2014 Swift Sterling Eccles SE Topaz caravan review

The Sterling Eccles SE Topaz made by Swift, is a two-berth model built using the company’s new SMART technology. Although considered a mid-range caravan, its interior design is far from middle-of-the-road.

The company states that SMART is based on proven technology and provides a strong timber-less body frame with modern desirable looks and a leading aerodynamic shape that is resilient to moisture, all wrapped up in a caravan that has undergone the most comprehensive testing.

The new strong timber-less body frame uses ‘PURe’, a tough hard polyurethane based product that is totally impervious to water and has been proven through use.  The construction method prevents the transfer of moisture from the 5000 Series marine grade aluminium sidewalls to the wall board inside, making the caravan highly resilient to moisture.

The interior design and colour scheme is one that belongs with modern living; think of a modern apartment. Lots of white lockers with chunky, funky chrome handles, white patterned work tops in the kitchen with a practical, space maximising work top extension, contrasted with black to the hob, grill, oven and fridge fronts. Add a white and chrome tap with a granite effect sink and an abstract, LED backlit geometric pattern grey and white splash back; well, you’ve got the message.

The message is loud and clear in the shower room with a twisty, curvy, chrome heated towel rail, and an Ecocamel water saving shower head, a white and chrome tap at the basin, a white wardrobe and a cupboard under the basin.

The upholstery is brown, hessian effect, but with an iridescent fleck of bronze, decadent, bold red and grey curtains, and a long pile shaggy sparkly scatter rug. It’s fair to say that if you want to err on the side of caution, then there is an alternative fabric option, but why bother?

The parallel seating converts into a 6ft 8ins x 5ft 9 ins double bed and there is good access to the under bed lockers. TV addicts have a choice of two places for the television, either by the chest of drawers or on the dresser opposite the kitchen, if you’re not using your iPad. LED energy efficient lighting is under the kitchen work tops, and for task lights; there are low level night lights, other energy saving measure is the 40W roof mounted solar panel. An LCD touch screen control panel controls the Alde heating and hot water system.

On the exterior, the graphics are more subtle than you’d expect compared with the interior and there is a BBQ point and a 230V socket. It’s built on an AL-KO chassis and has an Al-KO Secure receiver, Al-KO stabiliser, Al-KO ATC trailer control system, a Thatcham approved tracker retriever system and a passive infra-red alarm system. All that’s missing, security wise is the Al-KO Secure wheel lock and you may want to ask your dealer to fit one as an optional extra security system; your insurance company may suggest that you do so.

Verdict

It’s a bold, trendy interior, ideal for those who think traditional style caravan interiors are so last century; we liked it!

In summary:

• Swift Sterling Eccles SE Topaz
• Berths 2
• Length including tow bar; 6.06m
• Internal length; 4.4m
• Overall width; 2.25m
• Headroom; 1.95m
• MRO;1171kgs
• MTPLM;1292kgs
• Overall height; 2.64m
• Awning size; 8.77m

Cost to insure: £236*

Recommended Retail Price: £18,995.00*

Visit the Swift website for more information

*Caravan insurance cost based on Swift Sterling Eccles SE Topaz caravan retailing at £18,995. Fitted with hitchlock, wheel clamp, tracking device and alarm. Kept on drive at HX4 0BE. Caravanners over 30 years old, claim free for 3 years and a member of a caravanning club. £100 excess. 180 days European cover and up to £75 per day for up to 15 days emergency accommodation cover included. Legal expenses cover, extended European cover and other emergency accommodation expenses cover options are available at extra cost. Quote includes 10% online discount and 6% Insurance Premium Tax and is correct as of 03/06/2014

**Price is ex-works and includes VAT @ 20% but excludes a recommended retailer delivery charge of £545.0 including VAT which includes delivery and preparing your caravan for collection by you.