Full review

THOSE of us at the unveiling of Avondale’s 2008 range could have been forgiven for thinking that the company was going through some major metamorphosis.

As David Bowie’s Changes rang out, we sat through a video that seemed to go on forever. It supposedly highlighted all the changes to Avondale’s 2008 range compared with the current model year, but in reality not much has changed.

There are no new models and no fresh layouts, just improvements and upgrades to the existing vans.

If all this seems rather downbeat, don’t think it’s all marketing puff; with the stakes getting ever higher in the new caravan market, nobody can afford to stand still and Avondale is ensuring it doesn’t get left behind.

The fact that the existing model range is so competent is as good a reason as any to just do a bit of fettling, rather than embark on a process of wholesale replacement.

However, there is one new model for 2008, which will be revealed at the NEC in October. Called the 475, it’ll be a four-berth model that sits in the Dart range.

In the meantime, the watchword for 2007 is Green - no surprises there. As everybody rushes to be the most environmentally friendly, Avondale is out to prove that you don’t need a 4x4 to pull a twin-axle caravan.

We covered this in the August issue of Which Caravan, with Doug King ‘Darting’ about the UK in Avondale’s 630-6.

In terms of how Avondale’s three model ranges have changed, you’d be hard-pressed to spot the difference in most cases.

The entry-level model range, the Dart, is carried over virtually unchanged. Where there used to be an open shelf above the lounge, there’s now a locker for better security and a new upholstery scheme. As with all Avondale’s models, there are now gas-assisted one-piece aluminium frames for all fixed beds.

There are a few more changes for the Argente range, with fresh exterior graphics and a pair of new fabrics being introduced for 2008.

Incidentally, Avondale has standardised its exterior graphics across its various ranges, in a bid to strengthen its branding.

The Argente also has new eye-level lighting and a standard microwave, while it’s also wired up ready to accept Trafficmaster’s Tracker system.

Not only this, but it also comes ready for AL-KO’s anti-snaking control system to be fitted, which works in conjunction with the AKS stabiliser.

Similarly the ‘Bird’ range gets detail improvements.

That leaves the Avondale range, which also gets fresh graphics and pre-wiring for ATC and Tracker – in the case of the Landranger, a Tracker system is also included in the price. There are also the obligatory fresh fabric colour schemes, while the wood finish is now American cherry wood – and very nice it is too!

At a glance:

Dart:

* Fresh upholstery colours.
* Overhead locker at the front.
* Equipment levels as before.

Argente

* New graphics.
* Pre-wired for ATC and Tracker.
* Standard microwave oven.
* Eye-level lighting.
* New upholstery colours.

‘Bird’ range

* New graphics.
* Pre-wired for ATC and Tracker.
* Standard microwave oven.
* Eye-level lighting.
* New upholstery colours.

Avondale

* Fresh graphics.
* Pre-wired for ATC and Tracker.
* Landranger gets standard Tracker.
* American cherry wood furniture.
* Two new upholstery colours.

* The original version of this article appeared in the September 2007 issue of Which Caravan. To subscribe, click here.