Avida has only recently stepped into the caravan market, but has been constructing high-end motorhomes since 1965. One look at their mid-level Topaz model caravan tells you this has been no rush job – there are elements everywhere that suggest a well-considered design borne from years of experience in the mobile home market.
Inside
Augmented with a generous slide-out, the floor space in the Avida Topaz is fantastic. Add in the large awning on the other side and the total undercover living space is really impressive. Also impressive is the huge array of standard equipment on offer.
Soft furnishings are ultra-leather trimmed and every wall surface features a top-quality high gloss finish.
The bathroom is spacious with plenty of storage and there is even a standard 2.5kg washing machine, hidden away under a retractable panel in the bathroom vanity. The bathroom doubles as a comfortably dimensioned changing room too.
The Topaz sleeps four, although is aimed at the two person market and space and storage are keywords at the other end of the caravan too, where the bedroom area reveals huge wardrobes and clever under-bed storage.
A well-appointed kitchenette and dining area feature in the centre of the Topaz and one of my favourite features – the ‘pop up’ retractable drinks cabinet behind the u-shaped sofa – is another echo of Avida’s motorhome heritage and gives the ‘van a luxury apartment feel.
Outside
Moving outside, the Topaz features standard electric steps, an external fold-out table with a flat panel TV bracket for outdoor movie nights (there are even handy USB ports for outside music and devices built into the recess; a clever idea).
The double-sided storage cavity at the front will swallow all your outdoor furniture and more, while separate cubbies for services, twin 9kg gas bottles, outdoor shower outlet and a very handy backing camera reinforce the idea that this is a caravan that really does feature the lot.
Taken together, both the scale and specification list of the Topaz, show that it has been designed with long-term occupancy firmly in mind. And I for one could certainly spend a few weeks travelling the country in it.
Off-road credentials
The Topaz boasts CRS independent suspension to help keep things stable. Plus electronic braking and electronic stability control comes standard, providing for peace of mind in the hills. It’s a very comfortable caravan to tow with the right vehicle, supplemented further by good weight distribution.
The dry weight of this model Topaz is 2620kg with an impressive payload capacity of 620kg on top of that; combined, this is still within the bounds of most modern utes, which tend to feature between 3000kg and 3500kg braked tow ratings.
And if you are heading into the gravel, that solid molded road cover for the front window will give you extra protection against stone chips (not to mention some extra sun protection once you’ve parked up at that remote beach site).
The verdict
If you’re the sort of holiday maker who wants to pitch up at a beachside spot and base yourself there for a week or more while you daytrip into the surrounding countryside, then a well-specified caravan like the Avida Topaz CV 7084SL will certainly be for you.
No, it’s not the world’s cheapest caravan, but it represents an impressive degree of attention to detail and real value-for-money from one of Australasia’s most trusted manufacturers.
For more information, phone ALM Group on (07) 850 5512.
Pros
- Build quality, fit and finish of interior
- Superior space with slide-out arrangement
- A top-end motorhome which still represents decent value-for-money
Cons
- None that we can think of
