Full review
WITH its alloy wheels, fancy new graphics and silver skirting, the Avanté Club 626 caravan looks smart.
The awning light, though, could do with being relocated to above the door where light is more easily spread. It’s hard to fault the quality of the exterior with sturdy stainless steel grab handles and a general feeling of solidity.
The front dinette makes up into a double or twin singles, and of course a central chest of drawers is included.
The kitchen is centrally placed on the right, while opposite is the side single dinette with bunk above with the wardrobe next to it. The fixed double bed is on the nearside at the rear with the corner washroom next to it in the offside corner.
You can’t help but notice the new design roof lockers in a light grained wood finish with the front lockers bevelled off.
But I’m a little concerned with the styling; the silver finish has been in Swift Group’s ranges for some years and is now beginning to look less cool.
Soft furnishings are good quality and comfortable, but the upholstery colours are bold and so may take a little getting used to.
The front dinette is spacious for six to sit at, and of course roof locker storage is very good. Spots are a welcome addition to the lighting of the mains unit and a Heki rooflight is fitted here too.
The spacious dinette and kitchen
The centrally placed kitchen has a slightly sculpted design. Worktop space is pretty good so meal-making shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Floor space between the kitchen and the side dinette is good, avoiding a corridor effect, yet the 7ft 4in width seems to feel wider then the original Avanté’s 7ft 6in width of old?
Anyhow the side wardrobe may disappoint some due to its size, the Truma heater is based below but the size for six is rather tight – fine for a weekend, but for a longer tour you’d need to travel light.
The fixed side bed is rather comfortable with masses of storage below and roof locker storage above.
There’s no end window but a large side window lets in plenty of daylight and another Heki above also helps out.
In the place of a washbasin in the bed area, a laundry basket is included. It’s a good idea, but then the side washroom has to share the loo/shower with the washbasin.
The solution is a tip-up unit; it’s an idea that fell out of favour some time ago, but it’s back and it works. Having said that, it does feel a little dated and I would’ve preferred to see the basin in the bedroom.
|
E
|
• A full version of this review appeared in the January 2008 issue of Which Caravan. To order a road test reprint contact Tina Beaumont on 01778 391187.
To subscribe to the magazine, click here.Content continues after advertisements