Full review

IF it looks familiar, it’s because the Sprite Lite 5 caravan is based on the same 2.25m bodyshell as the previous Sprites – the only differences are the items which have been removed to save money and weight.

Sprite Lite is now the only model in the Swift stable that retains the three-quarter height front panel and gently sloping roof, which looks dated next to its sleek and swoopy siblings.

Although, the one-piece front window looks a little more contemporary than a three-piece configuration and the decals are refreshingly minimalist. Steel wheels, a basic handbrake and simple hitch complete the picture, but don’t expect to find such refinements as a stabiliser, aerial or awning light for this sort of money.

Although Sprite is traditionally a family range, all three of the layouts in the new Lite range also stack up well for couples who are in the market for a lighter and easier-to-tow tourer.

SHOWERING

Since the unveiling of this ultra-lightweight Sprite spin-off, Swift’s Sprite Lite range has received mixed reviews – largely centred on the rather glaring absence of a shower.

But, be honest, how many times have you used your caravan’s shower when there’s a perfectly good facilities building just a short walk away? If site facilities are good, you probably won’t miss the shower.

LOUNGING

Based on the 2011 Sprite Musketeer TD, the Lite 5 is really impressive as a lightweight, basic tourer, in which it’s easy to feel completely at home the moment you step into the open plan lounge.

It’s made to seem more spacious than many others, simply by omitting a front-central chest of drawers. With two distinct areas for sleeping or lounging and eating, the Sprite Lite feels a much more roomy option for a couple than a traditional two-berth layout. And you’ve got extra beds when you need them. The flexible layout presents several dining options.

DINING

The front lounge will seat four around a stand alone table – ideal for entertaining guests – while a couple can eat in the rear dining area, although we thought the table was a touch high for comfort, in relation to the height of the seating.

This dining flexibility is ideal first thing in the morning, too, when a leisurely breakfast can be taken before making the bed. In fact, it’s perfectly practical for a couple to leave the front double made up permanently if a large lounge isn’t a priority during the summer months, when you’re spending more time outside or in an awning.

KITCHEN

The basic kitchen has a simple two-burner hob and grill (without electronic ignition), but no oven.

Although worktop space is only adequate, the absence of an oven opens up more storage space. The large cabinet above the hob will easily accommodate a microwave if you need one; a 230v socket is installed here for the purpose. The 112-litre fridge provides enough cold storage space for the needs of a couple.

TOILET ROOM

The toilet room, in the offside corner, feels huge – the spaciousness being amplified by the absence of a shower. The toilet is a basic Thetford C-200 manual flush model; the washbasin is across a corner with storage below and a large mirror above.

Natural light is allowed in through an opening roof light and there’s a single light and a shelf for storage over the loo. The angled, bi-fold door helps to enhance the spacious open-plan feeling of the interior by creating more floor space in the living area.

The extra space freed up in the toilet room by the absence of a shower could have been better utilised; there’s certainly scope for additional storage in here, but whether the washroom works for you or not is down to the sort of sites you frequent.

STORAGE

With a payload of 155kg, this model will easily accommodate a couple’s personal effects – even for quite extended trips. The Lite 5 has seven top lockers (all with positive locks) and another large locker over the dresser, plus some shelves to the left and above the heater.

When you count in the usual under-seat storage in both the rear and front table areas, plus a large double-doored wardrobe, the Lite 5 really does have plenty of storage space for a relatively short caravan.