in)

KITCHEN■ Sink: Dometic stainless steel round bowl with

monobloc mixer tap, no drainer■ Cooker: Smev stainless steel three-burner hob

with electronic-ignition, Smev high-level oven with internal illumination and electronic ignition

■ Fridge: Dometic RM 8501 three-way with full-width freezer compartment. Capacity 104 litres

WASHROOM■ Toilet: Thetford C250 swivel-bowl electric-

flush cassette with odour removal system■ Basin: Moulded vanity unit with monobloc

mixer tap■ Shower: Separate compartment with glazed

bi-fold doors, moulded seat, riser-rail, separate mixer tap, wooden duckboard

HEAD-TO-HEAD DATA ADRIA CORAL


BEDSRear permanent singles■ Length: 2.00m (6ft 6.5in)■ Width: Nearside: 890mm (2ft 11in); offside:

850mm (2ft 9.5in) ■ Headroom: 850mm (2ft 9.5in)Lounge double■ Length: 2.10m (6ft 10.5in) ■ Width: 1.30m (4ft 3in) max

EQUIPMENT■ Fresh water: Inboard 110 litres (24.2

gallons)■ Waste water: Underslung, heated 85 litres

(18.69 gal)■ Water and space heater: Truma Combi

6GE gas/230V boiler with blown-air■ Leisure battery: 95 amp hr■ Gas: 2 x 13kg cylinders■ Lighting: All 12V. Main salon: central

luminaire with two halogen bulbs, six halogen downlighters, two halogen reading lights. Washroom: Three halogen downlighters

■ Sockets: 230V: Three, 12V: Two

OPTIONAL EXTRASFitted to test vehicle■ Base: Cab air-conditioning (£1100) ■ Conversion: NoneOther options■ Base: Alloy wheels (£750), front fog lights

(£400), upgrade to 157bhp engine (£2290)■ Conversion: Zanzibar beige upholstery (£990) E&OE

between the two perfectly usable kitchens. In short, the Dethleffs’ is by far the nicer to look at, but most will find the Adria’s more practical.

BATHING SPACE The Adria starts the favourite here. It’s a bigger ‘van and so can accommodate a bigger washroom - two rooms actually, as it has a separate walk-in shower compartment. The Dethleffs is smaller and the lack of a window made it more claustrophobic. A swing-wall created the shower compartment which itself

7 Offside kitchen majors on storage and practicality, though it lacks a grill

8 Adria’s washroom was the best by a country mile. Separate shower offered lots of elbow room.

Loo’s the latest model

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Head-to-head test

works well, except that there is then nowhere dry to stand when getting dressed.

Similarities: both have electric-flush swivel-bowl cassette toilets, a vanity basin and a showering area. The Adria had the very latest incarnation of the Thetford loo, the C250. The most important improvements are that the holding tank now has wheels and a pull-along handle, plus the blade assembly is easily removable for servicing/repair/thorough cleaning.

Adria managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by fitting clear glazing to the

▲

PRICE■ From: £43,436 OTR■ As tested: £43,436 OTR

BASICS (*manufacturers’ figures)■ Berths: 4 ■ Three-point belted seats: 4 (including

driver)■ Warranty: 2 years base vehicle, 2 years

conversion, 6 years water ingress■ Badged as NCC EN1646 compliant: No■ Construction: Aluminium clad sandwich

construction, low-profile coachbuilt ■ Length: 6.98m (22ft 11in)*■ Width: 2.33m (7ft 8in)*■ Height: 2.67m (8ft 9in)*■ Wheelbase: 3.80m (12ft 5.5in)*■ Rear overhang: 2.25m (7ft 4.5in)■ Maximum Authorised weight: 3495kg*■ Payload: 370kg* (after full fuel, full fresh

water, 2 x 13kg gas cylinders, accessories added for UK specification pack)

THE VEHICLE■ Chassis: Fiat Ducato LWB Camper chassis

cab■ Engine: 2.3-litre turbo-diesel producing

130bhp■ Transmission: Six-speed manual gearbox,

front-wheel drive■ Brakes: Discs all round with ABS and EBD■ Suspension: Front: Independent with

