A’van Ovation M5 Motorhome Review
At 7.17m (23ft 6in) long, the A’van Ovation M5 is large enough for comfortable living, and A’van’s designers have certainly taken advantage of this when designing its layout. With two beds, two lounges (rear club and offside cafe-style), four seatbelts, a full-size bathroom and a large kitchen, the M5 could easily accommodate a travelling family or would be a spacious and luxurious ride for a couple who enjoy entertaining guests or bringing the grandkids along for the ride (occasionally).
Design & Construction
The Ovation and all-new A’van motorhomes are built on the Fiat Ducato cab chassis. This M5 scores the new Ducato cab, which has been re-engineered to improve access to the 180 Multijet 3L turbodiesel engine. The engine runs a six-speed automated manual (AMT) gearbox, allowing the driver to drive it in either manual or automatic mode. With some AMT gearboxes, I wouldn’t even bother attempting auto selection, and I’d go straight for manual, particularly when travelling uphill. However, the Ducato performed admirably in automatic mode, even climbing up Mt Donna Buang, in the southern reaches of the Victorian Alps, with ease.
A new audio system is another fresh feature, and there’s also an LCD screen for the rear-vision camera.
The motorhome’s body has all the standard external fitments but not too many bells and whistles. The nearside features a Thule awning and Hartal door with a sliding flyscreen. Storage is provided by a large, full-width rear tunnel boot, which runs under the rear club lounge, and a dedicated storage locker to protect the twin 9kg gas cylinders.
Let’s Explore the Exterior
Being a C-class motorhome with a Luton peak means the M5 can accommodate a second bed over the driver’s cab. The M5 differs from most over-cab beds in that it comprises two single mattresses rather than one, and it folds up towards the roof when not in use to create more headroom below. It is held in place in its stowed position by gas struts. However, I’d prefer a more secure method of holding it up, such as a strap. While there are reading lights up top, there are no powerpoints, meaning occupants must leave phones and other devices charging on the ground floor.
The two house batteries (one as standard) are situated below the floor and can be accessed by a hatch in the floor near the dinette. Other accessories in this area include two multi-directional lights, a double PowerPoint at the foot of the seat and three storage lockers overhead.
The 175L three-way Thetford fridge, finished in high-gloss black, sits opposite the dinette to the left of the entry door.
Hits & Misses
What the A’van Ovation M5 Motorhome Got Right
- Easy-swivel cab seats
- Club lounge/wind-down bed arrangement
- Driving the Ducato
- Lots of bench space
What I Would Have Liked to See…
- Not having to remove seat cushions to wind down the rear bed
- Better security for the front bed in its ‘stowed’ position
- Powerpoints for front bed
A’van Ovation M5 Motorhome Specs
Weights and Measurements
- Overall length 7.17m (23ft 6in)
- External width 2.77m (9ft 1in)
- Internal height 1.97m (6ft 6in) main; 1.73m (5ft 8in) rear lounge; 2.33m (7ft 8in) behind driver’s cab
- Travel height 3.03m (9ft 11in)
- Tare 3292kg
- GVM 4250kg
Engine
- Base vehicle Fiat Ducato Multijet 180
- Engine 3L turbodiesel
- Gearbox Six-speed AMT
- Max power 132kW@3500rpm
- Max torque 400Nm@1400rpm
External
- Brakes Front and rear disc
- Freshwater 1x103L
- Grey water 1x110L
- Batteries 2x95Ah
- Solar 1x80W
- Air-conditioner Aircommand Ibis
- Heater Webasto
- Gas 2x9kg
Internal
- Cooking Smev gas three-burner and oven
- Fridge Thetford 175L three-way
- Microwave LG iWave
- Toilet Thetford cassette
- Shower Separate cubicle
- Lighting LED downlights and reading lights
- Hot water Gas/electric
Options Fitted
- Webasto heater; solar panel; extra battery
Price as Shown
- $122,274 (plus on-road costs)
Ready for Adventure?
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This article was written by Laura Keys, with photos by Ellen Dewar, and previously appeared at TradeRVs.com.au, now powered by OnlyVans.com.au.
The full test appears in Caravan World Australian Motorhome 2015.
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