by Tom Leaning
The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at Birmingham’s NEC (21 – 26 February) is almost upon us, and among the many launches and 2017 model line-ups from leading touring caravan and motorhome manufacturers, new caravan holiday homes and lodges will be unveiled.
Touring caravans revealed at the show include Lunar’s new four-berth Lexon 590 with mid washroom and end-island layout. Swift Caravans unveils its new six-berth, twin dinette, versatile and well-equipped Sprite Quattro DD, which includes contemporary interior and low-energy LED lighting. Bailey launches its all-new Pursuit range of caravans in 2017, available in six configurations on a four-model line-up and suitable for up to five people.
Alongside the traditional tourer manufacturers, Carapod (formerly Pod Caravans) launch their Nomad: a shiny, retro, chrome pod, weighing only 325 kg but including a double bed, dining area and galley kitchen. Barefoot Caravans will reveal its Naked Barefoot, giving clients the opportunity to design and furnish the interior of their Barefoot to their own specification and taste.
February’s show provides the first opportunity to see Auto-Trail’s new Frontier Scout motorhome in the UK. Made for long-distance adventuring, the new Scout includes a high standard specification plus new features such as roof-mounted awning, new GRP rear panel, new drawer fridge and DAB radio.
For those looking for caravan holiday homes and lodges, or even accommodation options for the back garden, Swift launches its S-Pod 4: a larger, four-berth version of its successful S-Pod 2. ABI promises two launches at the show, while Willerby announces a new luxury lodge and showcases a new glamping product. Wessex launches a new design of its acclaimed signature lodge, the Hideaway; whilst maintaining many of its original features the luxury lodge has clean lines, and contemporary design.
Show visitors can browse over 600 leisure vehicles and holiday homes, with many upgrades and additions to 2017 ranges. Lunar Caravans’ entry-level brand Venus includes new style and comfort features in its 2017 line-up and its premium Alaria collection displays three self-levelling, twin-axle models.
Swift Caravans has updated all its tourers to include full GRP bodyshells, Swift Command and Connect Direct. Elddis will show more than 40 tourers including complete new ranges built on in its SoLiD construction system, while Coachman presents 20 models from its 2017 collection. Adria’s new flagship Alpina range features extra-large multi-functional lounges and extensive storage.
For motorhome enthusiasts, Adria’s new A-class, Tag double-axle Sonic Supreme 810SC motorhome with full silver body shell is at the February show. Providing boutique-style open plan living in the extra vehicle length, with separate lounge, kitchen, and bathroom, it focuses on functionality and luxury including full digital control panel with a multi-media wall and tablet docking station.
Swift has transformed its four-model Autocruise van conversions and radically redesigned the entry level Escape range, with all eight models now under 3500 kg. The Swift Rio joins the Black Edition range comprising Kon-tiki and Bolero models.
Auto-Sleepers’ new coach-built Corinium RB completes the trio of dedicated bedroom models in the range, while Lunar Motorhomes showcases its new coach-built Roadstar and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based Landstar.
Elddis lines up 14 motorhomes from the Autoquest, and Encore ranges with ‘the best ever array of layouts’. Rapido presents models, the 696 FF and the 8096 DF, and Tribute motorhomes an all-new 726: the second model in the range to offer six berths and traveling seats including an over-cab double bed and a pair of full-size bunks. Roller Team adds the value-for-money 685 to its Zefiro range for 2017 with five belts and for a flexible, spacious layout.
In the campervan area, exhibitors include Danbury Motorcaravans, Hillside Leisure, Motorcaravans, and Wildax. Rolling Homes offers its bespoke build service while Bilbo’s is showing the latest Volkswagen conversions with improved comfort and driving dynamics, including Euro 6 engines outputting from 85 HP to 205 HP.
Special edition tourers from the UK’s main dealers include the new Swift Kudos 630DD from Preston Caravans and Motorhomes: a six-berth, tourer with end bed and lounge area. Campbell’s Caravans shows the Cosmos, an eight-model range based on the Lunar Quasar with upgrades such as gas barbecue point, LED mood lighting, furnishing and USB points.
Ropers Caravan World’s stand showcases the Second Generation Jive by Bailey, featuring an external BBQ point and exclusive soft furnishings. Couplands Caravans shows its 2017 Bessacarr by Design models, including its all-new 650 model with rear island bed.
Robinson’s exclusive Ultima tourer range based on the Lunar Lexon comes with 12 different layout options, with the new Ultima 590 joining the line-up for 2017. Broad Lane Leisure launches four special edition tourers while Glossop Caravans’ special editions, developed in partnership with leading caravan manufacturers, include high-specification Coachman Festival, Elddis and Swift models. Grantham Caravans’ displays Swift Sienna and Lunar Solaris models with extensive specifications for 2017.
While at the show ask experts from The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club for advice on the best campsites and adventure holiday locations. New to Caravanning? Join us in the Freedom to Go Experience, where you can try out some of the core skills involved in owning a leisure vehicle. Caravan and motorhome owners are also invited to book a pitch and stay overnight at The NEC: visit www.ccmshow.co.uk/on-site-campsite for details.
Advance ticket prices start from £7.00 per person and children 15 and under for free*. Tickets are on sale now and can be ordered through the website: www.ccmshow.co.uk
