A Sprinter-based motorhome from Thor Motor Coach that makes it easy to downsize
In the world of motorhomes, Class A’s and Class C’s have had the lion’s share of luxury. With the advent of the acclaimed Sprinter chassis, most Class B producers have really stepped up their game to provide far more luxurious features and options than ever before, and compete in an area where downsizing doesn’t mean sacrifice. Thor Motor Coach, for example, assembles three smart-looking, fully outfitted Class B-plus models under the Siesta-Sprinter banner. Technically, they are Class C’s based on chassis definition, but the company prefers to label these coaches as Class B-plus, a category that blends the best of Class C living with a Class B stature. We took a look at the Siesta Sprinter 24SA.
Right off the bat, the Siesta-Sprinter’s name announces that the chassis is built by Mercedes-Benz – an excellent starting point for those looking for upscale motorhomes. Powered by the Mercedes 3.0-liter V-6 BlueTEC turbodiesel, putting out 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, the motorhome turns in spirited performance and good fuel economy.
The coach foundation is comprised of a fully welded tubular aluminum floor, side wall cage and roof wrapped with a vacuum-laminated exterior and topped off with one-piece fiberglass front and rear caps. Incorporated into the nicely finished and trimmed optional Sandscape full-body paint package are side-hinged luggage doors supplying easy access to lower compartment cargo. This is complemented by a small selection of maintenance-free storage accommodations. Sitting at the upper levels are a 14-foot, 6-inch patio awning and a matching slideout awning.
Moving aboard the Siesta 24SA reveals a multitude of fine touches, beginning in the cockpit with the posh leatherette captain’s chairs. Cockpit seating allows for long-term comfort while giving users easy access to all the dashboard instrumentation and controls, including the touch screen Pioneer AM/FM/CD/MP3 head unit, which is iPod- and Sirius-compatible. Support items up front include a back-up monitor, power windows, door locks, keyless cab entry and deluxe, heated remote mirrors.
The interior’s natural décor displays an array of distinctive European-
inspired maple cabinetry spread throughout the motorhome. Perfectly nestled in the entertainment center above the driver’s cabin is an optional 26-inch LCD TV coupled to a DVD system. Backing up these components are the usual signal improvement aids such as a TV antenna with booster, cable connection and satellite pre-wiring.
Beyond this point lies the remainder of the well-lit living area, partially thanks to the large electric Euro-skylight, surrounded by a plethora of European-style curved cabinetry with hidden hinges, which enhance the beauty of the cabinetry. There is liberal storage space throughout the motorhome. The earth-toned cabinetry is perfectly accented by an extra-plush leatherette U-shaped dinette, which doubles as an optional sofa bed with air mattress. The dinette is the lounging point in this floorplan and is expanded appreciably by the single, streetside slideout. There’s a surprising amount of room to kick your feet up and the view to the outside provides optimum landscape visibility. From this vantage point, the eyes are focused on a gracefully dressed kitchen, featuring a solid-surface countertop trimmed with a tasteful selection of stainless-steel fixtures. The natural, brushed stainless-steel theme is supported by a single bowl sink with a tall gooseneck faucet, the convection/ microwave oven, a range hood with a smooth flowing matched backsplash and the double-door refrigerator inserts.
Residential-looking linoleum flooring continues into the bedroom and bathroom. A quick tour of the bathroom reveals a simple and tidy area with all the basics. This area is well-equipped with a porcelain bowl commode, rectangular shower with a glass door and a welcome skylight. Helping to keep the close quarters fresh is the usual powered bath vent.
Opposite the bathroom wall is the master bedroom of sorts. A queen-size, premium Denver Mattress is supplied as standard equipment. Adding to the décor carried throughout the Siesta is the nice-looking bedspread plus pillow shams, all with European influence. Reading a favorite book or magazine in bed is made easy by well-placed directional lights.
All these carefully selected amenities are made more enjoyable by the ability to control the interior comfort level through the 13,500-Btu front-mounted low-profile air conditioner, conveniently forced through a ceiling ducting system. Helping to power all the creature comforts is an optional Onan RV QD 3200 diesel generator, while an Onan RV QC 3600 LP is standard issue. Optional holding-tank heating pads can be added, which help extend the travel season.
Thor Motor Coach’s Siesta 24SA looks and feels good, and should appeal to those looking to downsize without giving up on the features commonly found in Class A and Class C coaches.
It’s fun to drive and the expected fuel economy speaks for itself.
Thor Motor Coach | 800-860-5658 | www.siesta-sprinter.com
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