2022 Swift Sprite Compact caravan

A small, but potentially important addition to the Sprite line-up for 2022 is this, the aptly named Compact caravan. Its key selling point is going to be its overall width of just 2.03m. Allied to a maximum weight of just 1,094kg, you can see why it will attract couples who are happy to compromise on interior space for a caravan that’s easy to tow by even the smallest of cars, fuel efficient and very keenly priced.

A two-berth, it’s the classic front lounge, end kitchen, corner washroom formula caravan layout. It’s also keenly priced, yet there’s no holding back on the main construction.

The bodywork is GRP and timber-free, with Swift offering an initial six-year integrity warranty (you can extend up to 10 years). As ever, Al-Ko provides the running gear and it’s the usual “smiling face” Sprite look – just not as wide as its stablemates.

The presence of a more traditional three-windowed front, alloy wheels and fixings for a bike rack just help promote the idea this is no makeshift addition to the Sprite caravan range – it’s a serious proposition.  Only the windowless main door suggests cost-paring.

The interior, too, boasts the latest Sprite style in terms of soft furnishings and furniture finish. But, do check out fittings such as the easy action of the locker catches.

At the front of the Sprite Compact, those settees are an inch shy of 6ft – giving the night time option of singled beds (if you’re shorter) or – via slide-out wooden slats – an almost square double (officially, 1.82m x 1.80m). Either way, bedmaking is a straightforward enough exercise.

Roller blinds (with flyscreens) take care of the night-time blackout.

It’s not qot quite the full chest of drawers at the front, but the slide-out tabletop is easy to sort and there’s a second drawer inside the main one, as well as a lower-level locker.

Across the back of the Sprite Compact, there’s sufficient kitchen space to house a full Thetford cooker, with three-ring hob and separate grill and oven. The circular sink alongside seems a little bit outsized – it’s certainly steals any work surface here. There’s good cupboard space below, however, where you’ll find a small cutlery drawer and some chrome racking.

A microwave oven is shoehorned in over the right side of the kitchen unit, leaving space for just one high-level locker (with racking for mugs and plates).

A Dometic 98-litre fridge with removable freezer box is in the unit the other side of the main door, where you’ll also find some handy worktop.

In the corner washroom, it’s a surprise to see fittings more usually associated with upmarket models. There’s a window, for example, along with a water-efficient Ecocamel showerhead on a riser bar. The walls are plastic-lined, too, meaning it’s easier to keep the Sprite Compact clean and waterproof.

Along with a swivel-bowl toilet and fixed handbasin, the only locker storage here has somewhat flimsy plastic doors. There’s also a large shelved area which could also prove handy for tucking away the shower curtain when it’s not needed.

Next to the washroom is a real full-size wardrobe. The free-standing table stows in here, as does the TV aerial pole,  for travel but you should still find plenty of room for your clothes.

The details in the Sprite Compact are there, too – from the double coat hook just inside the door to the large mirror in the washroom. Plenty of overhead lockers and space in both settee bases means you’ll be able to take advantage of the maximum 114kg allowance for storage.  And, although the JVC FM/AM stereo counts as pretty basic these days, nevertheless, it has a USB port and can be connected to your iPhone.

Perfectly in keeping with the long-held Sprite ethos of caravanning for everyone, this Compact fills an important niche not just in the Swift portfolio, but across the whole market.

Verdict: Light, narrow, well turned out… what’s not to like?

Plus: Narrow body, all the usual Swift Sprite attributes, light weight

Minus: More lights might be needed… and sockets, beds are on the small side

In-a-nutshell: Lean and keen little cracker

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 page. As viewed at Salop Leisure, Shrewsbury.

Alternatives: Xplore 304