Hi, We have already viewed one at Canwell Caravans in the Midlands, and we are very interested in buying one - we currently have a 2005 Charisma and would like to upgrade to this particular model - Lot of money though - not much change out of 16K.
I think Swift has taken the Challenger down the wrong road as I feel it is less well equipped than my 2007 Abbey which was of a comparible level spec wise in 07.
It has lost the heavy duty steadies, the omnivent etc
Layoutwise I think Bailey do this layout better. The washroom in the Swift is bigger but the way they have the TV cabinet makes the lounge feel smaller. Considering the Bailey California is shorter and lighter but the lounge feels bigger.
At then end of the day it is still a nice 'van but needs its heavy duty steadies and omnivent back not to mention things like ALKO ATC added to the spec to make it competitive again.
Coachman are doing this layout for 2010, although they will be mega heavy I think this may well be the one to have.
------------- 2020 Volvo XC60 B5 R Design Geartronic / 2018 Swift Elegance 580
Although I have not seen the "new" van, it is true that Swift have made some economies. We have a 2007 Challenger and it has some features that have now being lost, especially the recesssed aluminum frame windows and heavy duty steadies. It isn't until you compare new and old however, that all the changes come to light.
Many "high end" aspects are now only available on the Conqueror.
Took delivery of our 570 on 30th May and took it out the same day. The layout is brilliant, but as we are all different and look for differnt things, this is just my opinion. Over the years we have had (in the fixed bed range) Lunar Lexon EB, we liked this model but were living in it at the time so changed that for a Fleetwood Colchester 560 (2 singles at back) but the front end was too small for us. We then got a Lunar lexon 640 had everything but we wanted a single axle again so changed last year to the Zenith EB. Saw the 570 in april just b4 we went to Spain and must admit it was a toss up between the 570 & 580 but OH likes the outside access. We like the lounge area as there is no wooden end to the sofa and as OH is 6ft 3ins his legs can now hang over the edge and he can fall asleep to his hearts content. For me it's the full side of the bed making it easier for me to get in n out of (i've not long had a knee replacement and this is a must for me). All in all we cannot find anything against it. we bought locally from White Arches and got a very good trade in. The ATC is useful electronics, but our Discovery3 is perfectly capable without the ATC on the trailer. Jan
We have seen this model now and sad to say not impressed!
The Bailey duo of the Sancerrre and California unfotunately do not feel luxurious enough for us. We are led to believe that two new end washroom vans are due from the explorer group with Elddis and compass rallye, So we are holding our breath and cash until we have seen them.
Our local dealer now has a special edition of the Charisma model with this layout in their showroom ... have to say I prefer it (and the spec) to the Challenger. It's obviously cheaper and lighter too.
------------- 2020 Volvo XC60 B5 R Design Geartronic / 2018 Swift Elegance 580
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Topic: New Swift Challenger 570
