by Chris Jefferies
The ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/swift/">Swift Group stand at the Caravan and Camping Show (18-23 February) was certainly eye-catching, with the company going all-out to impress on the occasion of its golden anniversary.
Two new names led the charge, in the form of the ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/swift/swift-elegance/">Swift Elegance and ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/sterling/sterling-continental/">Sterling Continental, both of which feature ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/swift/smart-ht.htm">Smart HT construction.
These two luxury ranges sit atop the Swift touring caravan collection, offering even more finesse than the Swift Conqueror and Sterling Elite ranges.
As if this wasn’t enough, Swift installed two special edition one-off caravans on their stand to draw the punters in: a gold liveried Elegance on a mirrored dais and a deconstructed Continental to show the innards of this cunning new construction system.
These two concept vehicles sat alongside four layouts in each range, with bold new graphics and a striking curved front end profile.
Hi-Tech materials
Swift fans will already be familiar with Smart Construction, the timberless manufacturing process that the company introduced last summer, but Smart HT takes this principle to the next level.
The HT stands for High-Tech and brings an automotive level of precision to the build process, as well as some truly pioneering materials.
The all-new shape is made possible by SRIM panels in each corner, which are injection moulded to ensure smooth lines and no water entry points.
What’s more, the intersection of the walls and roof features aluminium cant rails and cold bridge technology to eliminate any condensation on the GRP walls.
Finally, this is all bolted to a pioneering new five-layer sandwich-construction floor, which is patent pending.
Swift claims that these changes will make their two new ranges stronger and more resilient to the elements than ever before, while reduce the drag co-efficient by 18%, which in turn should lead to lower mpg while towing.
Luxury touches
As well as being the only Swift ranges to feature Smart HT, the Continental and Elegance feature a whole host of premium goodies as well.
Owners will get Hi-MACS worktops, soft-close drawers, chrome bathroom radiators, USB charging points, dimmable LED spotlights, and an illuminated cocktail cabinet.
This look is backed up by a sumptuous interior, featuring high-gloss lockers, chrome trim and modern design flourishes, particularly in the Sterling Continental, which resembles an executive saloon in its styling.
But it’s the subtle touches that show how well thought through these ranges have been, with a spirit level embedded in the front chest, so you can level up with ease.
As you’d expect, both models come backed up by Swift’s industry-leading ten-year bodyshell warranty.
Elsewhere, all the luxury touches are present and correct, including Duvalay memory foam mattresses, dual fuel hobs, and Alde central heating, which has been improved by the fitment of moulded heating channels.
And the clever new construction system frees up an extra 106mm of space, which is used to create more front lounge space in some models, while others have been trimmed to save weight.
Layouts, weights and prices
At launch, Swift will be offering the Elegance and Continental with four layouts apiece, mirrored across the two collections.
For couples the 480 model offers a classic two-berth layout, with a truly palatial front lounge, an offside kitchen and a full-width rear washroom.
The 570 offers the UK’s most popular layout, with a fixed double bed in the centre, mounted lengthways to the nearside wall.
The range is completed by a pair of transverse island bed layouts, available on a single-axle (580) or twin-axle (645), which allows for a full-height fridge/freezer to be fitted.
To see full weights and prices of the Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental ranges, ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://community.caravantimes.co.uk/main/authorization/signUp?target=http://community.caravantimes.co.uk/profiles/blogs/swift-elegance-and-sterling-continental-prices-and-weights">click here
For full video coverage of both of these ranges, keep checking back with CaravanTimes. In the meantime, click on the slideshow below for a closer look at the Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental:
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