Used van buyer
Providing a generous six-berth layout, the 542DK is a family-focused tourer that still has a lot to offer, says Andy Jenkinson
Buying a 2012 Adria Altea 542DK
THE ALTEA RANGE is Adria’s entry-level line-up and for those wanting a lightweight tourer at a modest price, and a generally robust caravan, the Altea is worth a look. First launched for the 2004 season, these models were soon firmly established as all-round value-for-money tourers. The line-up has always focused on family models, a market in which Adria has proved very popular. The brand has been imported to the UK since late 1970, and in that time, these tourers have confirmed themselves as a successful long-term import. The Altea has been built on an Al-ko chassis since the 1980s, so getting parts for that chassis should prove no problem. The Slovenian manufacturer has never lavishly equipped the Altea, but there were some quite good cost-options available. The Altea is by no means a heavyweight tourer, but this doesn’t mean their build is inconsiderable. On the 2012 range, the polyester sides and roof provide durable protection and strength. But does the Altea get a clean bill of health for reliability?
Model history
The tourer we are looking at here, the 542DK, is a six-berth layout that was first introduced for the 2009 model year and, like the rest of the range, proved to be very popular with customers. Today its profile might not look the most exciting, but the simple outline meant the Altea did actually do everything that it said on the tin. Truma heating on the 2012 range offered warmth for out-of-season touring, while the fridge, three-burner hob, grill and oven, and battery box, were all standard. The interiors were designed to provide a more modern appearance, and night-time lighting was also pretty good. Storage was a real plus point, with sizeable wardrobes and overhead lockers. The 542DK has a front lounge, but no central chest of drawers, with the kitchen on the nearside centre and a wardrobe and the washroom opposite. Offside fixed bunks were opposite the side dinette.