The right Trak

The Trakka Torino model is now in its third generation and the new models are better than ever, says Allan Whiting.

We love testing Trakka gear because it's always so well designed and well made. These characteristics have been maintained since we started evaluating the company's fledgling efforts, some 30 years ago. Presentation and service are other Trakka hallmarks, so it was no surprise when we wheeled into the company's northern-Sydney factory to find two Torinos on the forecourt, beautifully prepared for our inspection. We'd chosen to test the new Torino Xtra, but the shorter version was arrayed for our examination as well.

Both new Torinos are built on the latest Fiat Ducato van/chassis, but the Xtra model has a longer wheelbase and greater rear overhang. Like the shorter model it's powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with 115kW and 400Nm. The short Torino has an 88kW/320Nm, 2.3-litre diesel option.

The standard transmission behind both engines is a six-speed manual box, but the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel can be ordered with a $3000 automated-shift option that does away with the need for a clutch pedal. The auto version comes with a hill-holding brake function that delays brake pressure release so there's time for the driver's foot to move from brake to accelerator.

The Ducato has front-wheel drive, independent front suspension and a beam rear axle, mounted on long, leaf springs.

Like most European vans the Fiat Ducato comes with car-type equipment: SRS air bags, cruise control, airconditioning, ABS/EBD ventilated disc brakes, stability control, traction control, remote central locking, four powered mirrors and front windows. Trakka orders the Ducatos with swivelling seats that have armrests as well. Also available and well worth the $1350 ask are Remi blinds that extend from neat mouldings to cover the cabin windows. The other six, double-glazed windows and the powered skylight have inbuilt roller flyscreens and privacy screens.

The additional body length of the Torino Xtra is used by Trakka to incorporate a permanent bed and a large shower/toilet module with a 'disappearing' cassette toilet that powers-out remotely from its home under the vanity. The only interior set-up need when swapping from driving to camping is swivelling the front seats and popping the dinette table in place - an easy, 30-second operation.

Both Torinos have ADR-compliant seating with lap/sash belts for four people

The standard Torino has a dinette that converts as easily as the Xtra's to seat four, but needs to be changed again at bedtime. It also has a fixed toilet, with rear door cassette access and only a third the potential cargo space.

The Xtra's permanent bed sits on electrically adjustable rams that raise and lower it to enhance the stowage space underneath. Full-size pushbikes can fit easily under the bed and are reached through the full-width opening rear doors.

Both Torinos have the same kitchen module that includes a three-burner LPG stove, garbage bin with lid and a sink with folding mixer tap. Six self-closing drawers and a wardrobe with roller-shutter door fit under the counter. Roller-shutter doors are fitted to the shower/toilet door and the overhead cupboards as well.

Both Torinos come with external awnings, 4.5kg gas bottles, 15-amp electrical leads, 130-litre fridges, 240-volt microwave ovens, 120-litre water tanks, 14-litre hot-water tanks, 90-litre grey water capacity and 20-litre toilet cassettes. Power is stored in twin 100A/H batteries, fed by the 150A/H vehicle alternator or a 15-amp mains charger. The fuel tank in the standard model holds 90 litres and the Xtra has a 125-litre tank.

Our Xtra test vehicle was fitted with an optional rear-view camera and screen - a tall ask at $1190 and more so if ordered with the expensive Garmin 7200 navigation option that sees the system price climb to $3500.There are cheaper nav/camera options in the marketplace.

We also wondered about the value of the $2750 leather-covered seat option. There was no doubting the quality and workmanship, but we'd probably spend that money on an optional 240-volt air-con unit.

However, the pole-mounted, swivelling and height adjustable LCD TV/DVD player option seemed great value, at $900.

Living with the Torino Xtra

We drove nearly 1000km and camped two nights in the Torino Xtra, in less than ideal weather conditions. It rained and it blew, but we felt quite comfy inside.

The Ducato makes an excellent motorhome base, because it has car-like performance, powerful brakes, an easily mastered automated shift transmission and great driver vision. The seats adjust for height and cushion and seat back rake angle, and the steering column telescopes. The main and spotter rear vision mirrors have powered adjustment and give a wide rear and side view.

Entry to the cabin is easy, thanks to wide-opening front doors and low steps. Entry to the rear section is aided by a powered entry step.

The automated shift transmission doesn't have the smooth ratio changes that a conventional torque-converter automatic 'box has, because it isn't a power-shift design. Each change halts acceleration, just as with a manual 'box. The trade-off is improved fuel consumption - our test saw the Torino Xtra average 10.4L/100 kilometres, which is better than what many large cars and SUVs can manage. Progress was swift and quiet.

Like all Euro vans the Ducato is built for properly-made roads, so it rides a tad harshly on Australia's broken bitumen and rough dirt. If kept on better-quality roads the ride is smooth. Ground clearance is another issue: the Ducato is low-slung for easy access and that's exacerbated by the grey-water outlet and tap, and the rear overhang on the Xtra. We had no clearance issues on this test, but care is needed on some rough sites.

The high-mounted awning worked perfectly, clearing the open sliding door when being rolled up. Attention to detail showed in a protective rubber sleeve on the crank handle, where the crank could touch against the body.

It's normal to live with door rattles in most motorhomes - we just turn up the radio - but the Trakka, as usual for this brand, had none. We expected 'sizzle' from the roller-shutter bathroom door, but it's tensioned by a thick rubber gasket. We loved the Remi blinds that covered the cabin windows neatly in record time and stowed just as easily.

Asking $90,000-$103,000 for the Torino and Torino Xtra models, Trakka isn't aiming at bargain-basement business, but buyers who want quality design and workmanship won't be disappointed.

Australian Caravan+RV magazine, Issue 8, Summer 2009.