It is often assumed that models in a brand’s budget range will be the same layouts as the main line-up, just stripped of some spec. But that isn’t always the case. When Adria relaunched Sun Living in the UK this season, it included one layout in its campervan range that you can’t get in mainstream Adrias. I checked out the new ’van, the Sun Living V65 SL, at the brand’s season launch.

As standard, the vehicle, which is based on one of the best vans for converting to a camper, the Fiat Ducato, comes in solid white, a colour scheme that signals its budget origins: there are only fairly basic grey decals. But Expedition Grey and Metallic Black are both available as cost options.

The cab is standard Fiat – go for the Fiat Luxury Pack and you can enliven it with a 10in multimedia screen that includes a reversing camera and a DAB radio, as well as colour co-ordinated bumpers and 16-inch alloys.

The roll-out awning is part of Adria’s All Inclusive Pack, which every Adria sold in the UK comes with. But budget campervan values are to the fore when you find that a flyscreen for the sliding door is a cost option, as is a solar panel. Cab blinds are included – the kind you pull up from the bottom of the windscreen.

The lounge in the Sun Living V65 SL

One of the things the best campervans will always provide is a comfortable lounge area. Here, the front lounge is a comfortable affair, with two travel seats complete with good lumbar support and Isofix fitting as standard.

I found there was plenty of light coming through the big windows and the Heki, and from the movable LED spotlights and ambient lighting.

The clip-on table has a swing-out extension and I liked that this meant even the person in the swivelled driver’s seat could reach it.

The clip-on table in the V65-SL
Clip-on table has a swing-out extension

This 6.36m-long ’van provides fixed single beds at the back, but thanks to the way they have been designed, this rear area easily doubles up as a second lounge.

The rear single beds
Single beds in the rear can easily double up as a second lounge

The backrests are complemented with scatter cushions, there are more of those movable spotlights and there is even a false floor if little people find they can’t quite reach the ‘real’ floor.

Children could easily while away a wet afternoon here, especially as daylight streams in through the Heki. An extra side window is an option.

The kitchen in the Sun Living V65 SL

As standard, a half-height, 84-litre fridge sits above a wardrobe between the beds and the kitchen. But there’s enough room here for Sun Living to instead offer (as an option) a 13-litre slimline fridge with small locker below.

The hob, sink and cupboards in the kitchen
Kitchen provides a two-burner hob and sink, but no oven, not even as an option

There’s the usual Adria arrangement of a two-burner hob in line with a sink, although there is also room for some permanent workspace to the left. But there’s no oven – conventional or microwave – not even as an option, something which can be a consideration when choosing a motorhome.

The washroom in the V65 SL

I thought the washroom was a little utilitarian, without much in the way of decoration beyond a toothmug, and you don’t get a separate shower cubicle.

The washroom
Washroom is fairly basic, but the shower tray does come with two drainage holes

You do get two drainage holes, however, and light streams in through a large window.

Sleeping in the Sun Living V65 SL

As standard, this is a two-berth with two single beds at the back, although you can use slats to make up a double. As an option, you can add a hammock that fits widthways across the rear lounge for another single bed. This is easier to assemble than you’d think.

The optional fitted hammock
Optional hammock can be fitted widthways across the rear lounge

As another option, you can have an inflatable bed that fits over the front lounge once you lower the table.

The double bed
Use slats to convert the single beds to a comfortable double

Inflatable beds in motorhomes have not always had the best track record in the past, but it’s only an occasional bed. It adds to the ’van’s flexibility, especially as there is no pop-top here.

The Sun Living V65 SL is heated by Truma’s Combi D 6E diesel heater, so all-year touring could be a possibility – if you’re planning some touring during the colder months, don’t miss our advice on how to keep a campervan warm in winter.

Storage in the Sun Living V65 SL

To store large items, you can remove the false floor in the rear lounge and lift the base cushions.

The false floor beneath the sofas
False floor offers storage space for items such as outdoor furniture

Otherwise, the false floor forms a useful storage space for large flat things, such as outdoor furniture, in addition to the underseat areas. You get six overhead lockers here and two more in the front lounge, all with proper handles.

The overhead lockers above the settees
Plenty of storage space in overhead lockers, and all have proper handles

The kitchen unit has three large drawers, with a small locker under the fridge and one more overhead. Storage in the washroom includes shelves with retainers.

Alternatives to consider

The Fiat Ducato-based Xplore CV X8 comes with an eye-catching exterior and a comfortable lounge, as well as an excellent list of options. You could also consider the WildAx Meteor – the two-berth looks smart and is well-planned, with a comfortable lounge as well.

Technical specification

  • Price: £68,410
  • Sleeps: 2 (plus 2 optional)
  • Belts: 4
  • Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
  • Engine: 2.2-litre, 140bhp turbodiesel
  • Length/width/height: 6.36/2.05/2.60m (20’9”/6’7”/8’5”)
  • MTPLM: 3500kg
  • MiRO: 2940kg
  • Payload: 560kg
  • Water (fresh/waste): 100/90 litres
  • Leisure battery: 100Ah
  • Gas: 1 x 5kg
  • Web: sun-living.com

If you’ve purchased your ‘van and are wondering what you should buy for it to improve your touring experience, take a look at contributor Motorhome Matt’s favourite motorhome upgrades that are sure to enhance your time on the road.

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