by Joe Jeffrey
Think you’ve seen the Swift Esprit and Bessacarr? Following both motorhome’s 2015 makeovers, think again
Following on from Swift’s official 2015 launch yesterday, we can now bring you exciting details about the new Swift Esprit and Bessacarr. CaravanTimes had the pleasure of checking Swift’s latest offerings up close and personal – and we were pleasantly surprised with the dramatic changes incorporated into the 2015 ranges.
Two of the major releases yesterday were the extremely streamlined Swift Esprit and Bessacarr -both ranges oozing aerodynamic design quality, seemingly complementing the new Fiat cab which comes as standard across all of Swift’s ranges for 2015. One exciting factor is that Swift’s SMART intelligent construction system is now built within all motorhome ranges as standard.
A massive eight model line up awaits, including two brand new layouts – the six metre 424 and a lowline 494 model. The 424 is a four berth layout with travelling seats and a transverse rear washroom, while the 494 lowline is also a four berth with travelling seats but somewhat longer at 7.96 metres. The main difference is the 494 comes with a transverse rear-fixed bed, making it easier to walk around when the lights go out. This transverse offering is a first for the range, but something we’re sure we’ll see again.
Both 424 and 496 models also have an electronically controlled drop-down bed, which has to be seen. Able to be positioned in three positions the bed is easy to navigate and to move out of the way at the press of a button. And, with the highest position for storage being within the roofline, you could actually be forgiven for forgetting there’s a bed there at all. In addition, fixed beds benefit from the ‘Duvalay Duvalite’, providing lightweight memory foam technology for extra comfort.
Another feature we were rather impressed with was on the 484 model, where a new lift-up bed above the garage creates extra garage space and makes access to the bed easier; so it’s basically a win/win where you can fit as much or as little into the garage as you like, all at the press of a button.
Following on from the success of the technology when used with the group’s touring range from October 2013, SMART construction has been introduced to the motorhome ranges – and for good reason. The strong timber-less body frame, which remains resilient to moisture, looks set to protect your caravan in the most extreme conditions and each motorhome’s frame, with its PURe design adds to this, preventing moisture from the outside creeping in. With the engineering behind the PURe and SMART technology comprising of rigorous testing throughout, we’d say this should be a given.
Now, back to the cab. The new Fiat cab certainly complements the streamlined design of the aerodynamic white body shell, but it’s also colour keyed which, along with the LED daytime running lights with black accents, will remain a bit of an jaw-dropper for some time to come. The contrasting main colour of white along with the black bezel, gloss front grill and skid plate are sure to see to this.
Inside the cab, new ‘Captain-chair’ style seats with an ample headrest and better support will ensure a comfortable journey, but it doesn’t stop there. Swift has thrown in various additional extras including swanky cup holders, and compartments for your smart phone, MP3 player or anything else you can fit.
Speaking of phones, the radio comes with Bluetooth for hands free phone calls and a mirror mounted aerial for better reception and there’s even a USB connector for when your battery gets low.
The interiors for both the Esprit and Bessacarr ranges are also rather swish. Both have Swift’s new, contemporary ‘Aralie Sen’ woodgrain and the Esprit models have hessian contrasts to the gloss upper locker doors, whereas the Bessacarr models have a gloss smoked oak inlay – both appealing to the eye.
The furniture is all-singing and dancing too, with safety remaining paramount to the Swift motorhome ethos, having been safety-tested with extensive crash sled testing.
Lighting throughout both the Esprit and Bessacarr is LED, as would be expected with such models and the low-level night lights that operate when driving are sure to provide the perfect ambience.
Six of the eight models feature a separate shower cubicle and two have a washroom where a divider keeps the toilet area dry. The Eco Camel shower head and hose in the washroom will also save you lots of water, as it cleverly injects air directly into the water stream, enabling that power shower feel we’ve all known to come and love. We decided not to strip off and test this out, but we’ll take Swift’s word for it!
All models are also complemented with Truma Combi boilers and Swift’s Winter Pack, including fresh and waste water tank heaters, drain insulation and fridge vent covers, providing Grade 3 performance for thermal insulation which is good to know.
A Truma ‘Crash Sensor Mono’ regulator even allows the heating system to be safely operated while travelling to keep the whole living space warm and there is also provision for solar panel connection.
With the Bessacarr models come a higher spec, including cab mirror covers, reversing camera, awning and a walnut dash trim amongst other highlights, including omnivent, vanity mirror lights, robe lighting and map pockets.
All models come powered by a Fiat 2.3 litre, 130bhp Euro5+ turbo diesel with a 6-speed gearbox, as well as a ‘TRACKER Retrieve’ Thatcham approved (Category 7) tracking system for that extra peace of mind.
And with a 10-year body integrity warranty, what more could a motorhomer want?
