Full review

The definition of the word Solaris, “of the sun” in Latin, automatically conjures images of sunny holidays. It’s the name of a new and exclusive range of caravans, launched for 2016 and made by Lunar, to the specification of Grantham Caravans.

Solaris is based on the Lunar Quasar. There are seven models in the range, spanning the spectrum of needs from a compact two-berth to a twin-axle six-berth.

Our review example of the range, the 574, is a layout that is fast becoming Britain’s most popular. It has an island bed, with an easy-action length transformation from night to day mode.

Startling red and grey graphics identify the Solaris range. And, inside, the red and grey theme continues, with a stunning mix of pale grey and bold, rich red, in a fabric design that’s unique to Solaris.

What’s also unique to the Solaris range is its package of extra equipment, worth a total of £2334. Our review example, the Solaris 574, costs £18,799, including the delivery fee of £525. That’s just £375 more than the standard Quasar equivalent, at £18,424 including delivery. So, for the additional £375, you get £2334-worth of added features and equipment. And that’s almost £2000-worth of extras free of charge.

The 574’s kitchen is just over a metre long, and has a sink cover that matches the matt grey-brown stone-effect surface. More potential kitchen surface is opposite, on the dresser that incorporates a microwave at a height guaranteed to please caravanners who are not tall.

A row of bright LEDs runs the entire length of the kitchen top lockers, focusing light down onto the surface. More bright, white LEDs surrounds the top and side edges of the upper lockers. It’s a stunning lighting design that’s part of the package which distinguishes Solaris models from their Quasar origins.

Solaris caravans have luxury deep pile carpets, and extra lighting mounted in the surround of the “skyview” rooflight.

There’s a gas barbecue point, heavy-duty corner steadies, smart black alloy wheels and an external shower connection point that’s perfect for washing your dog’s fur after a muddy walk.

An alarm system is part of the extra spec, with a remote control unit which also switches on your awning light.

Lighting is a strong feature of the Solaris package. Extra lighting is in the bedroom. Bright lights focus both upwards and downwards from beautiful, neat matt chrome and frosted “glass” corner lights.

And when you open the wardrobe, a light comes on automatically.

Outside, there’s a light on the offside, so that you can see to refill your water container.

Solaris models are also distinguished by chrome furniture handles, a chrome kitchen tap, and chrome socket and switch surrounds. And these models also have sound systems that are complete with USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

The seven Solaris layouts offer tourers for two, for families of up to six, and a range of “two-plus-two” models which appeal to couples who occasionally holiday with other family members.

The two-berth 462 has the luxury of an exceptionally large shower room, and a big, wide dresser opposite the kitchen.

There are three fixed-bed options that are also ideal for couples. The 544 has a double bed on the nearside, and a dresser, housing the microwave, to form a clear separation between the bedroom and the lounge. The 554 has twin beds, and, a clever space-saving layout feature; the fridge is under the wardrobe. And there’s our review model, the 574, with an island bed.

The 524 has a side dining area which can be converted to bunks, making it suitable for both couples and families with young children.

And there are two Solaris models designed to accommodate six. These are the single-axle 586, and the longer, twin-axle 646.  Both these models have bunk beds plus a dining area which transforms into two more bunks.