When a motorhome is built to the specifications desired by the boss, that’s an excellent clue that it’s been manufactured with a purpose. Such is the case with this Horizon Boronia motorhome. Horizon owner Clayton Kearney is a man who likes to explore the Outback in style and that’s what this motorhome is all about.
Based on a 4WD Mercedes Benz 419CDI MWB van, the Boronia is built to go. The 140kW/450Nm turbo diesel delivers an amazing performance, especially given its capacity of just under 2.0 litres. The 9G-Tronic gearbox isn’t a slouch either and delivers smooth changes throughout the range. Although a 4WD vehicle, it isn’t going to be able to get to all the places a Toyota LandCruiser might of course … but that vehicle doesn’t have a house on the back either. The range of the Boronia is limited by the 93 litre fuel tank. When driving, the MBUX 10.5 multimedia system with navigation and voice command adds to the pleasure of a trip.
The Mercedes Benz is fitted with all the latest alphabet of safety gear including ABS, ESP, Lane Assist, Hill Start Assist, Crosswind Assist and Load Adaptive Control. Driving, under most conditions, is certainly a breeze.
Like all the vehicles that come out of the Ballina-based Horizon factory, the Boronia is a large van conversion. Something that Horizon has specialised in; and where the brand has found its well-established market niche. The manufacturer doesn’t produce a new motorhome every couple of years; it practices the good old technique of product refinement and new item testing by the boss whenever he feels like a few weeks away.
One of the features I like about the Benz-based Boronia is that it’s not a large vehicle. Sure, it doesn’t have a substantial interior space; but that’s offset by a hugely manoeuvrable vehicle … everywhere from the supermarket carpark to a rough bush track. For the latter, it can come fitted with extra features like all-terrain tyres, rock protection steps and a dust suppression kit.
Around the outside, there are the usual clues that the van is a motorhome conversion. Like the Dometic double-glazed acrylic windows, Fiamma F45 awning and the electric step. Not to mention windows fitted to the walls and doors – all being the double-glazed acrylic awning style. The rear nearside window can’t be opened simultaneously with the sliding door.
However, the window pods on both sides at the rear are a little different. Looking a bit like bay windows, they allow for a longer than usual east-west bed inside. The pods are asymmetrical though (the offside pod being wider than the nearside), thus accommodating the sliding door. The pod windows are a simple innovation that has an efficient outcome.
Standard on the 4X4 are zipped/magnetic fly screens on both the side and rear doors – an excellent idea that allows the doors to be kept open in warm weather. An option available is rock protection steps that are fitted to both sides of the motorhome (that however means no electric step).
Internal fitout
Like many a large van conversion, space inside Boronia is finite but it’s well used. The interior layout follows a tried and trusted arrangement. Up front, full use is made of the cab swivelling seats – both rotating to become an integral part of the motorhome interior.
Across the motorhome’s rear, the east-west bed takes up all the space – leaving the mid-section for the offside bathroom and nearside kitchen. The interior space isn’t excessive but there’s plenty of window area and a benefit of the van conversion is that the rear doors and the side door can be left open if desired.
Transverse bed
A problem with an east-west bed in many van conversions is that the bed needs to be longer for many. The moulded window pods solve this problem and allow a mattress size of 1.95m x 1.5m (6ft 4in x 5ft). Smaller than normal windows result from using the pods but it’s a very happy compromise, especially as both rear doors also have opening windows. Reading lights are fitted on the nearside and overhead lockers are fitted on both sides. The offside locker is deeper than those above the pillows. A magazine pouch and USB hub fitted to the offside window pod are handy for device charging.
Under the bed is a decent amount of storage space, a good idea since there are no external bins. It’s all open space but ideal for plastic storage boxes of various sizes.
The kitchen
The kitchen bench area might be quite small, but there’s enough room for a generous drawer space. The bench-top fit-out includes a Thetford induction cooktop and a round stainless steel sink. The benchtop space isn’t great, but there is a hinged bench extension.
The 12V compressor, 174 litre Thetford fridge and Panasonic microwave oven are situated behind the driver’s seat. The fridge model has a lower-drawer freezer, which means less bending over to get to the fridge shelves.
There is a Lagun-mounted table between the swivelled cab seats when dining time comes. Otherwise, it’s alfresco dining. What could be more enjoyable in a quiet and pleasant campsite, especially if the wine is appropriately chilled?
Combo bathroom
Smaller motorhomes usually mean a smaller bathroom; definitely true in this case. No dramas; it’s a wet area but there’s enough space for the Thetford cassette toilet, flexible hose shower and corner wash basin. There’s even a shaving cabinet and the cover over the loo roll is an appreciated feature.
How does the Horizon Boronia handle going off grid?
For a relatively small motorhome, the Boronia is well equipped electrically speaking. Standard, it comes with 300Ah of Lithium LiFePO4 battery capacity, 360W solar panels, a 40A Enerdrive mains charger, an Enerdrive 40A DC to DC charger and a 2,600W inverter. All that means is that the induction cooktop can be used without any problem, and the Dometic air conditioner can also run during part of the day. Most electrics – switches, gauges and chargers – are located behind a panel underneath the bed (all accessible from the inside). Extra Anderson plugs are fitted to allow for a portable solar panel and external connections to the battery.
Aside from the electrics, the Boronia has a 140 litre freshwater tank and a 56 litre grey water tank. As is frequently the case, the toilet cassette can sometimes be the limiting factor on time away.
Inside and out, there’s a generous array of 240V and 12V/5V USB sockets for all purposes. The lighting too is well appointed and includes an LED lighting strip underneath the awning.
The bottom line
Horizon’s 4X4 Boronia is a motorhome built for a purpose – exploring some of the back blocks of Australia in some comfort and style. Naturally the price isn’t cheap, but it’s a well-kitted rig with almost everything to satisfy most desires. Definitely enough temptation to hit the road soon!
Horizon Boronia Motorhome: Specifications
VEHICLE
Manufacturer: Horizon
Model: Boronia
Base Vehicle: Mercedes Benz Sprinter 419CDI 4X4
GVM: 4,100kg
Licence: Car
Passengers: 2
MECHANICAL
Engine: 1.95 litre
Power: 140kW @ 3,800rpm
Torque: 450Nm @ 1,400-2,400rpm
Gearbox: 9-speed torque converter automatic
Brakes: ABS Disc
DIMENSIONS
External length: 6.08m (19ft 11in)
External width: 2.02m (6ft 7in), 2.35m (7ft 8in) including mirrors
External height (incl AC): 2.93m (9ft 7in)
Internal height: 1.89m (6ft 2in)
Bed size: 1.95m x 1.5m (6ft 5in x 5ft)
EQUIPMENT
Cooktop: Thetford induction
Fridge: Thetford 2175C 175-litre, compressor
Microwave Oven: Panasonic
Lighting: 12V LED
Batteries: 300Ah Lithium LiFePO4
Solar panels: 360W
Inverter: 2,600W
Air conditioner: Dometic
Toilet: Thetford cassette
Shower: Combo cubicle
Hot water/Room heater: Webasto combo diesel hot water/room heater
Water tank: 136-litre
Grey tank: 56-litre
Gas cylinders: No
Price (NSW): $225,000
Options fitted:
Rock protection steps
Dust suppression kit
All Terrain tyres (5)
Supplied by:
Horizon Motorhomes
299 River Street, Ballina NSW 2478
Ph: 02 6681 1555
