Swift hi-tech flagship caravans get reboot

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by Ed Davies

Two of Swift’s most hi-tech ranges have been enhanced for the coming year

The Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental, two award-winning ranges, will be souped-up for 2017 with new features.

The ranges feature five single axle models with improvements to the 480 and 565 allowing a tall slimline fridge to be added to both layouts.

The 650, a completely new layout to Swift Group last season, has a fixed rear island bed and mid-transverse washroom.

Nick Page, Swift Group commercial director said: “The Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental are still unmistakably our flagship ranges.

“Subtle finishing touches, a very high level of specification and the overall luxury interior design set them apart.

“They remain the ranges to aspire to and continue to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback.”

Enhancements include new soft furnishing schemes, an updated Swift Command system and a rear view camera.

Chrome effect grab handles and more luxurious touches to the graphics scheme add to the premium feel.

Competition to win a £16,000 caravan

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by Ed Davies

Leading European motorhome and caravan manufacturers, Adria, is offering punters the chance to win a new Altea caravan from its 2017 range

The caravan, worth £16,000, can be won during the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2016, held at the Birmingham NEC from October 11 – 16.

The lucky winner will get to choose from one of five Altea layouts that perfectly fits their needs.

For the opportunity to win the caravan and enjoy the freedom that comes with the caravanning lifestyle, show-goers simply need to visit Adria’s stand 20.77.

A fully equipped Altea caravan will be displayed at the Adria stand – the perfect opportunity for visitors to experience the vehicle first-hand.

Slavica Sterk, Adria managing director, said: “We are very excited to give away one of our new Altea caravans at the Motorhome & Caravan Show this year.

“The competition is a great way for us to celebrate over 50 years in the industry and to give something back to caravan enthusiasts.

“We are sure the lucky winner is going to have a very exciting and comfortable 2017 season in the model of their choice.”

The Motorhome & Caravan Show runs from 11 – 16 October 2016 and is the biggest leisure vehicle event of the year and the only show where all the new-for-2017 motorhome and caravan models are revealed.

Visitors will have access to nearly 400 exhibitors, offering exclusive ‘show-only’ deals. In addition to all the latest product news, the show will also be attended by a number of well-known celebrity faces keen to share their love of the great outdoors.

For competition applicants, full terms and conditions apply.

This years’ show line-up includes Olympic cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins and well-known TV presenters George Clarke, Matt Allwright and Julia Bradbury.

To buy show tickets or for more information go to the Motorhome & Caravan Show website or call 0844 873 7333.

In depth look at the Benimar Mileo 301

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by Ed Davies

CaravanTimes takes an in depth look at the new Mileo 301 four berth, which Benimar is introducing for 2017

Benimar has five models in the three series range for 2017, including the 301, which has two double beds, one above the driving seats and another at the back.

At a cost of £44,995, the Mileo 301, has a well-equipped kitchen, full oven, grill, microwave, proper shower and swivel toilet.

Measuring 5.95m long and 2.3m wide, the coachbuilt, luxury, diesel camper has a spacious bathroom, which means you will never again need to rely on camp site shower blocks when washing.

Specifications also include gas or electric water and heating, fresh and waste water tanks, oven and grill, two gas burner hobs and one electric hob.

The low profile van is based on a 2.3 cc 150 BHP fiat chassis and has a decent lounge with an adjustable table.

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New black look for Swift Rio range

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by Ed Davies

Joining the Bolero and Kon-tiki ranges in the Swift lineup, the Rio is set to be rolled out next year with a new black look

The Rio’s new look will see it sport a glossy metallic cab and new graphics tied into the white body shell.

All 2017 models also come with access to Connect Direct, Swift’s online customer service portal.

Powering all three ranges is the new, more environmentally friendly, Euro 6 engine.

All Rio models and the smaller Bolero models come with a 2.3 litre 130bhp engine with 6-speed gearbox, whilst larger Bolero’s and Kon-tiki’s come with a 2.3 litre 150bhp engine with 6-speed gearbox as standard.

All ranges have the option of the Fiat Comfort-Matic automatic gearbox and a power upgrade on selected models.

Inside each range receives soft furnishing upgrades with the Rio sporting a new ‘Cordone’ scheme.

This features an expresso textured fabric to the seat edges with a pebble coloured ‘SwiftShield’ infill.

‘SwiftShield’ is a soft suede like fabric that has been cleverly treated during manufacturing to resist stains, it simply cleans using water and a damp cloth.

The fabric panels surrounding the windows are in an etched honeycomb platinum design and there are faux fur cushions.

The Bolero has an updated scheme called ‘Ritz’ which retains the sumptuous feel and colour ways introduced last year with a simple change to one of the seating fabrics.

The main oyster and mahogany seating fabrics are now both ‘SwiftShield’ and the crushed velvet platinum band is retained in the backrest which ties in with the etched honeycomb platinum curtains.

