Adria was originally a model name for IMV (Industrija Motornih Vozil) which, uniquely among motorhome brands, had ‘headquarters’ in both the former Yugoslavia and, to a lesser extent, Belgium. For the duration of most readers’ memories, its Novo Mesto factory has been in Slovenia.
IMV increasingly used ‘Adria’ as the manufacturing name and its first motorhome, an overcab coachbuilt based on the Renault Trafic, was unveiled in the mid-1980s.
Adria, which is regarded as one of the best makes of motorhomes, had its first A-class (integral) motorhome, the Vision, appear in 2006, built on the Renault Master.
Sonic was thought to be the result of difficulties getting the Master during 2014, and Adria’s desire to broaden its A-class motorhome offering. All Sonics built during our timeframe use the Fiat Ducato.
The entry-point Sonic Axess and upper mid-range Sonic Plus are on the standard Fiat chassis-cowl, with the top-banana Sonic Supreme favouring the independently sprung Ducato/Al-Ko combo.
Sonic Supreme – as the name might suggest – had the highest specification of the three, and were luxury motorhomes which included its own cabinetwork and Alde radiator central motorhome heating system. For many potential Sonic purchasers, the Supreme’s double floor with heated void sealed the deal.
Initially, there were just two Sonic Supremes, the 7.4m/24’ 3.5” I 710 SL (permanent longitudinal single beds at the far rear) and the 7.52m/24’ 8.25” I 710 SBC, which replaced the single beds with a permanent island double.
The first major refresh that the Adria Sonic Supreme enjoyed was for the 2020 model year and included a more stylish ‘face’, a panoramic rooflight, a better garage and a complete interior make-over, featuring contemporary, seriously stylish furniture.
The model range grew – not only in the size of motorhome on offer as the length increased, but also in choice. The new 700 Series stretched the tape to 7.52m/24’ 8.25” and included two with a rear island double bed. These are the 710 DC (longitudinal seats in the lounge) and 710 SC (L-shaped UK nearside lounge seat). The final 710 is the SL, which features single beds.
The longer 800 Series (8.8m/28’ 10.5”) offers one with a permanent double bed at the rear (810 SC), and one with two singles – 810 SL.
All Sonic Supremes add swivelling captain’s chairs to the lounge seating, above which an additional drop-down transverse double bed is located.
Similarly, all also opt for a midships kitchen, which is ahead of a full-width room-divider featuring a centrally placed hinged door. On most variants, this opens to reveal a split comfort station, with the walk-in shower compartment on one side of the aisle (model-dependent as to which side!), plus a room containing the toilet, basin and storage on the opposite side.
The exception was the early I 710 SBC, which positioned the vanity sink in the middle of the forward bedroom wall within the central walkway, thus facilitating the inclusion of ‘Jack and Jill’ bedroom entrances.
Initially, motive power was provided by a 130bhp engine, driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, with 150bhp and 180bhp engine upgrades plus a two-pedal drive (ComfortMatic) available as cost options.
From 2020, the most powerful engine option became standard, with the ComfortMatic option continuing until it was replaced towards the end of our featured production run by a nine-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox.
What to look out for in a used Adria Sonic Supreme
Base vehicle
The ‘raised eyebrow’ Ducato (post-2006) was well sorted by our timeframe, and the 150/180bhp variants have proved well suited to the task of hauling a motorcaravan of the Sonic Supreme’s bulk. 130bhp models are likely to struggle a little on long gradients.
Don’t rule out purchasing one with the entry-level engine, but budget for a remap engine tune – which will add a bit more oomph!
Al-Ko chassis extensions are not (as is widely thought) maintenance-free, so check the grease gun has done its duty. Early models were built on a 3500kg chassis, which only offered minimal payload. Again, budget for an upgrade, but be aware that any motorcaravan over 3500kg requires all drivers to have Group C1 – have a refresh of “what driving licence do I need to drive a motorhome?” if you want more on this.
Conversion
Insist on seeing evidence of a recent habitation service and damp check. Although Sonic Supremes were available in right-hand drive, Adria didn’t hand the conversion, resulting in the driver’s cab door being on the wrong side for Blighty-based pilots.
A-class conversions have a wider cab than a conventional coachbuilt, which doesn’t suit everybody. Others love the ‘Monarch of the Road’ experience and the panoramic view. All potential drivers should go for a meaningful test drive before signing on the dotted line!
Our pick
This will depend on the intended use, but if, as many do, you’re buying a used motorhome with the intention of planning extended holidays, perhaps spending winter on the Iberian Peninsula, go for a biggie. Some owners prefer the flexibility of those with two longitudinal single beds. The singles easily make up a double if preferred. That said, the all-over double won’t offer the same easy access/egress that a (dedicated) island double will.
What to pay
All will be above £60,000, most closer to £100,000. Dinmore Leisure has a low-mileage automatic 2021 710 DC for £99,895, a useful saving on a similar new equivalent model that will have a windscreen price of £168,000.
Adria Sonic Supreme essentials
- Adria Sonic Supreme on Fiat Ducato/Al-Ko chassis-cowl
- Built: 2015-2022 in Novo Mesto, Slovenia
- Two-door A-class integral coachbuilt
- Overall length: 7.4m/24’ 3.5” (I 710 SL) to 8.8m/28’ 10.5” (810 SC and 810 SL)
What we like
- Exterior has a strong visual presence
- Luxury accommodation
- Commanding driving position
- Roomy comfort station
- Built up to a spec, not down to a price
What we dislike
- All models have four sleeping berths, but some have only three travel seats
If you’d be interested in a different A-class on the pre-owned market, see what I had to say about buying a used Auto-Trail Grande Frontier – they are fine aspirational vehicles that are built for UK purchasers.
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