2018 Swift Conqueror 480 caravan review

Style for two

Just when it seemed Swift’s Conqueror caravans were about to be totally eclipsed by the new, more flamboyant Elegance models, they’ve bounced back. In some style, too. Treat this latest incarnation of the baby-of-the-range as a thoroughly modern reworking of a classic two-berth, end washroom format.

Thanks to Swift’s latest SMART Plus construction techniques, 2018 models are that bit lighter than their predecessors, too. They’re about an inch wider, too, but boy does this make a difference inside.

As you’d expect with any upmarket tourer, exterior features extend to gas and mains connections (they’re either side of a hatch to the nearside settee). The all-new, all-GRP back panel includes fixing points for a bike rack. There’s a distinctive front end to these latest Conquerors, too.

There are no qualms about the security and safety features, either. Al-Ko’s ATC, Thatcham Cat 6 tracker, alarm, rear view camera and more come as standard. You might want to consider an Al-Ko Secure lock for the pre-fitted receiver, to bring it all up to full spec’ and save a few more pounds on your caravan insurance premium into the bargain.

Step inside and there genuinely is a feeling of space in this caravan. Much of this can be attributed to the low-level sideboard running along the nearside from the door to the lounge. It has the desirable effect of really opening up the interior space as well as providing a worktop for a TV (all such connections are easy to hand), while – arguably more importantly – is the drawer and lockers storage it affords.

Occupying the mid-’van along the offside, the first thing you’re likely to notice about the kitchen is the slate-style worktop (official name, Fenix NTM. Don’t ask, but it involves nanotechnology).

It doesn’t just look good, it’s designed to resist scratches as well as being more hygienic and easier to keep clean. It’s also repairable, should anything serious happen. There’s a small, but oh-so useful worktop extension, too.

Dometic’s latest cooker, with separate oven and grill, is here, supplemented by a microwave oven set overhead (but not too high to be a liability; and it’s not directly over the hob). A large drawer directly under the sink devotes half of its space to the provision for cutlery storage. The double-doored cupboard beneath this includes handy slide-out racking.

Topping off the kitchen appliances, there’s a generous 134-litre fridge, which includes a 12-litre removable freezer box.

Across the back, the washroom has space for a lined shower cubicle, complete with water-saving Eco Orbit showerhead with its own trigger operation. There’s a corner panel in here, but nowhere obvious to put your bottle of shampoo, bar of soap etc.

Key to the success of the washroom is the dressing room space it offers. There’s also a fixed sink and mirror, plus Thetford toilet with opaque window beyond. Also, a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe with lower-level shelving.

Perhaps surprisingly, considering all the living quarters are within a length short of five metres, there’s still a more than copious lounge. It’s a standard two-settee affair, with a chest of drawers with pull-out tabletop arrangement (a wrap-around seating option is available if you prefer). Noteworthy details range from the sculpted backrests to the suede-like feel to the upholstery, two-tone gloss finish to the upper lockers. All that’s missing is a USB socket (or two), but maybe that’s intentional as Swift intends Conquerors to appeal to a slightly more conservative audience, compared to those sassy Elegance sisters.

The bed is a generous 2.00m x 1.78m double, relying on pull-out slats between the settee bases. Or, you can have two singles – both 0.67m wide, but the offside, at 1.78m, is some 10cm shorter than the nearside.

 As with any caravan these days boasting aspirational credentials, heating and hot water is courtesy of Alde. Along with other features, it can be monitored and controlled via the Swift Command app. Command? Conqueror? You get the picture!

Verdict: All-out luxury two-berth

Plus: Feeling of space, proven two-berth formula with lots of innovation, comfort and practicality

Minus: Free-standing table storage location, no USB sockets

In-a-nutshell: Top-notch for two

There’s more information on the Conqueror range on the Swift website. To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Bailey Unicorn Seville, Coachman VIP460/2, Lunar Clubman CK