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Bailey announce the 2021 Phoenix+ and Pegasus Grande SE

Welcome the two new Bailey ranges

By Williiam Coleman

Bailey of Bristol, one of the nation’s favourite manufacturers, hosted a YouTube live presentation last night (17th September) to launch its new and improved 2021 lineup. Here is everything you need to know about what is coming your way this season.

This year sees a few changes and upgrades to the existing Bailey lineup. First we see the new and improved Phoenix+ and then the Pegasus Grande SE. But what has changed in these two best sellers?

The Phoenix+

The Phoenix+ range is a relatively new addition to Bailey’s roster, but it seems to have made quite the impression within the marketplace. To make way for these new models it was decided that the Phoenix 760 will be discontinued for the 2021 model year.

The design team at Bailey HQ wanted to create a van that was practical, spacious and stylish both inside and out. This durable four-season van has a lot of features and comfort inside a very generous space.

This is what some would call a ‘mid level’ caravan, but the only thing that makes it mid level is the price. Once you are inside and have a chance to look around, you will see that Bailey does not make a van that has middle price range specifications.

Design and layout

For 2021, Bailey have introduced the new ‘Dove Grey’ GRP-skinned sidewalls, complete with a complementary new graphics scheme. On top of that there is a newly-designed silver-coloured alloy wheels scheme, to give the Phoenix+ a distinctive new appearance not normally found in a caravan in this price bracket.

This year sees six different layouts (420, 440, 642, 644, 640 and 650) ranging from two to five berths on single-axle chassis.

The Phoenix+ has every layout from double singles all the way to French island bends, as well as rear or central washrooms. You really are quite spoilt for choice when it comes to what layout to go for.

Inside, you will find all the mod cons you’d expect from a modern touring van and it comes as standard with a Dometic 106-litre fridge and an 800 watt microwave. To ensure you have all the cooking tools you’ll need, Bailey have fitted a Thetford K-Series combined oven and grill.

There has been a slight revamp of the colour schemes inside these new 2021 models and they are not hugely different from before, but these small changes do seem to make quite a difference.

The furniture colour has changed to a ‘Light Oak’, featuring dual-finish Italian design curved overhead locker doors, combining new ‘Chesham’ soft furnishings and ‘Hazelnut’ loose-fit carpets throughout, including the washroom, to create stylish new interiors beautifully showcased by the signature vertical front picture window.

Weight and towing

The MTPLM of these vans is 1,146 kg to 1,411 kg, model specific of course. So it is always advisable to add up the weight of your rig to see if it’s a weight you are comfortable towing.

Being at a lighter weight does open the door to a lot of younger people with licence restrictions or those with smaller tow vehicles.

Bailey of Bristol managing director Nick Howard said: “The introduction of the Phoenix+ range brings an additional level of refinement to our popular first-choice range.

“Enhanced styling inside and out gives Phoenix a fresh new look, which combined with an already comprehensive specification, accessible unladen weights and a competitive retail price, make it an extremely attractive proposition to people considering their first new caravan purchase.”

The Pegasus Grande SE

Here we see another take on an existing model, an 8ft wide model actually. To date, the Pegasus Grande range has also been a best seller for Bailey when it comes to the wider tourers. So it was only natural that this model was going to continue production and have some new innovations added to keep it a market competitor.

This brings us to the SE models – a limited edition – which will be available around the end of September onwards.

Like last season, you still have six different layouts to choose from, all with the same names too – Rimini, Brindisi, Bologna, Messina, Palermo and Turin.

The Rimini and the Brindis are both single-axle four-berth models, whereas the rest are twin with a sleeping capacity from between four and six.

Design and layout

These are more than just a wider van that provides a bit more foot space at dinner. Bailey constructed the larger models from the ground up and were actually able to add an extra 25% more interior space without compromising on any of the features or fixtures.

Throughout this range you will see layouts with either a G-shaped front lounge with sliding front dinette table (model specific) or a central U-shaped dinette area with wall-mounted table (model specific), making them ideal for those people searching for extra room.

Much like the Phoenix+, this van will also feature ‘Dove Grey’ GRP side walls, complete with a bespoke SE graphics scheme to ensure the Pegasus Grande will continue to stand out from the crowd.

Models feature new construction seating, with knee-rolled sprung base cushions in the front lounge, available in a choice of either ‘Goldhawk’ (standard) or ‘Barbican’ (cost option) fabrics – both of which are supplied with a full complement of scatter cushions.

The kitchen has a total revamp, some would say a makeover, with the inclusion of a circular stainless steel kitchen sink with concealed fixings, a new-design Perspex splashback with chrome detailing, while twin-axle models also benefit from the introduction of the ingenious Dometic 10-series 153_litre electronic fridge freezer with universal-handed door mechanism.

Bailey of Bristol managing director Nick Howard said: “The introduction of the SE Edition brings an additional level of refinement to our most popular 8 ft-wide caravan range.

“Stylish new looks, both inside and out, make an already attractive caravan even better. Offering a unique set of spacious 8 ft-wide layouts in a great value-for-money package, this new limited edition range provides enhanced levels of both comfort and practicality in equal measure.”