25 May, 2016

AOR QUANTUM PLUS: REVIEW

by Michael Browning

Queensland-based offroad specialist AOR has taken the proven formula from its entry-level Quantum (Q) Series IV Super Camper pop-top, which took the prize in its category at the 2016 Camper Trailer of the Year awards, to come up with this excellent addition to its range.

LAYOUT & DESIGN

In its standard configuration, the latest Q+ looks similar, at first glance, to the Q, but closer inspection reveals its longer body that extends 300mm ahead of the door and 400mm to the rear. What this means is more living space around the two-seater cafe dinette, with a separate lounge opposite, spanning the area between the north-south bed and the rear door.

Small changes but – as any long-term traveller will know – a few extra millimetres here and there can make all the difference to long-term livability on the road.

While it gains significant extra space and versatility, the Q+ loses little in offroad ability compared to its shorter Q sibling. The chassis is a little longer, but the raked body’s rear departure angle is the same, as is the in-house developed independent trailing arm suspension with its twin shock absorbers per 17x8in Sunraysia wheel.

The Q+ shares the same Matrix Series IV-inspired ‘faceted’ front styling that not only incorporates the deep lock-up boot and capacious fold-down wood rack above, but also allows the Quantum to slip through the air easier than its predecessors.

The new, slightly bulbous tail moulding also comes from the latest Matrix, emphasising the benefits of AOR moving from an aluminium frame and cladding to full composite wall construction on all its current ranges.

Twin jerry can holders mounted on the front flanks, a stone mesh front shield, checkerplate covering the drawbar, a DO35 offroad hitch and a robust fold-up jockey wheel complete the Q+’s impressive offroad spec.

BEDROOM & STORAGE

Even with these inclusions, exterior storage remains excellent, with a deep boot up front, plus a slide-out drawer with a 50kg capacity on the offside that can also be configured with a generator slide. Beside it is a separate locker that can be used for additional storage, or to house an air-conditioner, as was fitted to our test van. The Q+’s twin 4.5kg gas cylinders have their own storage compartment, immediately behind the through-the-body pole carrier fitted behind the front boot.

However, it is family buyers who stand to benefit the most, with AOR offering two single bunks as an option which form out of the cafe dinette. If this is specified, the dinette seats lose their under-knee bolsters to become flat cushions, with an additional in-full cushion that sits on the lowered table to form a flat, single bed.

If fitted, the upper single bunk then folds down against the wall across the window when not in use, with its foam mattress forming the backrest of a day lounge.

When bunks are specified, AOR expects many buyers will then option the additional nearside window to let more light into the interior when the upper bunk is in the folded position.

The best thing about the Q+ is that the extra length has given buyers more options to configure it to their personal needs. In place of the lounge fitted opposite the dinette, couples, for example, may prefer to have a chest of drawers to supplement those under the bed, lounge and vanity, or perhaps an internal robe. And, if you’d rather extra daylight or ventilation, the external pantry can be replaced by another window if you need it.

BATHROOM

While the combined shower and toilet module in the right-hand rear corner remains the same size as that in the shorter Q, there is more room to access the adjacent vanity and its built-in sink that spans the rest of the rear wall.

THE BOTTOM LINE

With the discontinuation of the AOR Eclipse and Meridian Super Camper models last year, the Quantum, priced from $92,900 in its base form, is the cheapest AOR model you can buy currently, at least until the new Odyssey breaks cover mid-year.

Buyers, it seems, make their choice based on AOR’s track record for quality construction and finish, proven offroad ability and excellent resale value that together justify the premium charged – and accepted – over other seemingly similar pop-top hybrids.

In this context, the extra equipment and the possibilities that it opens up for a range of travellers makes the Q+ a relative bargain at $99,900 – just $7000 more than the entry-level Series IV Quantum.