Full review

THE Sprite name is 60 years young this year. It has had its ups and downs over the years but, having withstood the test of time, it now seems to be making its mark.

This Sprite Quattro FB is a brand new twin-axle addition to the range. It looks modern and stylish, with one-piece side panels and quality moulded front panels.

Stretch the body length and add another axle and the Sprite’s profile looks better still. Gleaming white panels, discreet yet modern graphics and the instantly recognisable badge add to the Sprite’s appeal.

It’s a twin-axle six-berth, complete with fixed double bed. The layout comprises front dinette, side single dinette with kitchen opposite, wardrobe, fixed side double and corner washroom.

The interior feels modern with its light wood finish, superb upholstery and spacious feel. The front dinette is spacious and will happily seat six; it comes with two loose pillow cushions and very supportive seating.

The chest of drawers with extending coffee table is central, while six roof lockers sit around the front end with mains lighting, clock and the wiring for a CD/radio. On the offside you’ll find the side single dinette which makes into bunk beds and has with three roof lockers with spot lamps above.

Opposite, there’s the kitchen and it’s a really strong selling point. It comes with super worktop provision, and storage capacity to match, with superb cupboard storage and roof lockers. The kitchen has a full oven, three-burner hob and Thetford digital read-out fridge.

Design and equipment make this an area in which catering for six should prove relatively easy, and for a tourer at this level it’s excellent. A small serving hatch between the kitchen and bedroom has above it a cupboard for the TV, plus an aerial socket. There’s also an extending bracket for a flat screen TV.

The Sprite’s wardrobe sits opposite the kitchen. It has the Truma heater in its base. Three blown-air outlets around the caravan will ensure that it stays warm on cold evenings. The wardrobe will house clothing for six people, but it could be a tight squeeze.

In the rear bedroom, there’s a corner washbasin with mirror, while the shower and loo sit in their own compartment. Space is limited in the shower/loo area, but not uncomfortably so, and a rooflight lets in plenty of natural light while providing ventilation.

The Sprite has some excellent features for its price: beech slatted bed bases, easy access lockers, Heki rooflight and well placed heater controls, to name a few. This tourer proved so appealing that it got me thinking – I’d love to see more models added to the Sprite range. Perhaps an end washroom four-berth to resurrect that other famous name – the Musketeer.

Verdict:

The Quattro FB has so much to offer a family of six. The fixed side double is comfortable and roomy. General storage is very good with plenty of roof lockers.

The finish is excellent – a quality build and comfort are easy to spot in this tourer. With plenty of floor space and a price tag that won’t make you wince, it’s easy to see that the Quattro FB is going to be a popular model in the Sprite range. Sprites are slightly heavier than the competition, but this is a reflection of the solid build and spec.

The old Sprite slogan of Go Ahead – Go Sprite has now been replaced by Spirit of Adventure. Perhaps the old saying is more apt, since the FB is in the lead in terms of price, spec, style and build quality. Plus, if you buy now you get a few 60th birthday add-ons contained in the value-busting Diamond pack.

D

•    This review appeared in the June 2008 issue of Which Caravan. To subscribe to the magazine, click here.