The shaped foam bedding allows a more intricate fabric combination with the three fabrics combining to give a luxury feel along with the faux fur effect scatter cushions.

New high tech additions for Swift Bessacarr

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by Ed Davies

The UK’s largest touring caravan manufacturer, Swift, have introduced some new additions to its Bessacarr to tempt the motorhome connoisseur for the 2017 season

Additions to the Bessacarr include Alde heating, enhanced SMART Plus construction and the new Swift Command system on top of a restyled soft furnishing scheme.

Alde heating is designed and manufactured in Sweden to deal with the toughest conditions likely to be faced no matter what the location.

It is rated Grade 3 for heating and insulation, allowing maximum use and enjoyment of the motorhome throughout the year.

Swift upgraded the SMART construction system to SMART Plus for 2016 by adding a new sandwich floor construction with a GRP outer skin.

SMART Plus has been further enhanced for 2017 with new balanced panel side walls having both GRP outer and inner skins to create a full GRP body shell.

GRP is more impact resistant than aluminium, ensuring long lasting good looks to secure your investment for the future.

Swift Command, launched last season in Swift Group’s flagship ranges, brought modern technology with an ‘App’ interface to the leisure vehicle market.

The Swift Command control system includes an intelligent power supply unit and a smart LCD control panel that allows viewing of enhanced control panel functions.

There is also an exciting Swift Command ‘App’ that can be downloaded to Smartphones and Tablets, which enables the user to remotely control and monitor certain vehicle systems either inside the vehicle using a Bluetooth interface, or remote from the vehicle.

Added to the system for the new season is the option to subscribe to a pro-active Thatcham Level 6 tracker.

All 2017 models also come with access to Connect Direct, Swift’s online customer service portal.

Swift is the only manufacturer to have a dedicated customer service team and the Connect Direct system is additional to existing contact points.

Powering the Bessacarr is the new, more environmentally friendly, 2.3 litre 130bhp Euro 6 engine.

The sleek low profile overcab with gloss white sides maintains it striking looks with enhanced graphics in keeping with the classic Bessacarr style.

The whole roof is now GRP with the overcab pod running into a curved roof line with GRP outer.

Lunar unveils new Clubman SR for 2017

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by Ed Davies

The long-established Lunar brand have brought out a new style for their Clubman/Delta range

The Lunar Clubman/Delta has undergone a makeover for 2017, with designers adding a polished black front panel and a vivid, blue and black streak across the side.

A new model, the Clubman SR, has also been unveiled, which has an island bed at the rear and centrally located shower and separate wash room.

There are two sliding doors that partition this area from the bedroom and the layout concept was introduced to the longer, twin-axle Delta range last year.

The new Clubman SR version will set you back £23,799 and is available in a shorter, single-axle format.

In addition to the black front panels, the gas locker door, A-frame cover, window surround and panels on each side of the sunroof, models in both the Delta and Clubman ranges also now have a light to illuminate the gas bottle locker.

Graphics are vivid blue and black, representing a departure from formerly less prominent graphics styles on these models.

Further highlights for 2017 include the easy action slide out-bed bases and a pearl kitchen splashback.

Thetford launches fridge for van conversion

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by Ed Davies

Manufacturers Thetford have developed a campervan specific compressor fridge

The Netherlands-based mobile toilets and kitchens manufacturers have this year introduced a compressor fridge, the T1090, designed specifically for campervans.

It is designed to be a better fit, quieter, more efficient and more powerful.

The new 90-litre fridge has a stepped in shape at the back, allowing it to be installed higher up, where the roofline tapers in.

This latest improvement would be ideal for campervans, where aisle space is tight and means no more bending down at floor level.

As with all compressor fridges no outside vents are needed and so it increases the flexibility of where a fridge can be fitted.

However, battery consumption should be noted and with this model there is a standard day mode and a specific night mode.

During the day the fridge consumes around 0.45kWh per 24 hours, while moving into night mode it drops to just 0.35kWh per 24 hours.

Thetford still recommends that at least two 95Ah batteries are fitted to models with compressor fridges.

Usefully, the aforementioned night mode also reduces the noise levels from 32dB to 29dB, which is reputed to be about half the standard daytime noise levels.

It is currently only available to manufacturers but we hope to see it available for aftermarket customers next year (sometime in 2017). Adria and Hymer fit this new fridge to selected models.

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Concorde introduces two new luxury motorhomes for 2017

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by Ed Davies

Luxury German manufacturer, Concorde, are set to display their new layout for 2017 at the NEC motorhome show in October

In order to celebrate the company’s thirty-fifth anniversary Concorde is to release the 35 Edition.

The edition will sport special 35 graphics on the outside with only 35 to be made, one of which will be heading to Concorde’s sole UK dealer, Southdowns Motorhomes.

It is even priced at ?235,000, which is, in fact, a ?35,000 discount on its list price.

The quality of special equipment is very high, with satellite TV, automotive accents in the interior and a special exterior with a nod to the Centurion models along with much more.