McPherson struts Rear: Rigid axle on leaf springs

■ Features: Driver’s airbag, cab central locking, electrically-operated windows and

mirrors, cruise control, wood-style dashboard trim

INSIDE■ Layout: Forward Euro lounge with half-

dinette and two swivelled cab seats. Amidships kitchen and wardrobe on offside with washroom opposite. Two high-level longitudinal permanent single beds (convertible to an all-over double) atop transverse garage in rear. Caravan entrance door immediately behind cab on UK offside

■ Insulation: Floor 34mm, walls, 34mm, roof 41mm

■ Interior height: 1.95m (6ft 5in)

KITCHEN■ Sink/cooker: Cramer combined stainless steel

Gormet Center (sic) includes three-burner manual-ignition hob, three-piece glass lid, sink with long spout monobloc mixer tap. Separate Spinflo oven/grill with push-button ignition

■ Fridge: Dometic RM 7401 three-way with full-width freezer compartment. Capacity 94 litres

WASHROOM■ Toilet: Thetford swivel-bowl electric-flush

cassette■ Basin: Moulded vanity basin with monobloc

mixer tap ■ Shower: Swing-wall creates compartment

with separate mixer tap and riser-rail

HEAD-TO-HEAD DATA DETHLEFFS ADVANTAGE

BEDSRear permanent singles■ Length: 1.99m (6ft 6.5in)■ Width: Offside: 800mm (2ft 7.5in); nearside:

700mm (2ft 3.5in)■ Headroom: 950mm (3ft 1.5in)Lounge double■ Length: 1.80m (5ft 11in)■ Width: 1.05m (3ft 5.5in) max

EQUIPMENT■ Fresh water: Inboard 127 litres (28 gallons)■ Waste water: 90 litres (19.8 gallons)■ Water and space heater: Truma Combi

C6002 gas/230V boiler with blown-air■ Leisure battery: 80 amp hr■ Gas: 2 x 13kg cylinders■ Lighting: All 12V. Halogen: four reading

spotlights, eight downlighters, plus three downlighters in washroom, LED ‘mood’ lighting in salon and bedroom, awning light

■ Sockets: 230V: Three, 12V: One

OPTIONAL EXTRASFitted to test vehicle■ Base: UK price includes electric windows

and mirrors, central locking, cab air-conditioning

■ Conversion: NoneOther options■ Base: See dealer for details■ Conversion: Luxus Pack includes flush-

fitting windows, indirect lighting, roof rack and ladder (£2395)

E&OE

opening window. I know I’m an emotionally retarded, ‘tightly-laced’ Brit, but I just don’t like being on view in the ‘comfort station.’ The moulded seat in the Adria’s shower cubicle might be useful for tots and for those with balance problems and bi-fold glazed doors should keep the dry area dry! �

BEDTIME This, perhaps, is the most important area as it will be at the top of most prospective customers’ wish list. Both motorcaravans

9 Smaller and gloomier washroom lost out to the brighter and more spacious one in the Adria

10 Plenty of wow factor in the Dethleffs galley, but at the expense of some practicality

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feature two high-level permanent longitudinal single beds against opposite walls: both pairs in each

‘van look as if they match, though neither does. Each of the pairs offer the

same length and depth, but the offside ones are wider than their nearside partners. That’s not to say the nearside singles are narrow, they’re just not as wide as the offside beds. Both are accessed via wide full-tread steps and each partner can get up without disturbing the slumbers of the other.

Although designed as two single beds, for romantic interludes or increased comfort, the ‘stairwell’ can be bridged to create a double bed of palatial proportions, though now with more challenging access and egress. The single infill base slides forwards from underneath the central short mattress in the Adria; the Dethleffs uses two side extensions, which meet in the middle.

Slats are used under all four permanent beds to support domestic grade mattresses, however the Dethleffs boasted that it had what it described as a ‘revolutionary suspension system for the slats’ and the Adria came equipped with an adjustable angle to the head end ,plus a split mattress to make it possible to sit up and be well supported.

Both motorcaravans have three high-level lockers over the bed-head and two reading lights, though the Dethleffs also added more high-level lockers, a telly cabinet and (essential for us) a centrally placed shelved unit - perfect for plonking down books, specs and the early morning cuppa.

The permanent beds in both should ensure a good night’s kip, though the Dethleffs’ bedroom has more storage and the reading spotlights proved better positioned.

