2013 BAV: Nova Pride Platinum
Innovation is the key to the success of Nova’s Pride Platinum luxury caravan.
NOVA PRIDE PLATINUM RATING CARD
VALUE FOR MONEY
The Pride Platinum is quite pricey for an on-road van but, at the same time, it’s a large, luxury van with plenty of fantastic features.
TOWABILITY
This van rides quite high, probably to get the slide-out above the axles, and creates a nose-down profile, so it is a little bit vulnerable to cross winds. It felt a little unsettled by undulations and a bit top-heavy.
SETTING UP AND HITCHING UP
There should be no dramas setting up this van, except that the Hyland ball coupling requires slightly more care than a conventional one.
SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING
If a luxury van is required for long-term touring, then this is it. It’s well made and has welcome feature like solar provision and high clearance.
LAYOUT
The Pride Platinum has a refreshingly different layout with front club-lounge, offside kitchen, east-west bed in the slide-out and rear bathroom. The bedhead sits in the slide-out, creating extra space but, when the slide-out is closed, it’s difficult to squeeze past the end of the bed.
QUALITY OF FINISH
In keeping with Nova tradition, the Pride Platinum has a very high quality finish. It has been the subject of great attention to detail and a keen eye for detail.
BUILD QUALITY
There appears to be a great deal of strength in all the components of this van.
CREATURE COMFORTS
The Pride has absolutely everything you could want, including the slide-out, a sumptuous club lounge, large TV in the bedroom, slide-out barbecue, and self-closing doors for a start.
INNOVATION
The large TV which rises ‘magically’ out of the bedroom cabinets is innovative, but not particularly quiet. The lighting, which can be controlled from wall switches or a remote was a great touch.
X-FACTOR
This van creates a striking first impression and the front club lounge extends a warm invitation to sit down, relax, and take in the view.
THE CARAVAN WORLD VERDICT
People familiar with Nova’s caravan range, and those who aren’t, should take a second look at the new Pride Platinum. Most notably, it sits quite a bit higher off the ground than many vans, giving the impression of being an offroad caravan – although it actually isn't. But the main reason to put it near the top of your list for another look is the inimitable interior layout.
To discover the Nova Pride Platinum final score be sure to check out Caravan World Issue 521. Why not subscribe today!
