How To Choose Camping Car Adria Matrix Plus 670 DC: Buying Guide

The Adria Matrix Plus 670 DC occupies a distinctive niche in Europe’s compact motorhome segment: a lightweight, front-wheel-drive, low-profile campervan built on the Fiat Ducato chassis — yet engineered with surprising interior volume, thoughtful ergonomics, and genuine four-season capability. Unlike larger, heavier rivals, it targets couples or solo travellers who prioritise agility, fuel efficiency, and ease of parking without sacrificing sleeping comfort, kitchen functionality, or storage intelligence. But its appeal comes with trade-offs — and choosing the right specification, verifying critical measurements, and understanding real-world usage patterns are essential. This guide cuts through marketing language and focuses on what actually matters when evaluating or purchasing a new or used Matrix Plus 670 DC.

1. Understand the Core Layout & Practical Dimensions

The “670 DC” designation refers to Adria’s internal model code: “670” indicates approximate internal length (6.7 metres), while “DC” stands for “Double Cab”, meaning the driver’s area features a full-width cab with two front seats and an integrated passenger seat that doubles as part of the living space. The layout is fixed: rear transverse bed, central kitchen block opposite a dinette, and a forward-facing bathroom behind the cab. Crucially, this isn’t a “drop-down” or “fold-out” bed — it’s a permanent, sprung mattress mounted over deep under-bed storage compartments.

Key physical dimensions demand verification before committing:

• Overall length: 6,995 mm (nearly 7 metres) — but note that factory-fitted bike racks, tow bars, or roof-mounted equipment add up to 450 mm more.
• Height: 2,790 mm (standard) — exceeds many European multi-storey car parks’ 2.7 m limit. Optional low-roof versions exist but reduce internal headroom significantly.
• Width: 2,320 mm (including mirrors) — comfortably fits within standard EU lane widths, but check garage door clearances.
• Interior height: 1,980 mm at centre — sufficient for most adults, though taller users may brush the ceiling near the rear bed.

What often goes unmentioned is the usable floorplan width. Due to wheel arch intrusions and structural reinforcements, the effective living width between kitchen and dinette is just 1,580 mm — narrow enough to affect movement during meal prep or socialising. Test this in person: sit at the dinette, then stand and walk toward the kitchen. Does your shoulder graze the cupboard edge? Does the fridge door open fully without hitting the table leg?

2. Chassis, Drivetrain & Payload: Where Real-World Usability Begins

The Matrix Plus 670 DC rides exclusively on the Fiat Ducato 2.3L Multijet diesel platform — available in either 130 PS or 150 PS variants. While power figures sound modest, the 150 PS engine delivers notably better hill-climbing performance, especially when fully loaded or towing a small trailer. Front-wheel drive provides predictable handling on wet roads and tighter turning circles than rear-wheel-drive alternatives — a major advantage in narrow Alpine villages or crowded campsites.

However, the decisive factor isn’t horsepower — it’s payload capacity. The base gross vehicle weight (GVW) is typically 3,500 kg. Subtract the unladen weight (kerb weight), and you’re left with usable payload — usually between 420–480 kg depending on options selected. That payload must cover: water (full 100 L tank = 100 kg), gas (two 11 kg bottles = 22 kg), food, clothing, camping gear, batteries, solar panels, and personal belongings.

Here’s where buyers routinely miscalculate:

A couple weighing 140 kg combined leaves only ~100–160 kg for groceries, hiking boots, laptops, cameras, and weekend wine. Overloading compromises braking, steering response, and tyre wear — and invalidates insurance in many countries. Always request the official “Certificate of Conformity” (CoC) from the dealer and verify the exact kerb weight for your chosen spec.

3. Evaluate Interior Build Quality & Daily Usability

Adria uses a sandwich-panel construction with PUR foam insulation — superior to cheaper polystyrene alternatives in both thermal performance and structural rigidity. Walls are finished in durable, wipe-clean vinyl; cabinets use 16 mm laminated board with soft-close hinges. These details matter: a flimsy drawer slide or warped cabinet door becomes irritating after six months of road use.

Focus on high-frequency touchpoints:

• Kitchen sink: Stainless steel, single-basin design. Check drain plug mechanism — some early 2022 models had stiff levers requiring excessive force.
• Fridge: Dometic CRX 80 (80 L) compressor fridge. Verify it’s installed with adequate rear ventilation gaps — overheating causes premature failure.
• Dinette: Fixed bench with foldable table. Seat cushions use high-resilience foam (HR45). Avoid models with thin, sagging foam — it compresses permanently within 6 months.
• Bathroom: Compact but functional: cassette toilet, hand basin with pop-up waste, and a fixed shower head with adjustable rail. Confirm the shower tray has a positive slope toward the drain — standing water breeds mildew.

