Dealer Specials: Swindon Caravan Centre

Caravan 'dealer specials' offer the benefit of unique models with added-value for caravanners looking for something different. Here is the dealer specials from Swindon Caravan Centre.

Word by Val Chapman Photos by Richard Chapman

Swift Vogue

Now in its second year and based on the Sprite, Swindon Caravan Centre's Swift Vogue dealer-special range with up to £2500-worth of extras.

The Swift Vogue brand was launched in 2017 and was an instant success for the Swindon Caravans Group, which has bases in Oxford and Reading as well as Greatfield, close to the M4 near Swindon, the head office, where we went to learn more about the Vogue.

There are six models in the range, a two-berth, three four-berths with double beds, and two six-berths. We chose the best-seller, the 580 SB, with a transverse island bed, to review as an example of the range. It's on display in the interior showroom at the Swindon base.

Added Value

First, we took a close look at the way in which the value adds up. The 580 SB is based on the Sprite Major 4 SB, which has a price tag of £17,330, plus £545 delivery.

When you add in the delivery charge, plus £495 for the Diamond Pack and £365 for the sunroof, with which all Sprites come, the price of the standard Sprite Major 4 SB is £18,739.

The corresponding Vogue, the 580 SB, is only £345 more, at £19,084. Yet it has £1115 worth of extra equipment and enhancements.

So, in essence, you get £770 worth of kit free of charge – and a caravan with exclusive interior design.

Topping the list of extras in value terms (£349) is AL-KO's ATC electronic stability control system – we'd say every caravan should be equipped with that, because it increases the safety margin. Clearly the Swindon Caravan Group thinks so, too.

Power and Extras

Vogues have the addition of a 100-watt solar panel (ideal if you plan on off-grid caravanning), an external mains socket and barbecue point (making the al fresco lifestyle easier!), an alarm with a key fob which operates the awning light (practical) and an external-access hatch to the front-nearside under-bed space.

The list also includes all the items on the Sprite Diamond Pack, which adds £495 to the price – that's the spare wheel, alloy wheels, an AL-KO Secure wheel lock receiver, microwave, door fly screen, radio with iPod connectivity, hitch-head stabiliser and two scatter cushions.

Also, included in the Vogue's extras package list is the sunroof, which adds £365 to the price of standard Sprites.

Exclusive Fabrics

Swindon adds exclusivity in the form of a fabric scheme unique to the Vogue. Vertical lines of greys and rich, yet soft, purple make sure the curtains and two of the four cushions get noticed – and remembered. The other two cushions are plain velvety fabric in the purple shade that's also in the curtains.

Dealer specials aren't just about value, they're about individual style and the Vogue's interior has plenty of that.

The Swindon special package adds a little weight – but, when the MTPLM is still only 1451 kg, few are going to raise an eyebrow.

For comparison, the standard Sprite Major 4 SB has a MIRO of 1236kg and an MTPLM of 1437kg. The Vogue 580 SB's MIRO is 1295 kg.

Verdict

All dealer specials add to the price – and to the style. Some more than others. The Swindon Group's Vogue brand adds little to the price of the standard Sprite, when you factor in the cost of the Diamond Pack, sunroof and delivery.

Yet, for that extra £345, buyers get a Sprite transformed in character (that's down to the delightful fabrics, curtains that are double the width of those in the standard Sprite, the pleated side window blinds and the lights set into the wash room mirror) and, with the important addition of ATC, the Vogue range is an enticing choice.