Bailey’s Alora launched with very little fanfare at the NEC show last October.

But launching a line-up of compact ’vans seems a logical step for the Bristol firm, with Continental and UK rival motorhome manufacturers doing similar things. It has also enabled Bailey’s designers to expand on the Continental look first displayed in the Adamo. Like the Adamo, the Alora is based on a Ford Transit.

The Bailey Alora 69-4T, a motorhome with fixed single beds at the rear, has a striking exterior, with black frames to the windows and, unusually, the cassette toilet hatch. So you can’t miss where the latter is – it’s on the nearside, which does mean it would be within any awning (see: the best motorhome awnings), and is close to the door.

Ford cab
Well-equipped Ford cab includes DAB radio and music system

As well as the usual drinks holders, the cab boasts a 12-inch screen in the middle; it’s part of a DAB radio and music system that also includes sat nav and a reversing camera.

Adaptive cruise control, daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers and heated wing mirrors all come as standard. The branded captain’s seats each have a sturdy swan-neck spotlight next to them.

The parallel settees in the lounge of the Bailey Alora 69-4T turn into two forward-facing belted seats for travel. They are made partly using an infill, so you have to find storage for cushions en route. But I found them much more comfortable than usual as a result.

Captain's seats facing inwards
Captain’s seats are very comfortable and have their own swan-neck spotlights

It is a motorhome under 7m (it has a length of 6.99m), and from the cab, you do have to step down into the lounge. The two settees will seat four, but only just, especially with the kitchen extension flap in use. The whole area becomes more amenable once you swivel the cab seats.

If you saw the Aloras at the NEC, one change since then is the inclusion of a foldaway table instead of a pedestal. It is at a good height, and would easily take four. There’s a big Heki above. You don’t get spotlights, but there is ambient light from behind the lockers.

Coming in the other way, it’s good to see the door has a proper handle, with a mirror to the right, control panels above, coat hooks and a lit grab handle.

In the kitchen, there’s a four-burner dual-fuel hob, above a combined oven and grill, with a transparent cover. That allows light to stream in through the large window when it’s raised (with lighting from a striplight).

Kitchen area
Kitchen workspace extends with fold-out flap, and transparent cover for hob allows daylight to stream in

Workspace here is a bit limited, but you could use the extension flap. The cover for the large circular sink by the hob doubles up as a chopping board.

Further back is a 138-litre slimline fridge, which is more than large enough for the food of three. But there’s no microwave.

You have to step up to the washroom, but a clever system of sliding tambour doors seals this area off nicely.

The washroom itself is one of those that switches from basin and toilet to shower, but you don’t have to worry about a swinging partition: all this is achieved by simply moving the mirror from one side to the other.

Washroom

In washroom mode, you get two hooks, while in shower mode, there are two shelves for toiletries. The circular toilet is accessible either way. It is a bit cramped, but you get a roof vent, a clothes rail and two drain holes.

There is yet another step up to the beds, but those beds are comfortable, with spotlights by the headboard and a huge mirror over a bedside ‘table’ that folds out to make a sort-of double bed. A third occasional bed can be made from the table and settees.

Bedroom
The space-saving tambour doors slide shut to seal off the bedroom area

For storage, you get a large garage with heating, lights and bike holds. The gas bottle locker is here, too.

The area under the settees up front is taken up with travel seats, but you do get two big overhead lockers here. The large wardrobe under the offside bed is accessed through its own door or by folding back the mattress and lifting the slats. A similar area on the nearside is not quite as easy to reach.

The kitchen has one large overhead locker, a cutlery drawer and two big cupboards underneath.

Verdict

There are a few steps to negotiate on the floor of this ’van, and the lounge isn’t the largest that I’ve seen. But I like the neat way that the bedroom seals off, even in this space, and the washroom is smart and well designed.

Alternatives to consider

The Rapido C03 is another three-berth that provides comfort and space, as well as offering a clever design. Alternatively, the Bailey Adamo 75-4T comes with an extra berth and offers plenty of comfort, although you’ll need to watch the payload.

Technical spec of the Bailey Alora 69-4T

  • Price: £75,499
  • Sleeps: 3
  • Belts: 4
  • Base vehicle: Ford Transit
  • Engine: 2.0-litre, 130bhp
  • Length/width/height: 6.99/2.12/2.85m (22’9”/6’10”/9’4”)
  • MTPLM: 3500kg
  • MiRO: 2965kg
  • Payload: 535kg
  • Water (fresh/waste): 115/100 litres
  • Leisure battery: 92Ah
  • Gas: 1 x 6kg

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