The target market for these motorhomes is couples who might occasionally take along grandchildren, rather than young families. It’s important to differentiate between the two if you are considering buying one of these desirable ‘vans, because in both, when the extra beds are deployed, the adults have nowhere left to sit and must go to bed. Not ideal if the children are young and always accompany the adults, but perfectly acceptable for an odd weekend or week’s holiday.

Interestingly, it is in the make-up of these additional beds where they differ. The Dethleffs’ slide-forward arrangement is cleverly simple, whereas the Adria’s is a little more complex to make, but is bigger when complete.

STORE ROOMThe garage is probably the most important storeroom so let’s compare the offerings. Firstly, think about what you wish to put in it. It’s of paramount importance that what you want to transport goes in easily and without having to reduce it to a million and one parts. Most full size bikes won’t go through even the larger of the Dethleffs’ garage doors, though nearly all will fit in through the Adria’s offside portal.

Both garages are lit and have adjustable tie-down cleats, though rather worryingly, neither (yet) had a prominently placed sticker/information plate advising owners of the maximum load that could be safely carried in what is basically a massive (and very tempting) cupboard. Fill the garage full of crates containing bottles of French wine and either vehicle could become seriously overloaded.

Weight will be more of a concern in


ADRIA CORAL

11 At the head end of the single beds the mattresses raise to a comfortable angle

12 Lounge-diner converts to an additional transverse double bed

13 TV locker awaits your flat screen device

14 Adria has the biggest garage

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VEHICLES LOANED FOR EVALUATION BY:Adria Coral S 660 SLAdria United Kingdom, Hall Street, Long Melford, Suffolk, CO10 9JP(tel: 0870 744 0007; web site: www.adria-mobil.com)

Dethleffs Advantage T 6611 Lowdham Leisureworld, Lowdham Road Gunthorpe, Nottingham, NG14 7ES (tel: 0845 6349411; web site: www.lowdhamleisure.com)


Head-to-head test

the Dethleffs as just three adult passengers are likely to leave an uncomfortably slim loading margin, unless one travels with an almost empty fresh water tank (you gain a massive extra 120kg of capacity by doing this).

LIFE SUPPORTBroadly similar is the verdict here, as you might expect with two similarly priced motorcaravans aimed at the same target market. Both are perfectly suitable for motorcaravanning all-year-round in Britain and the warmer European countries. Generous provision of fresh water is sensibly matched by the waste water capacity (so you can service both at the same time using the campsite water station) and for most of us, there will be plenty of cupboard space for clothes and food. The lone leisure batteries are (as usual) inadequate for my non-hook-up style of motorcaravanning during the winter months; if the leisure battery is low, the Combi heater/boilers won’t work. Brrr!

Personally, I wouldn’t rely on the supplied can of tyre-sealing goo and would order an extra-cost, payload-eroding spare wheel. Others will definitely be more relaxed over this. I don’t get punctures very often in my own motorcaravan (despite covering more than twice the national average annual mileage), but when I have, the tyre has usually been damaged beyond repair. Obviously, it wouldn’t have been possible to re-inflate and seal the puncture with the supplied 12V compressor and aforementioned container of gunk.

Not perfectly-placed in this section, though of paramount importance to the life support of this particular motorcaravanner was the absence of any sort of radio/CD player. Frankly, I don’t care a fig about telly in motorcaravans, and satellite dishes just leave me cold. By way of a contrast, not to be able to listen to the best radio stations in the world (BBC Radio 2, 3 and 4) whilst pootling through our green and pleasant land is positively criminal in my book. Rant over: I’d budget for a decent wireless.

CONCLUSION Two very practical well equipped motorcaravans offering better boudoirs than most. We found the Adria’s extra length facilitated a better kitchen, lounge and garage whereas the Dethleffs nudged ahead on road holding, the bedroom, fabrics and finish. Subjectively, the Dethleffs felt and looked in a class above the Adria, though on site (and that’s where it matters to us) we’d find the Adria easier to live in. So Slovenia 1, Germany 0, but it was a really close match!

DETHLEFFS ADVANTAGE

15 The bedroom has the same layout as the Adria, but much better executed

16 Lounge-diner converted easily into a longitudinal double with a mattress overlay to

bring it up to same level as the cab seat

17 Good-sized garage, but full-sized bikes won’t fit

18 Lounge has fiddle-railed shelves

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146-153 head to head.indd 8 4/7/08 15:59:01

on test adria coral s660sl & dethleffs advantage t6611 · 2 the euro lounge is popular because...

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