Full review

IF you’ve taken your eye off the ball for a bit, you may not have noticed that one of the most famous names in caravanning is back.

While your parents may be familiar with the Sprite name, it’s wasn’t until 2004 that you could once again buy a new caravan with this iconic name on it.

And while the reintroduction of the brand could be looked upon as a cynical marketing exercise, a close analysis of the 2005 Musketeer will show it’s not. While its siblings share many facets with other caravans produced by the Swift Group, the Musketeer goes its own way – and is all the better for it. This caravan is really aimed at the young family of four on a budget, and at just over £10,000 it represents stonking value.

You can blow £499 on an upgrade pack that includes alloy wheels, AKS 3004 stabiliser and better cushions for the lounge, and while it’s good value, it’s not necessary if money is really tight. While the washroom isn’t huge, it is spacious enough. The two bunk beds that are along the back wall offer comfort and privacy for the two children and the lounge is splendidly comfortable. As well as being very well lit, it’s centrally heated – and the kitchen is superb too. Plenty of work and storage space is augmented by equipment galore, so you don’t really want for anything. It may be a while since we last saw a new Sprite, but the Musketeer marks a very welcome return for the brand.

• Price                        £10,195
• Berths                       4
• Warranty                   3 years
• Internal length (m)    4.74
• Shipping length (m)    6.37
• MIRO (kg)                   1004
• Total user payload       239
• MTPLM (kg)                1242
• Max width (m)            2.23
• External ht (m)           2.70
• Headroom (m)            1.90
• Awning size (m)          9.03