ADRIA ALPINA RIO GRANDE

The front kitchen might not be to everybody’s taste, but this comfortable single-axle has much to recommend it

- Andrew Jenkinson

Price £43,645 Berths 4 MiRO 1740kg MTPLM 2000kg

WHEN IT WAS launched in 2012 under the Astella name, the Rio Grande was an 8ft-wide van (an idea then new to touring) that sported a front kitchen. Such a layout was not uncommon in UK tourers in the 20th century, although by the 1970s, it had rather lost its appeal here.

Fast forward 11 years and the refreshed version, rebranded the Alpina Rio Grande, continues this layout, but with a transverse double at the rear, rather than the corner bed found in the Astella. The new model was launched at the October NEC show, and will be on the forecourts this April.

Pitch and set-up

The Rio Grande has a durable, solid look about it, and the new Adria profile is easy to spot on the road. Although the one-piece front window isn’t that generous, the large gas locker does mean that there’s plenty of space available here. It comes with handy storage containers, too.

The caravan is built on the Al-Ko Delta chassis, with heavy-duty corner steadies. Adria has also added new-look 15-inch alloys, plus a steel spare wheel.

The extra-length drawbar gives added stability, although you still get ATC and an AKS stabiliser: this is a large tourer on a single axle, so stability aids are important.

The front panel has wind deflectors with sturdy grab handles, while the rear panel has superbly styled LED road lights and large grab handles. Most service points, including the onboard water tank filler, are positioned on the offside.