Full review
AN instant impression is that it seems big for a four berth, although the press pack states that it offers no more interior length than the outgoing model.
And the fact that the Pageant is only 7ft 2in wide really makes the sense of interior space all the more impressive.
As well as being ever so slightly larger, the lounge has comfortable fat cushions that are deep enough to lounge in. It could even seat six at a push if you felt like entertaining.
The space under the lounge seats (accessed by doors and lift- up slats) is cavernous and clear of anything apart from the fuse box on the nearside.
Handily, there are three plug sockets within easy reach of the lounge area. Unhelpfully, these are the only plug sockets in the caravan.
The main table, which is lighter than the norm, is stored in its own compartment, next to a couple of pull-out wire drawers.
Lighting in the lounge, and throughout the caravan, is contemporary. The mains-only operated ones in the front corners have proper glass covers.
The pageant's side dinette
The Champagne has a side dinette making it the perfect layout for a couple who want a little more living space or for those with plans for a 2.4 children scenario.
The seats will take full size adults, but there might be a few knocked shins on the solid wooden wheel arch box.
With adults here, particularly clumsy ones, the table feels quite flimsy - I’d like to see some stays or steadies.
To make up the bunk, you first need to remove all the seat cushions. And remove the occasional table from its wall bracket.
The table then slots into the gap between the seats. The upper bunk then swings up away from its position against the wall and unfolds to make a compact bunk that is just about adequate for younger children.
Opposite is the kitchen, which looks like it contains everything you could want. Below the seemingly quite high worktop is a 117-litre (only 100-litres is usable) fridge, with a freezer compartment.
This large fridge is most likely the reason for what seems like an overly high worktop. This may not be a problem when preparing food, but reaching over to stir the beans on the hob may present difficulties for those short of stature.
Above the fridge sits a fairly large sink, rotated through 90 degrees from the normal. This creates more worktop space between this and the separate four-burner hob.
The oven and grill sit next to the fridge, although in this model, the space-saving combined units would probably work better.
Although there are good points and bad points about this caravan, its real selling point has to be the washroom.
The door opens - with a proper handle - onto a superb amount of floor space. The swivel toilet (why does it need to swivel - there is plenty of legroom) sits on the left as you walk-in. That huge impressive shower sits on the rear wall, as does the almost walk-in wardrobe.
The sink, on the right, is a little narrow, but deep enough and the mirror above is almost as good as a full length one.
Our verdict:
The range is limited (although there are more new models in the pipeline) and the layouts are pretty much of a muchness, apart from that fabulous washroom.
If you like the shower but don’t need a four-berth, look at the Pageant Monarch - a two-berth with the same washroom.
Side dinettes are curious beasts, especially in layouts of this type, where they convert into two bunks.
Are they really suitable for a family of four, or are they more often used as a ‘van for just two, that offers a breakfast area and occasional accommodation for a grandchild?
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• A full version of this review appeared in the January 2007 issue of Which Caravan. To order a road test reprint contact Tina Beaumont on 01778 391187.
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