First look: Coachman Acadia 470 The new Acadia range combines the best elements of Vision and Pastiche, and the 470 looks set to be a popular three-berth
This season, the Hull-based manufacturer’s 2019 Pastiche 470 has evolved into the new Acadia 470, and is now even better value than before, says Andrew Jenkinson
COACHMAN HAS, IN effect, rolled its ranges into one with the new Acadia line-up.
The Vision has gone, as has the long-serving Pastiche, but this new range takes all of the good bits out of the two and combines them into one new line-up that looks as though it will work very well.
The Acadia range offers buyers a modern interior, with the level of quality that we’ve come to expect from Coachman. Here, we take a look at the Acadia 470 – a layout that was available only in the Pastiche.
The 470 first appeared a few years ago, with a front fixed bed, which some thought was a bit of a risky idea.
But instead of dropping the 470, Coachman went back to the drawing-board and gave it an L-shaped front lounge – a great idea!
In effect, the 470 is a short version of the 520, with end washroom, side single dinette and front lounge. This tourer will sleep three, but it’s really more of a couple’s layout. However it might be used, we reckon this has got to be a good seller.
Pitch and set-up
The Acadia comes with Al-ko chassis and AKS hitch, but surprisingly, ATC is an option.
However, this compact tourer looks extremely smart, with a front moulded panel and super-sized sunroof.
The back panel is also a fullheight moulded ABS unit, and Coachman keeps to aluminium sides with smart decals.
Alloy wheels and a spare are part of the excellent spec, as is the latest Status TV aerial. The Acadia also comes with an exterior mains socket and barbecue point. It provides two gas lockers, one either side of the front panel, which has plenty of space to store some of those smaller, lighter items that are so essential when you’re touring.
So from first impressions, it’s clear the 470 is a tourer that doesn’t cost the earth or weigh too much, and its superb exterior fit and finish will be quite hard to beat.
Lounge
The L-shaped lounge is a great design: it feels snug yet offers a sociable seating area.
Although the large sunroof doesn’t open, it certainly allows in plenty of light, while the big front windows have clear views of what’s happening outside.
Night-time illumination is well taken care of, with LED spotlights and ceiling lights. There is a radio here, with fitted speakers, and you can use the side-angled cabinet as a good place for the TV.
We are also glad to see that Coachman didn’t do away with the nearside window to give a blank wall to hang the TV on.
There is plenty of overhead locker storage in the lounge and, for meal-times, a freestanding table. This area of the layout works well.
There is also an excellent side single dinette, which is wide and spacious, allowing two adults to use the table there for main meal-times in comfort.
There’s another large side window here, more storage space in three overhead lockers, and again, LED spotlights.
Kitchen
The Acadia’s side kitchen is well designed, with practicality a main priority. We particularly
like the storage, with another overhead locker, two cupboards, a drawer and good worktop.
You also get a high-quality microwave, neatly fitted just above the work surface.
There is a full oven, dual-fuel hob and a large stainless steel sink with clip-on drainer. The Mini Heki above provides light and ventilation, and there’s an LED striplight under the locker.
The 115-litre Dometic fridge, in the base of the wardrobe, should be fine for the food of two, even on a long tour.
‘The L-shaped lounge is great: it feels snug yet also offers a sociable seating area’
Beds
The 470 is capable of sleeping up to three, using the front lounge seating, and the side single dinette, which can be made up into a single bed. Coachman doesn’t fit a bunk in the Acadia, or make one available as an option.
In the lounge, you could use the longer leg of the L-shaped seating as a single bed, but the main bed is a double. This is made up by pulling a frame from the seat base, which makes bed-making very easy. With its well-sprung upholstery, the double bed should provide a comfortable night’s sleep.
Washroom
The 470 comes with an end washroom, and in its 33-year history, many would say that Coachman has never produced a poorly designed one.
The Acadia’s excellent washroom doesn’t let the side down. Floor space is very good, so using it to change in won’t be a squeeze. You’ll also find a window here, and a chrome radiator for the Alde heating.
The handbasin is deep and beneath it is a useful cupboard. The toilet is a Thetford electricflush model, and you also get a handy wall cabinet. Night-time lighting is again up to usual Coachman standards, while the shower cubicle is really generous in size.
We think this thoughtfully designed and amply equipped washroom would be ideal if you are looking for a van for use on minimal-facility campsites.
Storage
The 470 isn’t short on storage, with plenty of overhead lockers and underseat space.
The roomy side dresser in the front lounge provides a large cupboard, equipped with a couple of shelves.
Kitchen storage is also good, with extra cupboard capacity because the fridge sits below the wardrobe. This means less hanging space, but the wardrobe is still a useful size.
The washroom provides a cupboard and a wall cabinet. So overall, storage in the 470 is good, especially for couples.