Full review

Plenty of new features have been added to the latest generation Ace Supreme to keep you safe, secure and comfortable on your next outing.

Additions such as a new one-piece, full-height rear moulded panel give it a sophisticated look and set the scene for the rest of tourer.

And while admiring its exterior you’ll note it also comes with heavy-duty lockable corner steadies, external aerial connection and a gas barbecue point. Entry is via the new two-part entrance door, which is two inches wider and three inches taller than its predecessor.

A quick recce of the tourer suggests it’s a spacious and comfortable base for yourself and family on holiday. A more detailed inspection reveals some negative aspects so let’s deal with those first. I don’t like the plastic casing surrounding the clock and light in the lounge area nor the plastic strip above the bathroom window. Both feel cheap and look naff though this shouldn’t affect your overall enjoyment of the caravan.

The lounge area is an ideal place in which to relax with friends over a pot of tea or a glass of wine. It gets parallel seating separated by a chest of drawers and the upholstery used in this review caravan comes as standard. It felt durable enough to be withstand grubby mitts and the pattern was palatable.

There are two further options – the Alternative Award range fabric scheme at £50 and leather at £1,500.

The chest of drawers comes with an occasional table but as in so many caravans the second drawer is prevented from opening easily by the seat cushions. Some manufacturers get round this problem by simply rounding the corners off.

The three windows at the front of the tourer open independently and are fitted with blinds and a flyscreen. Opening the rooflight in the living area is a cinch thanks to gas-assisted struts. It’s also fitted with a blind and flyscreen so extra ventilation doesn’t come at the cost of an insect infestation.

The kitchen area is equipped with a 175-litre digitally controlled fridge with separate freezer compartment. There’s a grill and separate oven. The 800W microwave’s high position won’t please everyone.

Worktop space is limited if the removable drainer is being used so choose a site with good facilities because there’s not much chance of regularly preparing feasts here.

Two cupboards situated above the oven provide a decent amount of storage and one comes equipped with a moulded crockery tray with securing straps. The cupboard underneath the sink contains metal trays that’ll accommodate the usual kitchen paraphernalia.
There’s nothing particularly remarkable about the bedroom area.

There’s a decent sized double bed with a cut away corner and four overhead lockers provide enough space for your winter woollies. Tbe bed lifts to reveal a good amount of storage space underneath and the lifting process is made incredible easy by gas-assisted struts. I could lift it using a little finger.

An “ultra Comfort” deep sprung bed mattress is standard so you can expect a good night’s sleep – that’s providing your partner sleeping against the wall doesn’t climb over you too many times during the night to get to the loo.

The layout of the Twinstar’s sister model, Globestar, comes with a fixed island bed. There’s a wardrobe in the bedroom area with adequate space to hang clothing for two.

The washroom to the rear of the sleeping area is equipped with the latest Thetford C250 swivel loo with electric flush (it comes with an 18-litre wheeled holding tank), a sink and a good-sized walk-in shower with separate drying area.

Although spacious anyway, the washroom benefits from the flood of daylight that comes in through the mini-Heki rooflight. This is also fitted with a blind and flyscreen.

A cupboard mounted above the loo offers ample space to house shampoo, soaps and shaving gear and there are mountings holding a soap dish and a glass fixed to the wall to the right of the sink. A large mirror sits above the sink.

For entertainment, the caravan boasts a 15in flatscreen television with Freeview, DVD/CD player and DVB radio. Security features that come as standard include a Phantom satellite monitoring system, AL-KO Secure wheel locks and an intruder alarm system.
And, importantly for this time of year, warmth is generated by an Alde radiator-type central heating system.

Our verdict:

The ACE Supreme Twinstar is a good-looking caravan both inside and out. But it’s worth encouraging youngsters (and adults too, come to think of it) to ensure the end washroom door remains shut at all times otherwise the loo becomes a prominent part of its furniture.

Fit and finish is very good as is furniture and cabinetry build quality (if you don’t count the plastic strip in the washroom and the clock/light surround that I’ve already mentioned).

The kitchen offers some decent equipment but worktop space is compromised if the drainer is in use, so there’s no washing up as you go along.
The ACE Supreme offers good equipment levels and decent comfort – and the Alde heating system should ensure it’s suitable for all-year round use, which is good news considering it’s not the cheapest of caravans.

Specification:

Price: £17,975
Berths: 4
MRO: 1532kg
Payload: 287kg
MTPLM: 1815kg
Internal length: 6.27m (20ft 7in)
Overall length: 7.95m (26ft 1in)
Overall width: 2.29m (7ft 6in)
Overall height: 2.70m (8ft 10in)
Headroom: 1.95m (6ft 5in)
Bed sizes: Front double 2.10m x 1.61m (6ft 9in x 5ft 3in) or singles 1.70m/1.61m x 0.73m (5ft 6in/5ft 3in x 2ft 4in). Rear double 1.92m x 1.31m (6ft 3in x 4ft 3in)

E

•    This review originally appeared in the December 2007 issue of Which Caravan. To subscribe to the magazine, click here.