Verdict
This Matrix model absolutely nails it in the space-optimisation stakes. It’s not without some key rivals, but any shortlist of 6m-long coachbuilts with full facilities simply must include this. What’s more it’s from a company that’s never afraid to innovate, yet roots its motorhomes in top-drawer build quality.
You’ll need to set your budget stalls out early, but don’t let that deter you as you research this sector.
Pros
For a compact motorhome, it’s very spacious
Drop-down bed saves a lot of space
Cleverly designed washroom
Cons
All those option packs could be costly
Could do with more kit in the kitchen
New for 2020, the 520 ST is the successor to the 590 SG. The latter model went through a seven-year production cycle virtually unchanged, and the 520ST is even better.
Much remains the same, especially the bodywork construction. That coachbuilt body is in tough GRP that isn’t as susceptible to minor damage as an aluminium skin. It’s backed by a 10-year water ingress warranty, too.
Under the skin, Adrias are that bit different – using dowel where other manufacturers are tempted to get away with staples, for example. In short, it’s that bit sturdier than most.
The washroom is a bit unusual. First, it's roomier than it has any right to be in a compact coachbuilt
Living
Dare I call the interior Tardis-like? Bearing in mind the overall length (slightly shorter than a typical Fiat Ducato), it’s not a bad description.
It’s a generous lounge, with the cab seats swivelled, an inward-facing seat for two and a forward-facing travel seat with three-point belts – all set around a large, fixed pedestal-leg table with fore and aft adjustment.
Kitchen
The kitchen is exemplary in its use of space, with a three-ring hob and sink configured to give a generous amount of worktop, while storage – drawers and open shelving – is very good. Plus, close to hand there’s a larger-than-average 167-litre fridge/freezer.
Washroom
The washroom is a bit unusual. First, it’s roomier than it has any right to be in a compact coachbuilt. Second, it includes a bench toilet – much easier to clean around than swivel-bowls.
Third, the ladder for the bed stows in here. Not a bad idea – its location means it can act as a rather handy series of racks for drying wet clothing and so on. And there’s a permanent high-level hanging rail in the shower.
There’s another cleverly designed space-saver in here, as well: the fold-down handbasin over the toilet.
Beds
Lots of the credit for this ‘van’s spacious feel goes to the drop-down bed, of course. It offers all the comfort and convenience of a fixed double, while the touch of a simple switch sees it gliding up to the roof to allow daytime use of the lounge.
When it’s time for sleep, you can bring it down low enough so that a clever pull-out step is all you’ll need for access. Alternatively, if you still want to use the lounge, or make a second double from the seating, just bring the main bed partway down and use the supplied ladder.
Whatever your night-time set-up, there’s still access to the cooking and washing facilities, with kitchen and washroom wrapping around the back.
Technical Specifications
| Payload | 716 kg |
| MTPLM | 3500 kg |
| Shipping Length | 5.97 m |
| Width | 2.3 m |
