Considering a Continental ‘van? Then make sure you catch our third Summer Special show, as that’s precisely what we’re focusing on in this episode.
We open with a review of the brand-new-for-2016 Adria Compact Plus SP, presented by Practical Motorhome’s Mike Le Caplain. This ‘van packs an awful lot into its sub-6m length. How much? How about a lounge that can sit five, a decent kitchen and a proper washroom, and a transverse fixed double bed above a great-sized garage. You step in to the bright, smartly-finished front lounge, which has a fully-opening, panoramic rooflight and a crank-opening rooflight, as well as a backlit side window, so all day and all night long, it’s a well-lit space. The Adria’s kitchen is compact but still has a good level of kit and some thoughtful touches. And it’s much the same story in the washroom – separating doors manage to give you a dedicated showering space, plus there’s a drop-down sink. Head outside and you’ll discover the generous, under-bed garage, which features lashing points, a grippy surface and a blown air vent. And when it’s time to turn in for the night, the fixed double bed with its sprung base and padded headboard should help give you a good night’s sleep. Impressed? Make sure you tune in to our TV show and see it for yourself.
You can catch us on The Motorhome Channel, which is on Freesat 402 and Sky 192 – look for Showcase TV. Or watch live online, via the Information TV website. Every show is broadcast 10 times across a two-week period (please scroll down for dates and times), so you’ve plenty of opportunities to watch.
Next in our Continental ‘van special, we rewind to our Chausson Flash 610 review. Again, Mike’s on hand to show us round this Ford Transit-based ‘van and, like the Adria we’ve just seen, it has a sizeable garage, this one also able to boast three points of access, grippy flooring and a fitted light, plus 230V and 12V sockets. Get inside this ‘van to appreciate its modern kitchen with great storage and the light-filled lounge, above which is the primary sleeping space, in the form of an electrically-operated drop-down double bed. Watch Mike’s review to find out more about all this and the Flash 610’s spacious end washroom.
After the break, our Continental-themed episode continues as we revisit our review of a German motorhome, the Hymer ML-T 580, with Practical Motorhome’s Editor Niall Hampton. Based on the latest and rather striking-looking Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, this ‘van has the popular rear fixed twin single beds layout, plus a third bed can be made in the lounge area. The washroom’s shower can be separated from the rest of the space and is one of several neat ideas seen in this area, while our test motorhome’s kitchen was equipped with a very UK-friendly separate oven and grill – tune in to see it.
Staying with German ‘vans, Niall’s also reviewing the Knaus Sun TI 650 MF in this episode of our show on The Motorhome Channel. There’s an open feel and pleasing ambience inside this well-built motorhome. We love the hidden TV in the five-seat lounge, while the oven and grill are welcome features in the well-specced, snazzy kitchen. At the rear, the French bed is surrounded by a good amount of storage with more underneath, and the area has ample lighting, while you’ll find the adjacent washroom is deceptively spacious. It’s a ‘van packed with clever features – you don’t want to miss it! Remember to watch online, or on Sky 192 or Freesat 402.
Finally, Practical Motorhome’s technical expert John Wickersham is here to help if you’re considering used motorhomes for sale. After all, many people would love a brand new Continental ‘van from the likes of Hymer, Chausson, Adria and Knaus as we’ve already looked at, but a secondhand model is much more affordable yet still a fantastic proposition. What can you get for a rather palatable £20,000? No, you’re not limited to campervans, as John takes a look at a coachbuilt Hymer from 2003.
So if we’ve given you a taste for Continental motorcaravans, don’t miss this Summer Special TV show! Remember, you’re looking for The Motorhome Channel on Sky 192 and Freesat 402 (keep an eye out for Showcase TV) – or watch live online. This show will be on TV between Monday 20 July and Sunday 2 August 2015 at these times, on these days:
- Mondays at 8.30pm
- Wednesdays at 5.30pm
- Thursdays at 6am
- Saturdays at 11am
- Sundays at 11am
We hope you’re able to tune in and you enjoy the show.
The 2016 Adria Compact Plus SP packs an awful lot into its sub-6m length