Features

2014 Sprite Caravans get Smart Construction and upgraded heating

The new sprite range has a refreshed interior look, new exterior graphics and an improved heating system.

by Chris Jefferies

The Sprite Caravans name has always stood for good value for money and clever use of space, and the 2014 collection is no exception.

Built by the Swift Group, these caravans will benefit from Smart Construction for the beginning of the new season.

This new technique uses PURe (a type of polyurethane) to replace all the wood in the caravan framework, making it 10-14kg lighter and more resilient to the elements.

On top of this, the new Sprite range has been given a refreshed interior look, new exterior graphics and an improved heating system.

Spec and styling

The first thing Sprite fans will notice is the retro exterior design, with champagne and graphite graphics complimenting the new full-height rear panel and rear brake lights.

As with the 2013 Sprite range, a panoramic sunroof can be fitted to the front end as an optional extra.

On the inside, Sprite owners will be comfier than ever before thanks to the upgraded Truma Combi boiler, which now generates up to 4KW in smaller models and up to 6KW in larger models.

Digital controls make it easy to get the settings just right, while the Grade III insulation will keep the heat in, even in the depths of winter.

In the washrooms you’ll find a new Ecocamel shower head, which makes more efficient use of the water tank and delivers a more powerful stream.

Touring chefs can call on the three-burner hob, oven and separate grill, while the Thetford fridge has been improved, with a black finish and digital controls.

Extra security comes in the form of the Thatcham-approved Tracker Retrieve stolen vehicle recovery system, which comes fitted as standard.

And those looking for added spec can pay a bit extra for the Diamond Pack, which includes a microwave, Al-Ko wheel locks and stabilisers.

The interior design has also had something of a makeover, with dark chocolate fabric on the upholstery, French oak-effect vinyl on the floors and geometric pattern scatter cushions for extra comfort.

Prices and layouts

Seven popular layouts have been retained for the 2014 season, ranging from the end-washroom two-berth Alpine 2 to the twin-axle Quattro FB, which can sleep up to six.

The one key change is that the Musketeer TD layout has been dropped in favour of a new twin-axle layout, the Quattro EW (pictured above).

As the name suggests, this six-berth van is similar to the Quattro FB, but with an end washroom instead of a compact wetroom.

This has been achieved by fitting an L-shaped lounge in the front of the van and shifting the dinette further forwards.

Unlike traditional L-shaped lounges, the new Quattro has an offside bench, which allows for easier bed make-up and more occasional seating space if needed.

Exact weights and price tags are yet to be confirmed but Nick Page, Commercial Director at Swift Group, says that the 2014 Sprite range will be competitively priced.

“Sprite is one of our top selling ranges and with the new Smart construction and changes for 2014 we believe it will be the best built and specified caravan available on the market from around £13,000.”

All eight models will be on display at the Lawns Caravan Extravaganza in Cottingham (7-8 September).

In the meantime, keep checking back with CaravanTimes for full video coverage of the 2014 Sprite range.



Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes