Sunliner Quest Q411: perfect blend of style and function
Anyone familiar with the motorhome market will know that most of the cab chassis under mid-to larger-sized motorhomes are of European origin – Fiat, Iveco, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen and sometimes Ford Transit.
Understanding LDV Deliver 9 Underpinnings
When a manufacturer like Sunliner produces its latest model, a Quest Q411 with LDV Deliver 9 underpinnings, it’s a bit of a surprise and a pointer to the future. Chris Pippen, General Manager at Australian Motor Homes, thinks so; that’s for sure. He was very keen for yours truly to have a test drive of the numero uno model. LDV’s Deliver 9 has a GVM of 4,495 kilohrams and is therefore well rated for something like the 6.6m (21ft 8in) Quest, especially since it has a Tare Mass of 3,460kg.
For anyone wondering about LDV (Leyland DAF Vehicles), it used to be owned by the Leyland/BMC/Rover/DAF group. However, the van division was sold in 2009 to Chinese-owned SAIC Motor, which also produces vehicles like MG cars. Just to add to the name confusion, Leyland and DAF trucks are still manufactured in Europe – but they are owned by European firms.
Driving Experience and Control Accessibility
The Deliver 9 has a turbo diesel Euro V engine with a 2.0 litre capacity. It delivers a maximum power of 108kW and a generous 375Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The Deliver 9 has dual rear wheel drive for those who prefer it. The vehicle has the essential safety systems, including a Bosch Electronic Stability System, Hill Hold, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and six airbags.
Under the bonnet all the essential features (oil dipstick, brake fluid, etc) are clearly marked. What I did like was the easily readable engine nameplate, which had all the essential details – something most Euro manufacturers don’t do for some reason. Mechanical servicing of motorhome base vehicles can be problematic in terms of finding a service centre with the necessary facilities. Still, LDV has a substantial network … considerably better than its European competitors.
Behind the steering wheel most controls are close to hand, except that the multimedia touch panel is a slight stretch. Although the Delivery 9 has remote central locking on the cab, it still has an old-fashioned key for the ignition – not a real hardship, I think. Although the external mirrors are very good, there’s also a reversing camera as a standard fitting.
The LDV has a European-style left-hand indicator stalk, something I have to admit I prefer. It would have been nice a long time ago if the world had agreed on which side of the road we would all drive on and which sides the indicators and wipers would be!
The overall look of the LDV cab has changed greatly since the first LDV trucks appeared in Australia, and I prefer the two bucket seats over the triple seater that many LDV campervan conversions seem to have. The Quest doesn’t have swivelling seats, a handy feature in many motorhome and campervan conversions. Apparently, it can’t be done because of airbag/safety reasons. The original cab roof can’t be removed for the same reason. However, in this case, it creates a good shelf area for items like camping chairs and tables which don’t otherwise have a storage space. Also, the water hoses are in a plastic box.
Construction and Build Quality of Sunliner Quest Q411
The roof and walls are made of fibreglass composite using the standard Sunliner style. Instead of fibreglass moulding for the Luton peak, the walls and roofline have been designed to incorporate the over-cab area. Tinted double-glazed acrylic windows are standard, as are the Dometic security door and the Thule Omnistor awning. Apart from the bins for the 4.0kg gas cylinders and the battery/charger, there are no external bins for general storage. It’s not practical with this particular body and chassis design.
The electrics, including the 110Ah AGM battery, are located in a bin between the passenger and habitation doors. For charging the battery, there’s a Projecta PM335 35A mains charger and a 200W solar panel. Both the 110-litre fresh water tank and the 55-litre grey water tank are located under the motorhome body.
Interior Layout and Design Efficiency
Anyone familiar with Sunliner’s Pinto range, particularly the 411, might think there’s a whiff of familiarity about the Quest layout. There is … although not quite the same in the kitchen area (but all the elements are there). For a start, there’s a drop-down bed right behind the driver’s cab, with a lounge/dining area below. Across the rear, there’s a bathroom area and the kitchen facilities are in the middle. It’s an excellent example of a compact but practical layout.
