Swift reveals its new sporty compact Rio, and it’s everything you ever hoped for with Transformer-like abilities and a very SMART construction system
The all-new sporty compact Rio motorhome from Swift defies all expectations. With a length of 6.4m, and a width of 2.26m, the Rio is the size of a panel van in the body of a coach built motorhome, and it’s built on a special low line chassis from Fiat with their new Ducato cab, incorporating Swift Group‘s SMART intelligent construction system.
It will be launched across the coachbuilt motorhome range for the 2015 season.
The home on wheels comes in two models; the 320 two-berth model, and the 340 four-berth model. Both models come with a rear parallel lounge providing plenty of space for anything you may wish to take on board with you. Although the latter model has a shorter parallel lounge, it makes room for a travelling dinette – ideal for families wishing to get away from it all together.
One of the motorhome’s most exciting features is the 340’s electronically operated drop down bed at the rear. It has three positions and offers the exclusive, ultra-comfortable Duvalay Duvalite mattress – a memory foam technology laden mattress, guaranteed to send you off to sleep in no time. The highest position of the bed can be used for when more storage is required, while the mid position allows people to sleep underneath and, finally, the low-level position is for easy access sleeping. Thus transforming your motorhome from an easy living area, to the perfect bedroom, all at the press of a button.
The GRP pod features an opening roof window, and the GRP full opening rear tailgate has a steel frame structured real panel, which supports a gas strut elevating rear door – it really needs to be seen to be believed and the abundance of space created by this feature is taken to the nth degree. This is another highly impressive feature, and a first for the UK, perfect for a multi-purpose use. The rear door also has a large window, bathing the Rio in light.
The Swift Group’s aforementioned SMART Construction launched to popularity last year, and stands for a Strong timber-less body with Modern looks, an Aerodynamic shape that is Resilitent to moisture, and it’s all included in a motorhome that has undergone extensive Testing.
The new timberless body frame uses PURe, which is a strong polyurethane waterproof material, preventing moisture from coming into the hardwood ply wallboard. Going even more technical, everything is computer numerically controlled (CNC). This innovative piece of engineering provides accuracy and consistency to Swift’s customers.
So what’s the interior like? The furniture is in contemporary-style Aralie Sen woodgrain and a Loxley soft furnishing scheme. The great contrast between the chocolate base cushions and the grey/silver backrests is definitely easy on the eyes and definitely not the type of design your eyes would tire of. The seats have an integrated headrest, a wider backrest, better side support and even better seat comfort and, to make the journey even better, the radio comes with a Bluetooth connection, and a mirror mounted aerial for better reception. There is also a USB port designed for mobile devices. Moreover, the gearshift indicator shows you when to change gear for optimum economy – we certainly wouldn’t mind that.
Lighting is LED with a dimmable spotlights and over-locker lights in the rear lounge, improving safety too and Swift has even thrown in some low-level night lights and swan neck reading lights for good measure.
The bathroom has everything you could possible need in addition to mini LED downlights. With Truma Combi 4 heating and a winter pack that includes fresh and waste water heaters, drain insulation and fridge vent, the new compact Rio’s washrooms are perfect all year round.
All models come with a TRACKER Retrieve Thatcham already approved tracking system, and if this isn’t enough, you also have Swift’s ten-year body integrity warranty.
Swift Group’s Commercial Director, Nick Page, said of their new production: “The new Rio by Swift is aimed at those wanting a compact flexible model like a panel van, but with the style and extra features of a coachbuilt motorhome.”
Sounds about right, Nick. And with an abundance of features throughout comprising of what comes with a top motorhome, all encompassed within the size of a panel van, with the quality we’ve all come to expect from Swift, what’s there not to love?
