The Leura is currently one of the smallest motorhomes that Avida builds apart from the Escape which is really classified as a campervan. The Leura is 6.7m in length, compact, no slide outs but has everything you need for life on the road. On the other end of the scale is the Longreach which is 9.5m in length, two slide outs and is often summed up as a luxury apartment on wheels.
When picking a motorhome for your needs and desires there is a lot to take into consideration.
How many people will be travelling ‘most’ of the time? Not counting the grandkids or friends that may come along for the odd trip. Consider how often you are going to use your motorhome. Is it for long term, permanent road travel or just weekends and holidays? Are you a person that needs lots of space or are you a person that is happy to live the minimalist lifestyle and have a place for everything?
The weight of the motorhome determines what particular licence is required to be able to drive the motorhome. Weighing in under 4.5 ton, you can drive a Leura on a standard car licence, the Longreach however weighs in at over 8 ton and will require a medium rigid licence. Don’t however let the change in licence deter you from owning a Longreach, obtaining a medium rigid licence is easier than you think. Check your local motor registry or speak to your Avida dealer, it usually involves a theory test that can be studied online and a practical test.
Avida manufacture three different ‘types’ of motorised products, a campervan, a B-type motorhome and C-type motorhome.Campervan – This is based on a van chassis with the internals including a bathroom, kitchen, shower, and bed. This type of product is usually more compact than a motorhome.B-type – This type of motorhome is based on a cab chassis, using an existing cabin and bare chassis. The motorhome body is constructed on the chassis, fully integrated with the cabin section. This type of motorhome does not have a bed over the cab chassis, it is usually more aerodynamic in look than a C-type motorhome.C-type – This type of motorhome is based on a cab chassis, using the existing cabin and bare chassis. The motorhome body is then constructed on the chassis, fully integrating it with the cabin section. This type of motorhome also has a section over the top of the cabin – termed the ‘cabover’ (where people can usually sleep). The cabover can be used as a double bed or for additional storage, ensuring maximum use of space within the motorhome.
The Leura is a B-type motorhome with storage above the cabin area, is more aerodynamic and more fuel efficient. The Longreach is a C-type motorhome with a luton peak that has a bed above the cabin.
When motorhoming, most people find that they live the majority of their time outside their motorhome under the awning, with the luxury of being able to shower and sleep inside the motorhome. The main difference apart from size, and two slide outs, is that the Longreach has a large shower with separate toilet whilst the Leura still has a large bathroom at the rear of the motorhome with the toilet and shower in the same bathroom area.
The main bed of the Leura is an electric drop down bed that drops down from the ceiling at the touch of a button. The Longreach on the other hand has the main bed located down the back, located in one of the slide outs. You can walk around the bed and it is separate from the main living area.
10 quick comparisons between the Leura and the Longreach
| Leura | Longreach | |
| Size: | 6.7meters | 9.5meters |
| Slide Outs: | No | Yes x 2 |
| Chassis: | Fiat Ducato | Isuzu |
| Transmission: | 9 speed automatic | 6 speed automated manual |
| Main bed location: | Drop down electric | Walk around, separate space |
| Type: | B-Type | C-Type |
| Sleeps: | 2 | 6 |
| Fridge: | 138 litre | 188 litre & external bar fridge |
| Television: | 1 x Smart TV | 3 x Smart TV’s |
| Licence: | Standard | Medium Rigid |
| RRP (plus on road costs): | AUD$116,787 | AUD$296,990 |
If your after a larger motorhome with all the bells and whistles, then the premium Longreach would be the ultimate choice, with standard inclusions like ducted A/C, built in external entertainment unit and kitchen, 3 x batteries, wine storage, diesel heater, Inverter, Generator and much more.
If you are after a more compact motorhome that can be driven on a standard licence, then the Avida Leura is the one for you with a full rear ensuite, kitchen, electric bed and a large lounging area.
So, does size matter to you? There are as many people travelling full time around Australia in a Leura as there are in a Longreach. It really just depends on your chosen lifestyle requirements. So which motorhome is your pick? The Avida Leura or the Avida Longreach? They will both get you travelling Australia or New Zealand in style!
For further information contact Avida’s Nationwide Dealer Network on 1300 4 AVIDA (1300 4 28432).
Discover your dreams in the Avida Leura model or why not take a virtual walkthrough via our 3D tour or if the Avida Longreach is more your style take a virtual walkthrough here.
