A new range of lightweight, budget-priced Caravelair touring caravans, aimed at first-time buyers, is now being imported by Britain’s biggest caravan retailer, Marquis Motorhomes and Caravans. Weights start at 1000kg (MTPLM).

The range of six Caravelair Antarès caravans, made in France and equipped to the specification of Marquis, had its first public viewing at the NEC caravan show in October.

The six layouts include family caravans as well as a two-berth and fixed-bed four-berths. Special launch prices range from £11,995 to £14,995.

Caravelair caravans are made by the giant Trigano group. They are rated as France’s most popular caravan marque.

The smallest and lightest caravan in the range is the Antarès 335, a two-berth with an end kitchen and a body length of just 3.9m. This model’s MIRO is 726kg and its MTPLM is 1000kg. The launch price of the Antarès 335 is £11,995.

The twin-bed, three-berth Antarès 450 is £13,695; its MTPLM is 1150kg and the double-bed, four-berth double-bed Antarès 455, with a U-shaped lounge, is £14,295 (MTPLM is 1200kg).

The Antarès 420, with a double bed at the front and rear, corner dining area-lounge which makes into a second double bed, is £12,995. Its MTPLM is 1100kg.

The six-berth 476, at £14,295, and 1200kg MTPLM, has a double bed at the front, bunks across the rear and a side dining area. The six-berth 496 also has bunks, with a double bed aligned across the caravan at the front. The price is £14,999 and the MTPLM is 1300kg.

All models come with a free Outdoor Revolution air-frame awning and a starter pack which includes a battery and water containers.