By William Coleman
This month we got our hands on Adria’s new family van, the 662 DK Avon. Can a single-axle, six-berth model hold six and remain comfortable?
For the 2021 season, Adria introduced the second generation of the Avon layout having had success with the 2020 model. Featuring in the Altea range, with four different layouts to choose from, it sits in Adria’s entry-level position. But as an entry-level van with such high specification and berth capacity, it is not something usually seen at the buy-in price range.
Exterior
As far as exterior design goes the Avon is very much a ‘by the numbers’ van. The decals are smart and modern but they are not going to turn heads, which seems to be a new brand feature of Adria. Smart and not overbearing on the eye. The caravan does look smart and practical and holds its own against the premium Adria models.
The two-part entry door is a great feature, especially for a family van. It allows for airflow and light, as well as doubling up as a baby gate – or something to keep the dog in the van, while still getting fresh air.
The AL-KO chassis provides all-year touring and a quality you know you can trust. The body is made from GFK polyester, so it will be able to take those inevitable motorway debris hits without incurring any real damage. Debris size depending of course.
One thing that stood out while reviewing the Avon is the double-glazed tinted windows. They are not full tint, but they do make the van look smart and is a feature you do not see too often on caravans.
Interior
Upon entry, it seemed like there’d been some kind of mix up and we’d been presented with an eight-foot model, not the Avon. Upon closer inspection, it was, in fact, a regular size van we were in; it just looks so much bigger thanks to the new layout, colour scheme and upgraded lighting.
Adria has gone down the contemporary path inside the Avon. Due to the amount of natural light the windows let through, it makes the space feel a lot larger and the minimalist design throughout just adds to the internal sense of space.
Onboard you will find a Truma heating system, along with loudspeakers with a pre-installed Bluetooth amplifier.
The cupboard door handles are hidden, adding to the minimalist feel, which some may not like. Too often you find so many chrome handles sticking out like a sore thumb; there are little to no handles on show here.
Daytime and lounge area
The Avon features a large U-shaped lounge, which also doubles up as a bedroom-come-evening time. Large windows flank each side of the lounge area, which seats six people comfortably for relaxation and dining alike.
Throughout the lounge, you will find directional LED lighting and several plug sockets. Beside each plug socket is a leaning space for phones, books, drinks or anything else you’ll need within reaching distance when relaxing.
For those who take a TV away, there’s a choice of two different locations to fit their setup – as the Avon comes with two aerial/satellite points.
Underseat storage in the lounge has been utilised well and there’s just so much of it, some of which is accessible from the outside.
At the rear of the van is a triple bunk bed, which will make for fun playtime for the kids, and a small two-seater table for lunch.
It is also worth mentioning the huge amount of storage throughout the caravan. Between the rear and middle of the two large, full-size wardrobe lockers there’s plenty of storage for all the family clothing, with ease.
Nighttime
For a van of this size and price, you do get a lot of flexibility when it comes to bedtime. This is a six-berth model with 50% of the beds hidden away during the day.
The triple bunk bed is such a great usage of space and is a major contributor to being able to fit six, comfortably, in this van come the evening.
At the rear is bed number four, as the small two-seater dining area is another make-up single bed. This separates the two nighttime living quarters well. The children sleep in the rear bedroom and the adults rest in the front.
Washroom and cooking
Another fantastic demonstration of how well spaced this family van is the central washroom and kitchen, and the word washroom is very important here.
Often, in vans that hold six people, you will find the washroom suffers slightly and is more like a wet room, not here. The bathroom is spacious and features a large shower and separate lavatory.
You find so much usable space throughout this great touring van, until it comes to the kitchen worktop. Yes, there is enough space to cook with the three-ring gas hob and oven, but the prep space is very limited, which is the only real negative we found inside the van.
Towing details and technical specifications
The Avon is a lighter touring caravan that should appeal to a younger customer base and those with a pre-1997 licence.
When towing, there are little to no issues and even a smaller-size towing vehicle will be able to handle this Adria model with absolute ease.
Total length (including tow bar in mm): 8,288
Total width (mm): 2,299
Total height (mm): 2,580
Mass in running order (MIRO, kg): 1,469
Verdict
At £20,995, you do get a lot of van for your money. Some vans are around £10,000 more that have a similar design and specification as this Altea Avon, so at this price, it is quite the bargain.
The one criticism is the lack of prep area in the kitchen. However, with a fold-out table within reaching distance and a sink cover, you and triple the amount of space you have. Also, if you want to go through the van with a fine-toothed comb, you could say that the bottom of the three bunks is just a mattress on the floor.
For an entry-level six-berth caravan, you really cannot go wrong with the Avon. With tons of storage and living space, this is a fantastic caravan.
