German with Italian charm (test)

You will find the Avanti model in the middle of their offer, which gives the impression that it is the most popular among buyers. So it comes as no surprise that they offer it in most versions.

There are six of them in total, and, as is customary in the world of holiday cars, they differ mainly in the layout of the floors. The letter next to the model name reminds you of them, and they marked the model with the letter L, which can satisfy the widest range of wishes.

The arrangement of living space in it is considered one of the most classic. Last but not least, you can find almost similar floor plans from all other motorhome manufacturers that offer similarly modified vans.

Their special feature is that the driver's cab, thanks to the swiveling front seats, can be converted into living space during stops. Behind him is a dining table and a two-seater bench, and the kitchen area has found its place on the other side, next to the sliding door.

And if you might think that the small size of the base car (the Avanti, despite being six meters long, is one of the shortest RVs) also limits the kitchen, let us believe you're wrong.

It is true that there is little space, but the factory took advantage of this, offering users surprisingly spacious drawers and equipping a three-circuit stove, refrigerator, sink with hot water (yes, you can also find a gas stove for heating with a 12-liter boiler in the back) so that with everything you need for a pleasant stay on the road.

The feature that sets the Avanti L apart from the competition is also reflected in the narrow but extremely comfortable cabinet that fits between the bench and the toilet. In its lower part, you can store shoes (the same useful drawer is located under the table), and in the upper part, the designers have provided space for an LCD TV.

The tax charged on the locker is reflected in the spaciousness of the bathroom, which you enter through the clever sliding door. There you will find everything (chemical toilet, sink with mixer, hanging toiletries and even shower), but if you are taller and stronger, you will quickly find that the space is not fully adapted to your body.

You will also notice this in the back, where there is an irregular transverse double bed (197 cm long, 142 cm wide at one end and 115 cm at the other), and the emergency bed is also worth mentioning. which can be assembled on folding tables, but this is only valid for emergencies!).

However, so as not to run out of space for clothes in the car, they used the space for them by installing U-shaped wardrobes in the back of the ceiling. The idea sounds good, but the fact that they had to lower the bed and thereby reduce the volume of the luggage compartment underneath.

It is indelible, which means you can also store it against the wall and thus increase the trunk, but since you won't do that on longer trips, it's right that when buying such a caravan you also consider the trunk or trunk of a bike. ... ...

Evidence from recent years shows that this class of motorhome is becoming more and more popular, especially among young buyers who are willing to forgo a certain level of comfort due to its many benefits. But not driving comfort.

Citroën Jumper 2.2 HDi (this year they changed suppliers to La Strada and signed a contract with Fiat) with its 88 kW / 120 hp. and a torque of 320 Nm proves that it easily fulfills the desires of its owner - even if he was just sitting. passenger cars – impresses with its agility (but for parking sensors to help you when reversing, just look for those few extra euros) and, last but not least, acceptably low consumption, which easily falls below ten liters on long journeys. XNUMX kilometers slave.

And we trust you something else: due to their external dimensions, such vans, as they are skillfully called in the world of holiday cars, often play the role of just another car in the house. And since it is true that looks often decide when buying a car, we can only say that they came in black from Avanti to La Strada.

Matevz Korosec, photo: Aleш Pavleti.

Road ahead L

Basic data

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - direct injection turbodiesel - displacement 2.229 cm? – maximum power 88 kW (120 hp) at 3.500 rpm – maximum torque 320 Nm at 2.000 rpm.
Energy transfer:	front wheel drive engine - 6-speed manual transmission - tires 225/70 R 15 C (Michelin Agilis).
Capacity:	top speed 155 km/h - 0-100 km/h acceleration n.a. - fuel consumption (ECE) n.a.
Mass:	empty vehicle 2870 kg - permissible total weight 3.300 kg - permissible load 430 kg - fuel tank 80 l.

evaluation

• Although the Avanti L is known in the recreational car world as a true home on wheels, in a sense it can also be called a hybrid, since its external dimensions can fit both a recreational vehicle and an everyday activity vehicle. La Strada is one of the few manufacturers that specializes in this area and proves its superiority with a high level of quality.

We praise and reproach

Appearance

workmanship

driving comfort

capacity and consumption

image

cramped bathroom

narrow bed

relatively small trunk

(too) little light inside