Full review

It’s not often we begin a caravan test report with something very minor. But, recognising that it’s attention to detail that sways you when you’re deciding which caravan to buy, sometimes small details punch way above their weight.

The important detail in this case is the curtain stay design – they’re fixed. In a budget caravan is a surprise. Both Bailey Rangers and Xplores of 2009 (comparable in price) have curtain ties which are not fixed to the blind-casements. So, every time you tow, the curtains travel along the track – and when you’re on site they never look so neat as secured curtains.

The Sprite has of course a lot more than curtain stays going for it. The instant appeal of its cool greys in the décor marks this caravan out as different. The Major has some of the fawn, cream and brown that you seem to find in every caravan. But here it’s the grey that predominates. A grey metal-effect edges the bases of the lockers; it’s the colour, also, of the table-tops and kitchen surface, in a marble effect.

 This grey hue makes a great contribution to the whole appearance of this caravan, which is bright and light – except in one area. That’s the rear – because it lacks windows in the sides and the door. But it’s this area that gives the caravan its best layout feature. There are fixed bunks across the rear, each with a light, each with a curtain, giving children their own space which they’ll love. Two more can sleep in the single (with pull-up bunk above) on the nearside just forward of the door. And the lounge gives you the alternative of two full-length singles as well as making up into a double.

It’s a layout seen elsewhere in caravans, of course. And it’s increasingly popular. That’s because, while it works for six, it’s also good for four. If you sleep two in the rear bunks and two more at the front, you have a permanent two-seater dining area in the centre of the caravan.

So, light in weight, big on style, big on accommodation – but how about the all-important kitchen? Is it big enough to cater for six?

If you keep the removable drainer stowed in the cupboard unless you’re using it, the kitchen surface is large enough – just. And in case you have any doubts, turn around and look at the opposite side of the caravan – there’s a good-sized cabinet top to help out when you need extra surface.

The shower and toilet share the same room but the shower area is large and there is a curtain to keep the splashes from drenching the loo.

Anything we didn’t like? Only the lack of windows in the rear. But, given that you’re getting a well-built caravan with lots of quality fittings for £11,548, we think you can put up with lack of daylight in the rear.

If you opt for the £299 Diamond Pack, as on our test caravan, you’ll get one item that’s essential – a spare wheel – plus one that’s really desirable, the AKS stabiliser hitch. You also get a radio/CD unit and a door fly-screen, plus a spare wheel carrier. All that’s worth a lot more than the £299 cost of the pack. So it makes sense to pay the extra, even though it does add 30kg to the all-up weight.