Drop-down beds, electric in this case, are a great space saver. There is the disadvantage of not having a fixed lower sleeping space; but having a 1.9m x 1.37m (6ft 3in x 4ft 6in) bed that doesn’t have to be made up every night is a winner. This one can be lowered far enough so as not to be challenging to clamber into and, when needed to be made up, is accessible from both sides. Just one thing, Sunliner: Why are there no reading lights or any sort of lighting above the bed?
Below the bed, the Sunliner designers have been a bit clever with the lounge area because of several variations. The most obvious is two sideways-facing lounges; but with minimal cushion shuffling, the offside lounge can be turned into a two-person café dinette. Under both seats is some precious storage space. I note the ease of the seating changeover because some features like this can be real wrestling matches. The sideways lounges, particularly the offside, can also be used as single beds … although I hasten to note that the seat-belted seating is only for two people. Motorhome TVs are often located in slightly funny viewing positions, but this one (mounted on the fridge cabinet) is easily seen from the seats on both sides.
Kitchen and Dining Setup
The kitchen facilities have a somewhat European look about them, which is fairly compact. Fitted into the nearside kitchen bench is a three-burner hob, round stainless steel sink and an optional oven/grill plus four good-sized drawers. Together with the two overhead lockers, the kitchen provides a generous amount of storage.
On the opposite side, the Thetford three-way fridge has a 138-litre capacity with fridge space above and a freezer drawer below. Above the fridge, the NCE microwave is in the traditional position. Adjacent to the fridge cabinet and making the best use of space is a roller shutter wardrobe with three drawers below.
Rear Ensuite and Bathroom Facilities
Across the rear, the bathroom is different from the usual rectangular shape. However, the offset arrangement means the shower cubicle, Thetford cassette toilet and vanity cabinet all fit in very neatly. The split shower cubicle door not only gives easy access to the shower cubicle but also allows for the vanity cabinet to butt up against it. Neatly fitted into the cabinet are three shelves and three drawers.
Final Thoughts on Sunliner Quest Q411
Using an LDV Delivery 9 is an interesting step for a motorhome builder, which I suspect other manufacturers will be following closely. Using the Chinese truck helps keep the price down and whilst it’s a little less sophisticated than its European counterparts and lacks features like swivelling seats, it still has much to offer a motorhome user.
Sunliner is familiar with the motorhome manufacturing business and the Quest 411 with all its features clearly reflects that. Although the motorhome has been built to a budget it lacks nothing in the essential features (except for any usable external storage).
Pardon the pun, but if you are on a quest for a new motorhome, then Sunliner’s offering is worth a thorough look. A good Delivery, one might say!
Specifications
VEHICLE
Manufacturer Sunliner
Model Quest Q411
Base Vehicle LDV Deliver 9
Tare weight 3,460kg
GVM 4,495kg
Licence Car
Passengers 2
MECHANICAL
Engine 2.0 litre turbo diesel
Power 108kW @ 3,500rpm
Torque 375Nm @ 1,500-2,400rpm
Gearbox 6-speed auto
Brakes Ventilated front, solid rear disc brakes
DIMENSIONS
External length 6.6m (21ft 8in)
External width (incl awning) 2.29m (7ft 6in)
External height 3.27m (10ft 8in)
Internal height 2.1m (6ft 11in)
Bed size 1.9m x 1.37m (6ft 3in x 4ft 6in)
EQUIPMENT
Cooktop Thetford 3-burner hob and Duplex oven/grill
Fridge Thetford N4141A 138-litre 3-way
Microwave Oven NCE
Lighting 12V LED
Batteries 1 x 110Ah AGM
Solar panels 200W
Air conditioner Houghton Belaire 2400
Awning Thule Omnistor
Toilet Thetford cassette
Shower Separate cubicle with split doors
Hot water heater Fogatti instantaneous LPG
Heater Opt
Water tank 1 x 110-litre
Grey tank 1 x 55-litre
Gas cylinders 2 x 4.0kg
Price $162,990.00
Options fitted: Thetford Duplex grill/oven
Supplied by:
Australian Motor Homes
31 Pacific Highway
Bennetts Green NSW 2290
Phone: (02) 4948 0433
australianmotorhomes.com.au
