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Swift Charisma 220

Key Features

Model Year 2008
Class Single Axle
Price From (£) 11,695
Internal Length (m) 3.83
Shipping Length (m) 5.52
MRO (kg) 1005
MTPLM (kg) 1,179
Max Width (m) 2.23
External Height (m) 2.70
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Full review

Swift Charisma 220, 2009

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Price new: £11,695

This caravan is a: two-berth with end kitchen and corner washroom

Lunar’s Ariva has ruled the two-berth lightweight roost for so long, but now Swift has launched a contender to the throne. But is it really a serious rival, or just a pretender?
The Charisma has an MTPLM of 1179kg, which doesn’t win the lightweight battle with the Ariva’s 970kg. Neither does it win in outright size, with the tape measure telling us internal body length is 20cm longer but crucially 21cm wider than the Ariva – that’s the width of all Swift Group’s twin-axles just three years ago.
So is the new Charisma 220 the great pretender? It may not add up to a winner in the weight department, but with diesel fast becoming the fuel of choice, coupled with vastly improved towing performance, buyers don’t need to struggle as much these days with finding a suitable tug for their tourer.
At £12,190 (on-the-road) it’s just £200 more than the Ariva, though it clearly has a better specification than its Lunar rival. New 2009 Charismas gain built-in Sharp microwaves, top spec loos, more 230v sockets, shock absorbers on the wheels and a clear attempt to upgrade existing components throughout the caravan.
But what really sets this


Caravan layout
 swift charisma 220 layout













Click here to download test: Which Caravan, June 2008
 swift charisma 220 review





















Our verdict
If you’re limited on space in which you can store your caravan, or stuggle along with a small towcar, then perhaps the Lunar is the best option for you. But here, with the Charisma 220, Swift clearly demonstrates you’re paying a premium for that lightweight construction, a premium that doesn’t necessarily reflect the higher spec or overall ability.
Outwardly the Charisma gains graphics almost identical to last year’s Challenger and Conqueror, and taken together with its stylish alloys, it looks anything but entry level.
And that’s my lasting impression. This caravan sits
on the bottom tier of Swift’s three levels and it’s also the cheapest of that bottom tier. But it looks, feels and is kitted out as a luxury spec tourer would’ve been a few short years ago. Progress indeed. Here the new 220 price matches the lightweights and gives those who don’t have weight issues the chance of a bit of modern luxury.



















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