Find out if bigger means better in the Practical Motorhome 2014 Adria Twin 640 SPX review – it certainly brings the comfort of a fixed transverse double
Overview
Make no mistake: Adria’s Twin on the ‘old’ Fiat X44 Ducato was a game-changer shortly after its UK launch in 2003. It was the first volume, high-top motorcaravan to feature a permanent double-bed at the rear. Brave, brilliantly executed and superb value, it had other manufacturers shaking their heads and muttering: “It’ll never catch on.” But it did, and today any brand worth its salt has at least one such layout.
Few can match Adria’s elegant simplicity and efficient use of space. Preferences change over time, so Adria has produced an extended version of the original Twin layout on the extra-long Ducato.
Before potential buyers of the 600 SP can consider the 640 SPX instead, it must be less than 6m long to retain maximum manoeuvrability and allow it to be used as an ‘only vehicle’, saving the expense of a runabout car.
Design
Let’s start with a squint around the outside. For those unfamiliar with the differences between the long and extra-long versions, both are the same height and width and, although the 640 SPX is 36cm longer overall, it has the same 4.04m wheelbase as the 600 SP. The extra volume is all behind the rear axle.
The long version of the Twin uses the 3300kg Ducato as its base, whereas the extra-long one rides on the 3500kg model. Despite the additional metal, licence requirements and payload remain the same.
The real downer for many planning to use the 640 SPX as a car is that, despite having right-hand drive, the sliding door is on the offside. Passengers are discharged into traffic rather than on to the pavement.
Lounging & dining
Kitchen
Fancy a sundowner? A trip to the fridge flags up another advantage of the improved galley in the longer Twin. There is a lot more room in the fridge, which has now been upgraded to a twin-door, domestic-style unit.
Sleeping
Both Twins of this layout work well, but the way you use a ’van will determine which is better for you.
Washroom
Clever tambour doors enable access to just the loo and basin, or to include the shower tray. When not in use, the shower tray is covered by a duckboard which is camouflaged by being topped with the same floor covering as used in the salon.
Technical specs
Sleeps | 3 | |
Travel seats | 4 | |
MTPLM | 3500kg | |
Payload | 478kg | |
Length | 6.36m | 20′10″ |
Width | 2.05m | 6′9″ |
Height | 2.6m | 8′6″ |
Fresh/waste water | 100L / 90L | |
Gas tank size | 11kg | |
Number of gas tank compartments | 2 | |
Kitchen Equipment | 2-burner gas hob |
Verdict
So, we've come to the end of the Practical Motorhome Adria Twin 640 SPX review and we have to ask: does size matter?
The improvements in the extra-long model appear to be ho-hum at first glance, but we tried it on site and are convinced that the upgrades are significant.
In the end, do the benefits of the extra-long Twin make it better than the original? It all hinges on how much you are going to use it as a car. That offside sliding door and reduced park-ability may cancel out the upgrades.
The benefits of the extra-long base include a wider rear bed, more space to shower, a better kitchen and a more flexible lounge. Still, the offside sliding door and lower manoeuvrability may be deal-breakers.
Conclusion
Pros
- The longer length means there's more space inside
- The fixed transverse double bed is a good size
- There's useful extra space in the lounge-dinette
Cons
- It has an offside sliding door