However, also of interest to the UK market is a new rear lounge Carver A-class, the 890 RRL.

This follows on from the overcab Cruiser 840RRL that was launched last year. It offers an extremely large C-shaped lounge at the rear with a kitchen just forward of this opposite the door.

The washroom sits across the aisle that leads to the cab, although to call it a washroom is not doing it justice. This palatial area has a full domestic-style shower, marine toilet and Corian basin.

Then step through the washroom to the cab, with two swivel chairs. Furniture units and sliding worktops on either side mean this space is perfect for sitting with your laptop or tablet, while the drop down bed turns this area into the bedroom, where you can sleep either transversely or lengthways.

Lucky winners to receive Motorhome & Caravan Show tickets

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by Ed Davies

The lucky winners of the CaravanTimes competition for tickets to the Motorhome & Caravan Show in October have been picked

Fifteen lucky winners have been given the opportunity to go to Motorhome & Caravan Show with anyone they see fit after a huge response to our competition.

Hundreds of people entered this time with the winners being chosen by our random generator.

This year’s show will be between October 11-16 in Birmingham and is the only show where you will see all the new-for 2017 caravans, motorhomes, trailer tents and accessories from major UK and European manufacturers.

With hundreds of models on display it is the best place to see and compare all the latest layouts, finishes and innovations.

There will be an abundance of free help and advice on all aspects of touring from finance, insurance and security to the best two-cars on the market.

Those selected will receive their tickets shortly and will be emailed.

For anyone who did not win this time, do not despair as the CaravanTimes will be holding another competition in the coming weeks.

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Sizing up the new Benimar Mileo 201

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by Ed Davies

On the release of the Benimar Mileo 201 CaravanTimes sizes up their latest model

Leaders in the Spanish motorhome market, Benimar, have brought out another model in the UK, exclusive to Marquis Leisure, with the release of the Benimar Mileo 201 and we grabbed a sneak peek.

The 201 is a classic coachbuilt, six meter long low profile with a transverse bed at the back.

It is the latest of Benimar’s models as the Iberian giants make their way into the UK market having signed a deal with Marquis Leisure back in 2015.

With style and size high on the agenda for most caravanners the 201 provides a generous wash-room and shower, including a swivel toilet and fixed basin.

Although, not ideal for families, the £44,995 Mileo 201 is perfect for two people but could with ease cope with four passengers if needs be.

There is a large and generous kitchen that has sufficient tabletop space giving you the ability to cook without difficulty.

The table area although a touch cosy will be able to fit you all in and is filled throughout with cute homely touches.

To take a look at the Benimar Mileo 201, take a look at the video above.

Stay tuned with the CaravanTimes as we will be reviewing plenty more in the coming weeks.

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Motorhome hire company hides cash in its rentals

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by Ed Davies

A motorhome hire company has been surreptitiously hiding stashes of cash in certain motorhomes for unsuspecting customers

Those lucky enough to be touring around New Zealand at the beginning of next year could be in for quite a surprise.

Kiwi rental agency, Motorhome Republic, have been placing wads of cash totalling NZD$1,000 in five of their rental vehicles.

The “Stash of Cash” promotion applies to bookings made during the month of September 2016, for pick ups during January, February or March 2017.

General manager, Phil Wright, said: “New Zealand is just about the perfect setting for an unforgettable and amazing road trip.

“From majestic mountains to charming coastlines and a whole lot of things to do and see in between, it’s a playground for travellers.

“We want to encourage people from all over the world to get down here and take it in, and we’re hoping that the prospect of a little pot of gold in their motorhome rental might do the trick.”

The company offers rental options from a range of different suppliers and vehicles around New Zealand (and the globe) from small camper vans for couples or singles to 6-berth coachbuilds with room for the whole family.

UK caravan and motorhome sales on the rise

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by Ed Davies

Caravan and motorhome sales are booming in the UK with families choosing increasingly to holiday at home rather than abroad

With families nowadays often choosing to stay in the UK instead of going abroad for holidays the caravan and motorhome industry is thriving, according to the director general of the National Caravan Council (NCC).

Figures show that there are over a million leisure vehicles in use in the UK and nearly half of the users holiday along the seaside while the South West is the most popular destination.

“We have already seen an increase of 16 per cent in motorhome sales in the UK for the year up to June 2016,” John Lally director general of the NCC told the Leek & Post Times.

“British caravan parks have invested heavily in improving their offering.

“Better on-site facilities, more exciting entertainment and higher quality accommodation all mean that the UK caravan industry has an opportunity to deliver exactly what the British holiday-maker wants – enormous choice, excellent value particularly with a weaker pound, and at home.

“While caravanning is ideal for frequent short breaks, it also allows costs to be controlled, which is a frequent concern.”

The UK leisure vehicle industry contributes in excess of £6 billion to the UK economy, generated through the value of holidays, vehicles sales and associated supplies and services.