Full review

Lots of bright, ultra-white lighting and domestic-style sofas help this Bailey Unicorn Cadiz caravan stand out

The Cadiz has amassed a solid customer base since its arrival in 2011. This was one of the seven models launched with the inception of the Unicorn range.

Now in its seventh year and fourth generation of Unicorn models, the twin-bed Cadiz is among the top-selling Unicorn layouts. That's a good reason for us to borrow one from Bailey to investigate the details that add up to best-seller status.

In this mid-price bracket there are 10 single-axle, twin-bed models with Alde heating, so the latest Cadiz has fierce competition. At 1490 kg MTPLM, the Cadiz is one of the lightest. That's a good point in its favour, but there is more, too.

One unique and delightful aspect of Unicorns is the front window configuration. The high-arching central window brings the outside in.

That's not a new design for 2018, but there's a lot new.

A double hob cover (of which more later), increased illumination (much whiter and brighter than in previous Unicorns), and USB ports have been introduced. The ports are built into the bases of spotlights; there are four on the Cadiz – two in the lounge and two in the bedroom.

This Bailey is equipped with a Tracker stolen vehicle recovery and alarm systems, with tilt sensor and key fob operation. The sofas are now home-style with bolster-type backrests in three sections. Bailey has taken its Unicorn range on in leaps and bounds for 2018 in terms of spec, comfort and style, especially in the shower room.

Showering

Shower walls and lighting style are the salient points here. The walls and tray of the shower cubicle do look like pale grey, fine-grain granite, with tiny sparkles that catch the light from the powerful circular cluster of LEDs set into the ceiling. The shower measures 70cm x 79cm; that's fine for size.

A towel hook is just outside the bi-fold door, perfectly placed as you step out of the shower. And when you're not using the shower you can hang a towel to dry on the rail that hinges down from the ceiling; neat!

A domestic-style metal basket hangs on the shower riser bar for your shampoos.

Cadiz shower rooms aren't overly generous, with 90cm x 94cm of floor space, but they're adequate. A plus-point is the wardrobe in the shower room; it gives almost 80cm of hanging width plus a shelf of the same width.

There is, though, insufficient cabinet accommodation for preening necessities. Although there is plenty of shelf space, with three small shelves below the washbasin and 94cm-long shelves above and below the mirror, when you tow, all the stuff on those shelves would have to be stowed somewhere else.

Unicorns' hallmark linen bag, suspended in a cabinet under the washbasin, isn't an answer; it's intended for stuff waiting to be washed. Deal-breaker?

Clearly not! Cadiz's high selling status has not been dented by the omission of a washroom cabinet, where we love the lighting design. Bright white lights line the upper and lower edges of the mirror that spans the whole distance between the wardrobe and the shower, and easily mitigate the absence of a window.

Sleeping

Each twin bed is two metres long, with deep, upholstered headboards. Bright, white light streams across the ceiling from above the lockers. There's a mains socket set into the base of the nearside bed, close enough to the shower room to power a hairdryer when using the washroom mirror.

Each of the four top lockers is divided into three shelf sections (two smaller ones and one taller area); that amounts to well-designed and generous accommodation. A shelf runs above each headboard in the perfect place for phones when you charge them from the USB points in the bases of the spotlights.

TV points are set into the base of the nearside forward top locker; a TV bracket could easily be fitted to the wall that borders the fridge.

If you turn the lounge into a double bed, by pulling out the webbing-linked slatted base and using the backrests to complete the mattress, you'll create a 1.98m x 1.26m bed.

Storage

The beds rise with fingertip ease, supported on strut hinges. There's uninterrupted space here, although there are a few cables to avoid under the nearside bed. The offside area has an exterior hatch, with a large plastic tray so that you can use the space for wet or muddy outdoorsy equipment. This arrangement is replicated in the nearside front under-settee locker.

Under the offside settee there is good space, even though half of it is occupied by the Alde heating unit. This area has front access but you have to lift the lid to get into the nearside locker from the lounge area; a hinged door here would have improved convenience.

There is, though, something we love about this locker: a hatch by the door, designed so that you can put your shoes in here as you step inside; that's super-convenient, and certainly helps pave the way for an A rating in this section!

Dining

Extending the top of the chest of drawers creates a table that's 37cm deep and 62cm wide. This is more than big enough for two place settings, especially when you factor in the 52m x 80cm windowsill, although that's 3cm higher than the table. More spacious dining involves delving under the nearside bed.

We are not big fans of tables stored under beds, but this one is the most convenient we've yet seen. It slides in and out of substantial brackets easily and is definitely not heavy to lift. Nothing beats a vertically stored table for total ease of use, though!

Lounging

The settees are 1.71m long. Big, squashy backrests in three sections create sink-into comfort. Two large scatter cushions plus two bolster-style cushions give you many options for lounging nest-making.

Two brilliant white lights focus down from the frame that borders both the roof light and the centre-front arching window. Light streams from above the top lockers. USB ports are set into the bases of the forward two spotlights; phones charging here can be placed inside the corner lockers. This is a delightful lounge.

Kitchen

The work surface stretches 1.72m long with the 32cm-wide extension in place – and all of it is usable space. The white chopping board cover fits flush with the edges of the sink and Bailey's new and unique double hob cover creates additional surface space.

A conventional glass hob cover lies beneath it. There's a 15cm-wide area of work surface to the right of the hob; a perfect place for utensils, plus salt and pepper.

Two 25cm-deep drawers plus a drop-down-door cabinet form the main kitchen storage area; the unit is 73cm wide, so its capacity is generous.

The top drawer has a cutlery tray, plus plenty of space for utensils.

Some will say the microwave is too high for their stature but the best cooking is done with the hob and oven anyway!

The fridge-freezer is the 133-litre Dometic tower-style unit, with a cabinet above it. Forward of the fridge-freezer, a three-shelf cabinet gives you extra space. So, a great kitchen with plenty of surface and storage space.

Towing

The Cadiz feels nimble and stable on the road. AL-KO's belt-and-braces electronic, automatic stability system (ATC) is on board to correct the first signs of a snaking motion should steadiness be upset by an overtaking heavy vehicle or high winds.

But no such eventualities occurred during our pleasant road test along main and minor roads.

Verdict

If twin beds are your chosen layout, the Bailey Unicorn Cadiz must be up there among the best in its high-spec, single-axle class. Both lighting and storage are superb. The kitchen is enormous for a modest-sized caravan.

It's easy to see why this tourer is a best-seller. Budget for the bed set (£209) that includes cushions and runners to match the lounge fabrics – just because they're attractive!