by Holly Tribe
Last year the Swift Charisma 565 underwent a makeover and re-joined Swift’s entry level range as a better configured, more practical member of the Charisma family.
The original rear kid’s room which features a fixed triple/ side bunk configuration has been re-jigged to house two fixed, and two convertible bunks providing much better headroom for growing teens. The other major development is a new separate shower cubicle in the washroom which endows the 565 with a really decent family bathroom.
Swift has designed this six berth family van on a single axle chassis, so while it may not come equipped with all the kit included in higher end ranges, the compromise in spec should be a good one for customers looking for a good value, lighter weight, family van.
Space & Practicality
The kitchen and washroom are set over the axle with the front dinette and rear ‘kids room’ leading off on either side. Up front the full length settees can be used either as single beds, or be pulled out into a full double.
There’s a cupboard located between the rear settee and the fixed bunks with a TV connection and two power sockets – making it well positioned for a TV or video console for the kids.
Under counter storage in the kitchen is limited to a cutlery drawer and a small slide-out cupboard, but there is plenty of overhead storage as well as a large compartment underneath the bottom rear bunk for larger items.
Equipment & Comfort
The kitchen is well equipped with a 107 litre fridge, dual fuel hob and electric hotplate, combination oven grill and there’s an inbuilt microwave located above the sink.
The washroom has come on in leaps and bounds from the previous model – with a separate shower cubicle next to the wash basin and toilet which should make a big difference for larger families. There’s a large skylight in the front dinette and a smaller one towards the rear, while two TV aerial outlets mean the kids can have their own TV in the back.
Furnishings
Extra durable cream vinyl floor coverings are tough and scratch resistant, overlaid with removable beige carpets. Two large front corner lights provide good illumination when the sun goes down, a fluorescent strip light in the kitchen helps light the prep area when preparing food on dull days.
Safety & Security
As with the entire Charisma range, the 565 is built on top of a single axle AL-KO chassis, AKS 3004 stabiliser and shock absorbers for smoother towing. In 2011, new higher rated Hankook tyres were added to the kit list and there’s also a high security entrance lock, smoke alarm and a hidden security chip concealed within the caravan. An Al-Ko Secure wheel lock is available as a cost option.
- Berth: 6
- Axle: Single
- MTPLM: 1,576kg
- Length: 5.83m
- Headroom: 1.95m
