New Swifts for 2013

Swift has unveiled a lighter and more highly specified version of its iconic Challenger and Sterling ranges together with an even more luxurious flagship Conqueror range for 2013.
Elsewhere in the line-up, there are two new layouts and improved heating systems and the introduction of a tracking system across the range.

The moves follow a record-breaking year for the acclaimed Challenger Sport, which enjoyed a huge increase in popularity compared with the Charisma which it replaced last year.
While Challenger Sport sales rose, the Challenger, which sits above it in Swift’s line-up, struggled to win buyers, who concluded that it was too heavy and not sufficiently equipped.

In response, Swift has introduced the Challenger SE badge and added a raft of new equipment to the range – including the more powerful version of the Alde heating system.
There’s also a ready-installed 20-watt solar panel, an Omnivent extractor fan above the kitchen, a new Dometic 112-litre fridge, full-width curtains and some additional ambient lighting.
Yet despite adding all these extra toys, Swift has actually reduced the weight of the Challenger SE compared with the 2012 Challenger by between 51kg and a whopping 128kg by building it on the slightly narrower 2.25m bodyshell first seen in the Challenger Sport. Slightly thinner side panels and dispensing with the Conqueror-style body mouldings further reduce overall weight.

There’s a new addition to the existing line-up with the arrival of the Challenger 574/Sterling Eccles Jade – an end-washroom four-berth with parallel settees up front and a cosy wrap-around side dining area in the centre.
Prices have yet to be confirmed, but expect a premium of around £800 over the 2012 model.

The changes in detail

SPRITE
The new Sprite is proved popular with customers at the budget end of the market, so the Sprite range remains largely unchanged. All models get upgraded heating in the shape of the compact Truma Combi 2 and – for the larger models – the Combi 4.

There’s a new 113-litre Thetford fridge across the range and the Tracker Retrieve tracking system with three months’ free subscription and a new awning light. The existing line-up is also joined by the new Major 4 FB – a classic fixed-bed end-shower room 2/4-berth, but the EB is dropped for 2013.



CHALLENGER SPORT/STERLING ECCLES SPORT
After sales increased by a third over the last year, Swift sees no reason to change what is obviously a winning formula, so changes to the Challenger Sport and corresponding Sterling Eccles Sport are kept to a minimum.

For 2013, all models benefit from the Truma Combi boiler with touchscreen controls and a smart new Thetford fridge with digital readout. Tracker’s Retrieve tracking system is also fitted as standard and there are higher quality carpets and a new awning light.

The compact 382 model is dropped for 2013 and the big 636 multi-berth gets double bunks instead of the triple bunk previously fitted. There’s a new 564 model with the increasingly popular twin single bed layout.
Finally, the sunroof, which more than 90 per cent of customers order, is removed from the options list and becomes a standard fit.



CHALLENGER SE and STERLING ECCLES SE
SWIFT has radically revamped the Challenger for 2013 with a battery of new kit slotted into a lighter, narrower bodyshell.

In SE guise for 2013, the Challenger gets the new uprated Alde central heating system with the more powerful 3kw setting for faster heat-up in winter, together with a heated towel rail in the washroom.

The range also gets the 112-litre Dometic digital fridge with smart black finish and a removable freezer compartment. In the kitchen, there’s a worktop extension, cutlery tray and pullout wire baskets in the cabinets, plus an Omnivent extractor fan overhead.

Externally, the bodyshell isn’t quite as imposing, but there’s a standard-fit 20-watt solar panel with smart charge controller, which on a sunny summer day, will top up the leisure battery with as much as 8.5AH.

The interior also gets some smart new ambient lighting, with LEDs illuminating the kitchen splashback and leading edge of the worktop and back lighting in the washroom mirrors. There’s also low level lighting helping you navigate to the washroom in the night.

Like the rest of the Swift range, Tracker retrieve is also fitted as standard.



CONQUEROR and STERLING ELITE
Given the wholesale overhaul of the Challenger, Swift has also significantly upgraded its flagship Conqueror and Sterling Elite ranges for 2013. The upgraded Alde heating with 3kw setting is now standard across the range and it also comes with a neat touchscreen control panel. There’s also a smart new Dometic 112-litre fridge and higher quality carpets and curtains.

Like the Challenger SE, the Conqueror and Sterling Elite ranges benefit from enhanced interior ambient lighting, with back lighting in the washroom mirrors, low level lights for night time navigation and ambient illumination of the kitchen splashback and drip lights at the front of the worktop. There’s also a new cutlery drawer, and an Omnivent above the kitchen and speakers in the washroom.

Externally, all Conquerors will have the 20-watt solar panel and smart charging unit fitted to the roof and a new LED awning light with keyfob control switch and an outdoor shower point. The Tracker Retrieve system is also fitted as standard, with the first three months subscription for free and available for £60 a year thereafter.

For more information on the new range and to keep up to date with all Swift Group news, visit the website.

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