Sunliner Pinto 412 review

The Sunliner marque is relatively new to New Zealand, yet with around 45 years in the industry, it is one of Australia’s most experienced RV brands.

At 6.7 metres in length, the Pinto is a compact RV

The Pinto is available in four common layouts, on either an Iveco 45, or Renault rear-wheel drive chassis. Here, we review the Pinto 412 which has a drop-down bed over the lounge.

At 6.7 metres in length, the Pinto is a compact RV and can be driven on a car licence, so it’s ideal for new motorhomers, and those who are more comfortable with a smaller vehicle.

Relaxed and open

The large pull-out awning provides good cover from the sun and rain

Stepping into the 412, an electric step and good grab handles make entry and exit nice and easy. Inside, the décor is light, bright and welcoming.

Accents of soft pastels contrasted with creams, whites and the dark timber veneer add a sense of space to the open living atmosphere. Up front, lovely big windows offer excellent visibility, bringing the outside in and adding to the inviting and relaxed holiday vibe inside.

The comfortable dinette

And because all windows throughout are double-glazed, you’re kept cool in summer, and warmer in winter. All windows also include fly screens and thermal black-out blinds. The dinette offers a comfortable space to relax or dine with twin face-to-face couches.

Both the driver’s and passenger’s seats swivel around to the lounge for extra seating. Sunliner have made good use of space in the lounge area – not too big, but not too small either. And because the table is positionable and can be moved from side to side, forwards and backwards, it’s easy to move about the space lounge.

Large windows bring the outoors in

A handy feature of the extra-large windows is that they’re hinged at the top, so you can push them outward and enjoy fresh air and ventilation even if it’s raining outside.

Practical design

The decor is stylish and modern

Next to the entry door is a decent-sized storage cupboard, a good indication that Sunliner understands the need for good storage. Right alongside is a 190-litre Dometic gas three-way fridge-freezer, a microwave sits above the fridge (or this space can be used as a cupboard), plus a cupboard above the microwave.

There’s more storage above the cab area, and the kitchen has plenty of storage with overhead cabinets plus separate drawers for cutlery, pots and pans, and all those extras that help make your motorhome feel more like home.

The centrally-located kitchen is equipped with a Thetford Triplex oven with three gas hobs, gas oven, and grill, plus a range hood. The kitchen sink has a handy built-in lid which helps provide a tad more bench space for preparing meals, although a bench extension of some sort (drop down or slide out) would be a valuable addition.

Spacious separate bathroom

A spacious, practical bathroom

At the rear is the separate bathroom, within a layout that affords a good amount of space, privacy, and practicality. The Thetford ceramic toilet and ceramic sink are located along the rear wall, with a window above and separate shower along the driver-side wall. The shower impresses on two levels – firstly it’s generously sized and, secondly, because it’s one-piece fibreglass, it’s easy to clean.

These two small points that make a big difference when you’re travelling for more than a few days. In addition, there is excellent storage with shelved cupboards above and below the sink, and behind the large mirror opposite the shower.

A good sized wardrobe is nicely positioned in the bathroom space, so you can have your shower, have easy access to your toiletries and your clothing, and check yourself in the mirror – all in a private space with room to move. This is a good example of a bathroom space done well.

Bedtime is effortless

The comfy drop-down bed

At the end of the day, a comfy bed awaits at the push of a button. Hidden away unobtrusively over the lounge is a dropdown bed that turns the living area into a relaxed bedroom.

It’s a simple three-step process of putting the table down, removing the squab backs from the couches, and pushing the button to lower the bed – and it’s good to know the bed includes a security key to prevent curious kiddies playing with the switch. The mattress is good quality and innersprung, so you’re assured of a comfortable night’s sleep.

Good use of LED lighting throughout adds to the contemporary, modern apartment style, with options soft ambient lighting, or stronger lighting for catching up with your evening reading.

The great outdoors

A handy watertight hatch

Owning your own motorhome means enjoying the outdoors as much as the indoors, and Sunliner have included everything you need to do exactly that. The large pull-out awning provides good cover from the sun and rain.

The awning includes the option of either pegging to the ground, or mounting to the side of the van – very handy if you’re on a surface not conducive to ground pegs.

Setting up your barbecue is easy too, with an external barbecue gas bayonet outlet, so you can tap into your gas supply and forget about having to carry an extra bottle for barbecuing. And when it’s time to add a little good music to your evening, simply switch on the Bluetooth indoor/outdoor speakers.

Continuing the good storage of the interior, outside there are two compartments – a good sized ‘wet locker’ for throwing in wet gear, and a second rear locker which includes shelves and lighting.

At the rear of the vehicle you have easy access to the toilet cassette, and along the right side is an LPG locker for two bottles, plus a high-pressure city water feed which means you can hook up to the water supply at your campsite.

A handy feature is the hot and cold external shower for washing off the sand before you head inside, or giving the dog a quick wash-down.

Another clever detail is the access door, which has a separate security mesh layer, so you can have the external door open for ventilation, but have the peace of mind in knowing your vehicle is secure.

Also standard with the Pinto are tank monitors, so you can see when you need to refill or empty and a 160w solar panel with display (upgradable to 320w), and reversing camera.

Summary

The Pinto 412 ticks a lot of boxes. It presents as a very tidy, practical motorhome but the more you look at it, the more you realise it’s so much… more!

There’s a real sense that Sunliner have a deep understanding of what Kiwi travellers value in a motorhome, and they’ve delivered with quality componentry, a practical layout, good storage, and bright, open ambience that feels welcoming and promises happy travels.

The Pinto is available on an Iveco chassis, which includes ABS, traction control, stability control, and rear wheel drive.

The Pinto 412 can be driven on a car licence

Sunliner Pinto 412 Specifications

Price as reviewed: $184,990

Pluses

• Excellent storage provision throughout the vehicle
• Big living area windows create an open, bright ambience
• Great standard inclusions such as the outdoor shower, speakers, and awning

Minuses

• Bench space is limited

To find out more about the Pinto, contact Rhys or Michele at Road Life, phone 07 579 6489, or visit roadlife.co.nz