Compact motorhomes are now increasingly popular, with the Adria Compact SC Supreme a classic example. Not to be mistaken for van conversions, they are still coachbuilt, with a fair amount of GRP. But they have some of the advantages of a van conversion; in particular, a smaller width.

Of course, a narrower body dictates the layout – it’s hardly surprising most compacts have tended to include fixed single beds at the back, for example. Roomy island beds are far less common.

But this season Adria, one of the first to come up with the compact ‘van idea, has introduced an SC island-bed layout in both Plus and Supreme spec, and we look at the latter here.

It’s based on the 140bhp version of the Fiat Ducato, although you can go for the 160bhp as an option. The silver exterior is standard, and although you only get alloys with the Luxury Pack, the standard spec is impressive: cab blinds, a door fly screen, and captain’s chairs with double armrests and Adria-branded upholstery. You only get a rear-view camera as an option, but reversing sensors are standard.

Light floods in through the large panoramic window above the cab

The dinette is typical Adria. The cab seats swivel and there’s a reading light next to each, although there is a step up into the dinette.

The clip-on table with an extension provides more than enough room for four. The panoramic window and the roof light allow daylight to flood in. Ambient lighting and a strip light under the lockers make this a cosy interior.

In the dinette, the clip-on table with extension provides enough room to accommodate four people

The standard Mabel upholstery might be a tad utilitarian for some tastes; the alternatives, the darker Edvard or the lighter Charles, look more distinctive.

As this is a compact ‘van, you wouldn’t expect the side kitchen to be ready for banquet preparation. But standard spec is high, with a combined oven and grill, a sizeable sink and an extractor fan. The standard 84-litre fridge can be upgraded to 140 litres.

Workspace is limited, but as usual, Adria has pushed the three-burner hob to the back. The only socket is under the locker, so the cable for any electrical item you use will have to dangle in front of the hob.

Typical Adria kitchen with three-burner hob to the back of the work surface

There are two medium-sized drawers under the sink, two lockers along the bottom and two overhead lockers, all in Adria’s characteristic handle-free style. There is also a handy spice rack to the right of the sink.

Even though this ‘van is only 6.99m long, and compact to boot, Adria has managed to fit in a split washroom that is a shower cubicle one moment, a sink and toilet the next, once you swing back a partition that locks magnetically.

The salad-bowl-style handbasin is small, but you do get a well-lit mirror and a cupboard above some shelving. Best of all, even in this small space, there are two drainage holes.

Only a small basin in the washroom, but plenty of shelf and cupboard space…

We like what Adria has done here with tambour doors. One shuts off the washroom – a space-saving alternative to a swing door. The other, an elegant tambour partition that snakes around the enclose the rear section, enhances your privacy.

At 1.40m wide, the island bed is just 10m narrower than your standard king-size at home, and it’s 1.95m long. You only get space partway around the sides, with another step to encounter. But you are provided with spacious bedside tables. There’s a second TV station in the nearside front corner, and reading spotlights over the bed.

Comfortable island bed is only 10cm narrower than a standard king-size, and is 1.95m long

The third bed in this motorhome, made by using the clip-on table and the bench backrest, is only suitable for the occasional (small) guest.

The wardrobes either side of the bed are less than half-height, but you do get drawers under the bed, and two large overhead lockers, plus another two lockers over the dinette and corner shelves over the cab. The garage isn’t big enough for a standard bike – one compromise you make for that bed.

Storage space is reasonable for two, including below the bed

PRACTICAL MOTORHOME SAYS…

You can also enclose the whole of the rear of the motorhome

The Compact SC Supreme proves that you can live with an island bed in a narrow ‘van. The whole rear bedroom area, with its ensuite washroom, is really comfortable. There are more compromises moving forward, particularly in the kitchen, but if the two of you are after a nimble performer to help you go exploring, this could well be it.

The van was also shortlisted for the best 2 berth motorhome at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2022.

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