Going the extra third!
2020 and the momentum behind extra-wide caravans continues unabated. Swift has announced 10 new models for the season ahead – and all are 8ft (2.45m) wide.
Bigger and better is certainly a growing theme for Swift’s Sprites and their Super (extra-wide) twin axles. It’s the EB that’s all-new for the 2020 season, taking the Sprite Supers up to a trio and adding a bit of extra oomph to a line-up that already claims the title, the UK’s best-selling caravan range and Practical Caravan’s Tourer of the Year 2020.
Swift describes all of its Sprites as “refined and rejuvenated” for the season ahead. As is the way, 2020 models all sport different graphics, while inside there’s a new soft furnishing scheme, for starters.
The traditional three-windows front which was introduced back in 2016 continues. Combined with the full-width front locker design, it contrives to give Sprites something of a “smiley face”. Indeed, only the one-piece door offers a hint this is supposed to be a budget caravan model.
Bodywork is a variant of Swift’s SMART construction technique, with GRP-clad sides, GRP outer roof, front and back panel, and polyurethane rather than wood for the framework. Insulation is Styrofoam for the floor, polystyrene for the walls and roof.
Inside, the furniture is flat but Swift adds in enough curves elsewhere to maintain the feeling this is a very modern caravan.
A shorter lounge – those settees don’t stretch to full, adult-sized single beds (although they do combine into a transverse double that’s a commendable 2.25m x 1.63m) – means there’s more space elsewhere, specifically the full-width central washroom and an end bedroom with transverse island bed.
There are few qualms in the kitchen. The Thetford cooker has three gas rings and a separate oven and grill. There’s a circular sink in good old stainless steel and a handy worktop extension.
The Dometic fridge under the counter is small by today’s standards, while the microwave oven is given a sensible location over the worktop.
There’s a solid door for the central washroom from the main living zone.
A fixed basin and deep mirror occupy the central bulkhead, with swivel-bowl toilet in the nearside corner, and a wardrobe next to it.
Offside is a part-circular shower cubicle.
Then, there’s sliding door access to what is as private a bedroom as you’ll get in any touring caravan, with its transverse island double. That’s a new mattress for this season, too. It’s called Apollo Luxe and it comes from Duvalay, long the favoured supplier of mattresses to Swift.
The bedroom feels roomy, too, because it’s not hemmed in by wardrobes either side – and that’s despite a relative lack of window and rooflight space.
The ever-popular Diamond Pack option continues, offering a stereo with DAB/FM radio reception (integrated into the Swift Command system for controlling all aspects of the vehicle), alloy wheels (plus spare in steel), flyscreen door, microwave oven, scatter cushions and two key safety fittings – an AKS 3004 stabiliser and Secure wheel lock receiver, both from Al-Ko.
Fitting an Al-KO Secure wheel lock will attract a discount on your caravan insurance with Caravan Guard, as well as subscribing to the Swift Command tracking system.
Also, the front sunroof shown here is from the options list. Not everyone wants such a feature, although there’s no denying the extra light – and ventilation – it allows into the whole caravan.
Look out for details of Swift Advance Finance, if you want to explore ways to organise your purchase of any Swift leisure vehicle.
Verdict: Extra wide, but far from extra shallow
Plus: Enhanced specification for 2020, keen pricing, extra width
Minus: The usual weight challenges
In-a-nutshell: The Super Sprite story continues
There’s more information on the Sprite Super 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 Grande Brindisi, Elddis Avanté 860
Swift Sprite Super Quattro EB factfile
Model | Swift Sprite Super Quattro EB |
Dimensions | 7.98m L, 2.46m W, 2.59m H |
Internal length | 6.27m |
Berths | 4 |
MTPLM | 1,705kg |
MIRO | 1,500kg |
Payload | 205kg |
RRP | from £22,985 |
Safety & security | Thatcham Cat 6 tracker (subscription required), smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, CRiS VIN CHIP |
Key options | Diamond Pack (£610), SwiftShield upholstery (£395), wraparound front cushions (£175), Al-Ko ATC (£349), Oyster satellite TV system (from £2,293), Cytrac TV system (from £1,945), air conditioning (£1,650), panoramic sunroof (£365), 80W solar panel (£275), cycle rack (£288), Swift Command Tracker annual subscription (£95), Al-Ko Secure Wheel Lock (£265), alarm (£260). |
I clicked on it so that I could vote regarding winter usage of our van – not what came up!!!!!
I was asked to vote on if I used my motorhome in the winter or not. Instead I was directed to an advert for a Swift caravan. Having had a poor experience with Swift I would never have pressed the link. Please stop this backdoor advertising tactic.
Sorry Dave, the link from our e-magazine appears to be re-directing to a review of the Swift Sprite Super caravan. We’re looking to rectify this.
This is not a review its a description!