2021 Swift Elegance 565 caravan

Here’s a caravan that has no trouble living up to its model name. In 565 guise, this Swift Elegance (sic) comes with permanent single beds and a full-width end washroom.

It’s from Swift’s flagship range, comprising seven models for 2021 (three of which are extra-wide-bodied Elegance Grandes). So, it’s not cheap (or light), but it’s got a lot going for it, starting with a stylish exterior look.

There are typical rounded leading edges and a full-width front locker in a graphite finish to contrast with the main white. Chrome retractable handle matches the finish of the grab handles, while premium items such as Heavy-duty corner steadies, the usual external gas and mains electric sockets, plus an external shower outlet are all to the fore.

Under the skin is just as impressive. Swift’s Smart 3 construction means GRP-inner as well as outer walls and floor with polyurethane blocks in lieu of any timber. The roof and floor underside are also GRP-skinned.

Single beds in style

Inside the Swift Elegance 565, it’s all about the beds. Those fixed singles are slightly staggered, with their padded headboards at the washroom end. Size is key, of course.  At 75cm, they’re a decent width. Just note the nearside is only some 1.72m long. The offside is a far more accommodating 1.90cm.

They certainly don’t fall short on comfort. Duvalite memory fibre one-piece mattresses are on sprung slatted base frames that are not just easy to lift up they’re also noticeably strong. Both base units have locker hatches (note the neat pipework and wiring in here, too), with the dining table stowing in the nearside. Dimmable reading lights add to the comfort factor.

Up front, there’s also the opportunities for child’s length (1.63m) single beds or a generous 2.00m x 1.63m transverse double from the lounge seating. It’s a typical parallel settees lounge, with a central furniture unit housing a slide-out top that offers a flat surface. Plus, there’s a large drawer (with an internal drawer) as well as a floor locker.

Seat comfort in the Swift Elegance 565 is good – there’s a firm feel to it – and it’s all lifted by the rather glamorous scatter cushions and other details such as the lighting, the curve to the two-tone finish of the overhead lockers, stereo with two speakers and four reading lamps, all individually dimmable.

The kitchen has a considerable section of flip-up worktop. It’s no surprise to find a full Thetford cooker and an inset circular sink in brushed stainless steel, with a flush-fitting microwave oven overhead between the sink and hob (so it doesn’t particularly get in the way of either). It’s flanked by lockers, with easy-to-use push-button catches and a soft-close action – plate rack in the right, cupholders in the left.

Details include two mains sockets and a full splash guard panel, whilst over on the nearside the Dometic fridge/freezer has dual hinges so you can open it from either side. There’s also an Omnivent overhead.

The big advantage to a floorplan like this is it allows for constant access to the washroom facilities, without disturbing the occupants of any of the beds or seats. It’s a generously proportioned washroom, too, with plenty of space for the swivel-bowl toilet on the offside, to the shower cubicle on the nearside. In the centre, the handbasin is a large moulding but actual capacity isn’t that great.

The shower cubicle is plastic-lined. There’s a riser bar for the Ecocamel showerhead, and two plugholes underfoot. Alde’s “wet” central heating system provides the hot water, but there’s room for a heated towel rail, although there is a full wardrobe.

Ventilation is courtesy of a central roof light and an opaque window beyond the toilet.

Throughout this Elegance 565 caravan, there are all the usual Swift touches, and more. From the panel in the lounge with mains socket and double USB ports right through to the extending shaving mirror and two speakers in the washroom.

Plus, it’s packed full of safety and security fixtures, such as a Sergeant tracking device (subscription to pay for), rearview camera, Al-Ko ATC, alarm and Al-ko Secure wheel lock. All of these will add up to a generous discount on your caravan insurance.

Inevitably, there’s a price to pay for all this modern luxury. Some seven years since launch, Swift’s Elegance caravans are as fresh and stylish as ever.

Verdict: Upmarket tourer majoring on aesthetics

Plus: GRP-clad bodywork with lifetime water ingress warranty, excellent detail touches, overall practicality

Minus: Shorter nearside bed, washroom lacks a heated towel rail

In-a-nutshell: Swift turns on the style

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

Alternatives: Adria Alpina Colorado, Coachman VIP 565, Hobby Excellent 540 WLU