FIRST LOOK – Bailey Pegasus Black Edition Messina caravan

It’s the same layout as the existing Messina – but there the similarity stops, for the new 2026 Messina has a totally different character. And that’s all down to fabric, finishes and details.

This is one of five layouts in the new Pegasus Black Edition range, the others being the single-axle Brindisi and Portofino, and the twin-axle Bologna and Amalfi. 

Dark brown interlocking weave against a cream base fabric creates upholstery of interesting style  – and it gives us the impression of extreme durability both in strength of fabric and resistance to marks, compared with paler plain fabrics. 

The interwoven swirls of the window side panel fabric are fawn and ivory, the latter having a lustre that catches the light. 

Cushions are dark brown ridged furry tactile fabric, plus two in bright orange, giving a pop of colour that creates a surprise.

Bailey has been slowly moving away from curtains for a couple of years now. The complete absence of curtains in the new Black Edition range gives way to upholstered panels on each side of the lounge and bedroom windows, 

And the black ingredient? Black, always regarded as an interior design element that conveys an upmarket feel, is used here for the taps and long bar cabinet handles, plus the shower fittings and tube-style tap in the washroom. 

The Messina layout gets a change in the kitchen for 2026, with an L-shape, taking full advantage of the Pegsasus’s 2.45m width. The sector of the kitchen that juts out into the centre of the caravan contains a drawer and cabinet. There’s a second cabinet under the sink. Opposite is the Thetford slimline fridge/freezer and, immediately aft, an element of layout that sets the Messina apart from all other caravans: a third wardrobe; that’s as well as those alongside the bed. 

In the bedroom’s offside front corner is a full-height mirror alongside two shelves, the top one extending from here all of the way above the window to meet the wardrobe. On the nearside is a triangular two-shelf cabinet with television points above. 

Black alloy wheels are part of the Black Edition design, together with a new, more curved, front bodyline, matt black grab handles. The rear gets a new line, too, with a single-piece ‘bumper’ with integral light clusters. And, of importance to off-grid caravanners, the solar panel is now 130W, compared to 100W in previous models.