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quoteIn the family style
Swift hits the middle market with serious gusto with its eight-model Challenger line-up.
If you want a caravan with a bit more living space – or really do want to cater for up to six – take a closer look at the 590.
Aimed at larger families… this is a single axle for up to six; indeed, it’s the only six-berth in the range. But, there’s a lot of luxury on board.
As you’d expect, there are lots of enhancements in this 2018 version. It loses out in one respect, however, in that it’s nudged the price over the £21,000 mark as well as putting on just a little bit of extra weight. Nevertheless, the standard 1,600kg MTPLM is par for this this kind of tourer. In other words, you’re looking for a pretty hefty towcar.
Of course, the graphics and interior colourings are new. These things tend to go without saying. The more important upgrades are features like; upgraded side skirting, new alloy wheel design, more substantial shower tray, ambient interior lighting… it’s details, details, but they do add up.
There’s also more on the extra’s list – including air conditioning – while the option to upgrade from Truma to Alde heating is retained (if you want to specify the latter, add 20kg to the MTPLM).
The interior layout is a three-way front lounge/centre kitchen and washroom/rear children’s room split. Turn right as you enter for the latter – those fixed bunk beds are the natural habitat of kids. Also here at the back of the 590 caravan is a three-seater dinette arrangement that can also be made into two more beds. It all adds up to a kid’s zone at the back – and most would argue it’s a good thing to see a privacy screen here.
The washroom has a step-in shower, oval fixed basin, swivel-bowl toilet. There’s a large mirror where a window could (should?) be. It’s an improved rooflight, too, compared to earlier models – but it’s still a little small. And, storage is at a bit of a premium considering this is supposed to be a family caravan.
The kitchen definitely fares better. As you’d expect, it’s a dual-fuel hob with separate oven and grill. The sink is to the right of the hob, where there’s also a bit of worktop, plus an extension section far right. The microwave oven location should find favour, too. It’s over the sink area where it’s easy to access at all times (directly over the cooker, where others put theirs, can be tricky when the hob is in use).
As you’d hope for a family caravan, the front lounge is generous in size. Those settees are different lengths – so you could consider single beds (1.86m long on the nearside, but some 10cm shorter on the offside). More feasible is the creation of a more than generous 2.02m x 1.76m transverse double.
Needless to say, too, Swift isn’t afraid to lavish a bit of style. The gloss finish to the overhead lockers, for example. It stays practical, too. The wardrobe, between kitchen and lounge, is definitely family-sized, despite accommodating the lounge table.
When it comes to factory-fitted extras, it’s the Lux Pack (exterior gas and mains electric points, exterior-access hatch, alarm, even a kitchen splashback panel) that grabs the headlines. However, for extra safety and security respectively, you might want to consider Al-Ko’s ATC and Secure axle wheel lock. There’s also a £95 annual subscription to activate the Swift Command tracking system, which is fitted as standard and will help keep your caravan insurance premium down.
Verdict: Lots of family-friendly features make this a six-berth winner
Plus: Rear kid’s zone with fixed bunks, excellent price:specification ratio
Minus: Washroom falls a little short
In-a-nutshell: Challenger for the six pack
There’s more information on the Challenger range on the Swift website. To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page
Alternatives: Adria 612 DT Rhine, Compass Casita 586/Elddis Avante 586
Swift Challenger 590 factfile
| Model | Swift Challenger 590 |
| Dimensions | 7.54m L, 2.23m W, 2.61m H |
| Internal length | 5.83m |
| Berths | 6 |
| MTPLM | 1,600kg |
| Payload | 181kg |
| RRP | from £21,630 |
| Safety & security | Thatcham Cat 6 tracker (subscription needed), Al-Ko AKS 3004 stabiliser, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, CRiS. |
| Key options | Lux Pack (£595), alternative upholsteries (from £195), wraparound front cushions (£175), Al-Ko ATC (£349), Alde heating (£750), Al-Ko Secure lock (£265), bike rack (£288), Oyster satellite TV system (from £2,248), Cytrac DX Vision (from £1,906), air conditioning (£1,500), Swift Command annual subscription (£95). |
I’ll never buy another swift again
My husband is a big man so thought the one that they used in this pic was just what we were looking for.. Saw the one you were talking about thanks Liz.
We own the vogue model of this caravan with 4 children and 2 adults it fairs well on our many holidays…only downside is the shower which can handle only 2 scarce shower turns before running out of water.
a great looking home from home .as a widower (solo)a van of 2 berth with bunks and a m.t.p.l.m of 1.400 would be utopia = not to big a towing vehicle bunks not a bed would be ideal (I think)for a single person giving options for long breaks (hill walking .golfing e.t.c )the second bunk could be used for storage or a partner.i suppose a 4 berth is the answear but not what I am really trying to explain NICE VAN ON SHOW. LOOKS GOOD
Would like to know where I can buy the steps with the hand rail if possible..
Towsure have something similar Mags: https://www.towsure.com/quest-double-step-with-handrail