Family fortunes…
Almost reinvented for the season ahead. Almost? Well, there are too many changes to list here, but there are certainly enough highlights beyond the usual new “cuff and collars” – i.e exterior graphics, interior trim.
Indeed, Swift has pulled off something of a coup. Not only does Sprite proudly carry the banner of the UK’s best-selling caravan range, it’s also been voted top in the annual Practical Caravan Owner Satisfaction Awards – for the second year running.
No surprise, then, that the range has up to 10 models for 2018. Of four twin axle Quattro models, the EB here is the only four-berth – the rest host up to six – offering up the luxury of a transverse island bed at the back. It’s also the only all-new model to be introduced this time around
The new, three-windowed front is certainly a statement that Sprite caravans are moving inexorably upmarket. Also among the exterior upgrades are LED rear lights, new grab handles, Status TV aerial and flush-fitting, impact-resistant sideskirting.
Without the Diamond Pack, safety and security features are pretty thin on the ground. It’s a safe bet to say, though, that every Swift Sprite sold this season will have it, despite the £595 premium. Consider it worth it, though, when you see what’s involved – alloy wheels (steel spare), door flyscreen, microwave oven, radio/CD/MP3 player, two scatter cushions… plus the peace of mind of a stabiliser and wheel lock receivers, all courtesy of Al-Ko. Also, the front sunroof shown here is from the extras list. Again, it seems to be a must-have fitting. Plus the Swift Command Tracker will knock pounds of your caravan insurance premium once you’ve paid the subscription – fitted as standard to all 2017 and 2018 caravans.
Inside, things have been refreshed across all 2018 Sprites, with cream-coloured locker doors helping to lighten up the whole interior. The front lounge/rear bedroom format should prove popular with families of four or couples who want a separate sleeping area.
The transverse island bed has the spare wheel in its base. It’s not the ideal location in terms of ease of access, as well as taking up valuable storage space.
That’s practically the only point of criticism here in a bedroom that includes a corner unit for a TV, windows to two sides (but it’s on a standard rooflight overhead), mini dresser units with drawers and cupboards, plus three overhead lockers set high enough there’s no problem sitting up in bed.
The bed itself can push back in daytime mode, should you want a bit more walk-around space, while there’s a single sliding door for slightly tricky access from bedroom to the washroom.
It’s a roomy washroom, though, stretching across the width of the caravan. There’s a part-circular, plastic-lined shower cubicle, with upmarket Ecocamel showerhead, but just the one plughole.
The central basin is small but deep. There’s a Thetford toilet with window beyond and a shallow locker above this. Also in here is a generous floor-to-ceiling wardrobe.
The kitchen along the offside includes a worktop extension. The three-ring cooker with separate oven and grill is set far right, with a sink to its immediate left. Like the cooker, the fridge is from Dometic. Storage is a bit compromised, and there’s not really an excuse for such a small cutlery drawer.
With few direct rivals in this twin axle format, you can’t help thinking Swift is onto a bit of a winner with the Quattro EB.
Verdict: The price is still right, despite all the upgrades
Plus: Quality and comfort, keenly priced
Minus: Spare wheel location
In-a-nutshell: Moving on up from the bargain basement
There’s more information on the Sprite range on the Swift website. To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page
Alternatives: Bailey Pegasus Brindisi, Elddis Avante 554, Lunar Quasar 674
Sprite Swift Quattro EB factfile
Model | Sprite Swift Quattro EB |
Dimensions | 7.98m L, 2.25m W, 2.59m H |
Internal length | 6.27m |
Berths | 4 |
MTPLM | 1,642kg |
Payload | 205kg |
RRP | from £19,935 |
Safety & security | Thatcham Cat 6 tracker (subscription required), smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, CRiS |
Key options | Diamond Pack (£595), alternative upholsteries (from £195), wraparound front cushions (£195), front sunroof (£365), Al-Ko ATC (£349), solar panel (£275), bike rack (£288), Oyster satellite TV system (from £2,248), Cytrac DX Vision (from £1,906), air conditioning (£1,650) |
We brought a swift Quattro EW twin axle, the spare wheel was under the fixed bed but I needed the space for storage ,so I had a spare wheel carrier fitted to the rear, behind the 2nd axle and my nose weight is 65kg. Now I have all my contents are stored under the fixed bed.
So long as the contents are packed low down, and you have a good nose weight, with a good tow car that’s capable of towing, then this Caravan is a great tow.
Hi , we have had our Sprite quattro EB for just over 12 months and have just noticed the large front curved window in the middle has a crack on both outside and inside layers starting from a point in the rubber at the top of the window. Surely this would be a warranty claim- would you agree? We have only been away in it twice as we have had other commitments .What would have caused this?
We’d suggest taking it back to your Swift dealer for inspection, so they can ascertain if it’s a potential warranty claim.
We have had a spare wheel carrier under our previous van and to put it simply don’t use one. Always best to have the wheel in the front locker if you can if the nose weight ok with it there or under the fixed bed if needs even if you can’t take it out via a side locker door. Never had to use our spare but when moved it from the front locker under rear of van the tyre rubber perishes much quicker, even if put it in any protective cover of any kind. They all damage and perish the tyre much quicker with condensation etc than if kept in a secure and dry, dark area with better temperature control as well.
we have got our new Swift Sprite Quattro EB caravan after a lot of looking at many caravans this is the one that we kept going back to. but apart from the spare wheel under the bed we can’t fault it great layout I will be looking at getting the spare wheel carrier for it so that will sort that out. But agree with others it would be better fitted as standard.
I love this caravan. Its my second choice at the moment. I really like the fixed bedroom, bathroom in a good place, no one walking in your space to get to it.
Im in a seasonal site so i’d put the spare wheel in my shed at home so ive more storage so thats not a problem. I wish the fridge was larger but over all i really like the set out.
I agree with the negative comment about the spare wheel under the bed. This not only takes up valuable room but also restricts access around it too which further compromises storage space. I bought a Swift Major 4 EB this year which also had the same problem so I decided to invest in an Alko spare wheel carrier which my previous Swift caravan came with. The mounting holes come as standard as part of the Alko chassis so it’s very easy to fit. For the sake of £100 (or less) I’d rather Swift include this as standard and adjust the price accordingly making storage under the bed much easier.
Thanks Andy. We’ll pass on this feedback to Swift.