Full review

SWIFT'S new island bed Challenger 580 may, at first glance, look very similar to the 560 it replaces. But look closer – it’s longer and its lounging area is transformed as a result.

There are some minor tweaks elsewhere. But the main difference is that, instead of a small table unit in the centre-front position between the parallel settees, the 580 has a chest of drawers (with hinged extension tabletop).

That’s where the difference in length comes in. Even more importantly, you gain extra length on the settees, giving you a wider double bed. Alternatively, the single beds, although not full adult length,  are long enough to sleep younger members of the family. The 580, therefore, becomes much more of a family caravan than the 560.

Those tweaks? Come with us into the kitchen and look at that beautiful granite-effect sink. It looks classy, quality – made of tough resin that will resist scratches better than the matt metal sort. It’s almost exactly the shade of the thick-pile carpet, giving the decor a cohesive look.

In this prototype 580, the same delightful fawn granite-look resin had been used to form the sink in the washroom. But production models may revert to white, which is a pity because this new effect brings the 580’s offside washroom up a level in modern, dare-to-be-different looks.

There’s another design tweak in the bedroom. The bedside shelves recessed into the wardrobes are larger (both deeper and taller) than in the previous model. They’re now large enough to prop your book as well as your coffee mug.

The 580 gets some minor refreshing changes compared with the 560 – and a lot of difference in terms of lounge practicality and comfort.

You only have to stretch out with your feet up and your shoulders nestling cosily into the firm corner pieces of upholstery to appreciate what a big difference that extra length makes.

So, how does the 580 measure up in other ways? First, the kitchen – and that beautiful granite sink. Swifts do kitchen sinks well – big and circular; you never struggle to wash up even large plates and pans.

There’s a chopping board cover which has a cut-out section so that you can use the tap at the same time as having most of the sink covered. There’s a plastic clip-on drainer – but that will take away most of your work surface so it’s best to keep it housed in its cupboard slot when it’s not in use.

Fridge and cooker are both from Thetford. The hob is complete with mains hotplate as well as three gas burners, as is the Swift style.

If you’re considering a fixed bed model as your next move, it’s worth remembering that an island bed layout often gives you a more cohesive bedroom than side fixed beds – and the 580 is a good example of this.

You get wardrobes on each side of the bed with full-length hanging depth, plus shoe cupboards beneath. And a corner dressing table unit with two sockets and television point means you can use your hairdryer at the same time as watching the breakfast news to start your day.

Although this layout doesn’t get you a true en suite shower and washroom, you get the advantage that the little room is just as accessible to members of the family sleeping in the front area. And you do get a separate shower, with semi-circular smart dark frosted plastic screen. You’ll notice the domestic-style door, with chunky steel handle and firm-click mechanism.

You’ll also notice the slim mirror, mounted onto a metal-effect strip on the outside of the washroom, with feature spotlight set into the roof just above it. The whole effect is of classically modern styling, matching the matt pale fawn metal effect edging that defines all the lockers above and below, and also appears in the pelmets of the two bedroom windows.

Upholstery is unchanged from the 560; suede-effect edges and rich creams and fawns in a design that would suit most tastes.

The Challenger range benefits from its width (2.29m). That’s especially obvious in the central area where you get plenty of space – deep television table above the heater, wide corridor, and general look of roominess.

Smaller touches count, too, like the tiny LED spotlights (four in the lounge plus the usual two in the bedroom). And while you’re counting, you’ll notice that there are five mains power sockets. Full marks, Swift!

There are, though, two features you’re not likely to notice immediately; all 2009 Swifts have shock absorbers and AL-KO Secure wheel lock receivers. And this year’s models also get higher tyre ratings to increase safety margins.

The new 580 is an impressive package. Swift tells us its development is a response to caravanner comments. Our comment? You’ve done a good job, Swift.