We don’t often get to test ’vans beside the Adriatic. But Adria clearly thought the launch of its first Mercedes-based range in more than a decade merited whisking the motorhome press to see the four new models (and much else besides) fresh off the production line, including the Adria Supersonic 780DC.

We didn’t get to drive the 780DC, the shorter of the two models that have an island-bed motorhome layout, but with a 170bhp engine and Mercedes’ nine-speed auto gearbox as standard, and safety features including ESP, this should be a superior ride.

The all-silver exterior with slanting back panel and Hella LED lights should also make it stand out on the road. The cab comes with Mercedes’ sleek dashboard and MBUX media system. 

The interior is flat throughout, thanks to a double floor. The lounge is very luxurious, with two parallel settees in leather (fabric is available, if you prefer) either side of a rotating table. Those settees have travel seats inside, so four can travel in comfort.

The lounge, fitted with leather upholstery, but fabric covers can be supplied
Test model fitted with leather upholstery, but fabric covers can be supplied if preferred

The control panel is next to the door. Nearby, alongside the usual cubbyhole with USB ports and a media wall with space and sockets for a 32-inch TV, is a sophisticated light switch panel.

You might be making quite a bit of use of this, because one thing you do notice about this interior is that it is quite dark. There’s plenty of light through the windows, but aside from the pale settees, the interior colour scheme is among the darkest we’ve seen in a Continental motorhome, with grey floors and a dark wood finish. Buy this ’van on the Continent and that is your only choice, but Adria UK stipulates that all Supersonics sold in this country will be fitted with gloss-white locker doors.

The kitchen runs along the side wall, so there isn’t a huge amount of worktop, but it’s well placed, in front of the three-burner gas hob, and well lit. There’s an extractor fan, too. The sink comes with an elegant hose tap, and there is a real feeling of openness between kitchen and lounge. Opposite is a Dometic two-way opening fridge with a separate freezer and above, a narrow grill. There is no microwave.

The hose tap in a well-planned kitchen
Elegant hose tap in well-planned kitchen

The dark theme continues in the shower room that makes half of the central, partitioned washroom. There’s a black shower tray and wall, a roof vent and a clothes rail, but it’s not
the widest shower we have been in.

Across the aisle, the main washroom is better, with a large rooflight, a huge mirror, a salad-bowl-style basin, the toilet and controls for the lighting.

Such sophistication continues in the rear bedroom. A flick of a switch will see the bed change to a daybed and back again. In its flat position, the bed butts up against the partition doors.  

There are handy bedside tables either side of the bed, with USB ports nearby. You’ll also find the usual second set of sockets for a TV positioned here.

The second double bed drops down electronically from above the cab, where it is hidden away in the day.

You’re not short on storage in this motorhome, even with the areas under the settees mostly taken up by travel seats. There is a cubbyhole by what would be the driver’s seat in the UK (our test model was left-hand drive).

There are three large overhead lockers in the lounge. Then, alongside two wardrobes and overhead lockers at the back of the bedroom, there are two small cupboards in the wall between there and the washroom.

And that’s not forgetting the garage at the back. It’s not quite tall enough to fit a bike upright, but it is still very roomy, with all the usual services.

Kitchen storage includes not just two large overhead lockers each side, but also four very large drawers.

In the washroom there is a cupboard under the basin for things you don’t want to see, and another to the right of the mirror for those you do. 

Practical Motorhome Says…

Adria motorhomes are well known for having very modern interior décor, and the darker styling inside this ’van really does look very contemporary. If it’s your cup of tea, you’ll find this to be a really comfortable vehicle with an excellent specification, ideal for couples on even the longest of tours.

  • Looking for the right ‘van for you? Then be sure to take a look at our best motorhome round-up, where we share our top picks that are currently on the market.

Technical spec:

  • Price: £156,690
  • Sleeps: 4
  • Belts: 4 
  • Base vehicle: Mercedes Sprinter 
  • Engine: 2.0-litre 170bhp
  • Length/width/height: 7.80/2.32/2.96m (25’6”/7’6”/9’7”)
  • MTPLM: 4500kg
  • MiRO: TBC
  • Payload: TBC
  • Water (fresh/waste): 150/150 litres
  • Leisure battery: 2x100Ah
  • Gas: 2 x 11kg

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