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PHEV and Adria Astella – A (non-)obvious duo, or off-grid luxury
Modern caravanning is no longer a compromise between closeness to nature and comfort. Today, thanks to advanced technology, we can take a luxury apartment with us to the most inaccessible corners of the world without sacrificing air conditioning or an induction cooktop, even when parked "in the wild."
Motor Magazine in Poland tested how a combination that on paper sounds like a dream performs in this role: the Ford Ranger PHEV 2025 and the Adria Astella 704 HP. It's a combination that redefines the concept of independence.
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Ford Ranger PHEV: Hybrid Power in the Service of Towing
At the heart of this combination is the Ford Ranger PHEV hybrid. This isn't just an ordinary pickup; it's a mobile powerhouse. Under the hood, a 2.3L turbo petrol engine is supported by a 75 kW electric motor. However, the most important feature for caravanning enthusiasts is the 6.9 kW Pro Power Onboard system. In practice, this means the vehicle becomes the main power source for the trailer. During testing, the system easily powered the roof-mounted air conditioning, allowing it to operate for 8 to 10 hours solely from the vehicle's 11.8 kWh battery. If the energy runs low, the Ranger's Auto EV mode automatically starts the combustion engine to recharge the battery, acting as a quiet and efficient generator.
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Towing Mathematics: Theory vs. Practical
The Ranger PHEV boasts a towing capacity of 3,500 kg, putting it on par with the most powerful diesels. However, the devil is in the weight details. Therefore, experts suggest that for comfortable, long-distance journeys, the optimal gross trailer weight is around 3,000 kg, which frees up nearly 909 kg of payload in the vehicle.
Adria Astella 704 HP is the shortest version of the line, but is considered by many to be the best – measuring 9 meters with the drawbar and weighing just under 2.3 tons (with a GVW of up to 3 tons). What sets it apart is its unique, double panoramic doors, which, when opened wide, blur the line between interior and exterior, creating a terrace effect.
The Astella's interior is a manifestation of minimalism and space. Unlike traditional trailers, it is not "overloaded" with cabinets. Here you'll find:
• A dream kitchen: With a nearly two-meter-long worktop, a three-burner stove, an oven with a grill function, and a double-door refrigerator with a capacity of 167 liters.
• A cozy living room: With an over two-meter-long fold-out sofa and a rug that completes the homely atmosphere.
• A bedroom with a view: Where the 189 cm x 151 cm bed is placed perpendicular to the panoramic doors.
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Perfect Synergy: Solving "off-grid" problems
During testing of the Adria Astella, several shortcomings were noted, which, when combined with the Ford Ranger PHEV... cease to be a problem.
1. Power: The Astella is a luxury that requires electricity. The lack of standard battery power in a caravan of this standard may be surprising, but with a Ranger with the Pro Power Onboard system, we save between 2.800 eur and 3.500 eur, which we would otherwise have to spend on our own lithium battery system and inverter in the caravan.
2. Heating and Air Conditioning: The Astella uses a quiet Alde system and optional air conditioning. Thanks to the hybrid Ranger, we can use these amenities while parked without having to connect to an external power grid.
3. Water and Sewerage: The small fresh water tank (78 liters) and the lack of a gray water tank are the Astella's biggest drawbacks. The manufacturer suggests connecting it to the city network, making it ideal for "premium locations." However, the Ranger's mobility allows for easier water delivery or driving to a dump point in emergencies.
Trip Impressions
Towing such a powerful rig in a Ford is a pure pleasure. Assistance systems, such as blind spot monitoring with trailer length adjustment and Trailer Light Check, make maneuvering the 9-meter behemoth less stressful.
Adapted from Motor magazine.