“The Matrix Plus 670 DC’s strength lies not in luxury, but in intelligent restraint. Every centimetre and kilogram is accounted for — which means buyers must be equally precise in how they load and live in it.” — Jan Kowalski, Technical Director, EuroCaravan Inspections GmbH

4. Step-by-Step: What to Do Before Finalising Your Purchase

Whether buying new from a dealer or second-hand from a private seller, follow this sequence — skipping any step risks costly oversights:

1. Verify VIN-specific documentation: Cross-check the Vehicle Identification Number against the CoC, registration papers, and service history. Look for mismatched dates or inconsistent mileage logs.
2. Inspect all fluid levels and condition: Engine oil (colour, level, presence of coolant contamination), coolant (clarity, antifreeze concentration), brake fluid (moisture content test), and power steering fluid (foaming or discolouration).
3. Test every electrical circuit: Not just lights and sockets — operate the water pump with taps open, cycle the fridge between 12 V/230 V/gas modes, trigger the smoke alarm, and verify USB charging ports deliver stable 5 V.
4. Check suspension and tyres: Look for uneven tread wear (indicating alignment issues), cracks in sidewalls, or bulges. Measure remaining tread depth — legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but 3 mm is recommended for motorhomes.
5. Conduct a full damp survey: Use a professional moisture meter around windows, roof vents, bathroom seals, and under sinks. Pay special attention to the rear corner where the bed meets the wall — a known stress point for delamination in older units.

This process takes 90–120 minutes. If a seller rushes you or refuses access to the engine bay or underfloor compartments, walk away. A reputable seller welcomes scrutiny.

5. Real-World Ownership: A Mini Case Study

In spring 2023, Lena Müller, a freelance graphic designer based in Stuttgart, purchased a 2022 Matrix Plus 670 DC with the optional lithium battery, 300 W solar, and winter pack (heated holding tanks, upgraded insulation). She planned to work remotely from southern France and northern Italy during winter. Within three weeks, she encountered two issues: first, the factory-installed 100 Ah lithium battery couldn’t sustain her laptop, monitor, and router overnight without supplemental solar input — she’d underestimated her off-grid power draw by 40%. Second, the standard 140/70 R16 tyres struggled on icy mountain passes near Grenoble, despite M+S rating.

Her solution wasn’t upgrading to a larger vehicle — it was pragmatic adaptation. She added a second 100 Ah battery (using the spare mounting location behind the cab), switched to Michelin Agilis CrossClimate tyres (rated for snow and mud), and adopted a strict “power budget”: shutting down non-essential devices after 8 p.m. She also discovered that the rear bed’s under-storage compartments held precisely two medium-sized Pelican cases — ideal for camera gear and hard drives. Her conclusion: the 670 DC isn’t a compromise vehicle — it’s a precision tool. Its limitations become advantages once you align your habits with its design logic.

6. Critical Checklist: 10 Must-Verify Items Before Handover

Print this list. Tick each box in person — don’t rely on verbal assurances.

• ☑ All window and roof vent seals are pliable, free of cracking or perishing
• ☑ Slide-out mechanisms (if fitted) operate smoothly without binding or grinding
• ☑ Gas system certified by an authorised LPG technician (look for dated sticker on regulator)
• ☑ Fire extinguisher and smoke/CO alarms are present, mounted, and within service date
• ☑ Water heater ignites reliably on both electric and gas modes
• ☑ Awning fabric is taut, fabric free of UV degradation or mould spots
• ☑ Spare fuses match the types and amperages listed in the manual
• ☑ All rubber door and hatch seals are lubricated with silicone spray (not petroleum-based)
• ☑ Tyre manufacture date codes are within 5 years (e.g., “2222” = week 22, 2022)
• ☑ Full set of owner manuals, service book, and warranty documents provided in German/English/French

7. FAQ

Can I legally drive the Adria Matrix Plus 670 DC on a standard EU car licence?

Yes — provided your driving licence was issued before 2013 (or you passed your test before 1 January 1997 in the UK). For licences issued after January 2013, Category C1 entitlement is required for vehicles between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg GVW. Since the 670 DC’s GVW is exactly 3,500 kg, it falls within the C1 threshold. However, always confirm with your national licensing authority — some countries impose additional requirements for motorhomes over 3,000 kg unladen weight.

Is the 670 DC suitable for year-round use in sub-zero temperatures?

With the optional Winter Pack (heated water tanks, insulated underfloor, upgraded cabin heater), yes — but with caveats. The cassette toilet must be emptied daily below –5°C to prevent freezing in the seal. Fresh water lines remain vulnerable unless drained and blown out. Most owners in Scandinavia or the Alps use the vehicle April–October, storing it heated over winter. True four-season operation demands discipline, not just equipment.

How does the 670 DC compare to the Hymer Exsis-i 580?

The Hymer is slightly shorter (6.2 m), lighter (kerb weight ~2,950 kg), and uses a different chassis (Fiat Ducato 2.2L). It offers more premium finishes but less under-bed storage and a smaller fridge (60 L vs. 80 L). The 670 DC trades some refinement for greater utility and payload flexibility. If payload and tank capacity are priorities, the Adria wins. If cabin quietness and build prestige matter more, the Hymer appeals — but costs €8,000–€12,000 more.

Conclusion

The Adria Matrix Plus 670 DC doesn’t try to be everything. It doesn’t offer a walk-in wardrobe, a full-size oven, or panoramic sunroofs. Instead, it delivers something rarer in today’s motorhome market: coherence. Every dimension, every component, every gram of weight serves a defined purpose — mobility, efficiency, durability, and intelligent space use. Choosing it wisely means respecting its boundaries, verifying its specifications rigorously, and aligning your travel rhythm with its capabilities. It rewards preparation, punishes assumptions, and repays careful ownership with thousands of reliable kilometres and countless unhurried mornings beside quiet lakes or misty vineyards.

Don’t buy it because it looks sleek in a brochure. Buy it because you’ve measured your garage, calculated your payload, tested the dinette’s elbow room, and verified the battery’s real-world discharge curve. That’s how you turn a well-engineered motorhome into a trusted companion — not just another vehicle.