Full review

Swift says that its entry-level Escape range is Britain’s best-selling motorhome line-up – and now it has enhanced that offering with three Compact models derived from the previous Rio. The designs are a mix of Escape (white cab, blue graphics and cost-saving features like a windowless door) and Rio (slim, 2.26m body and proven six-metre layouts). Gone is the Rio’s most recognisable feature – its huge opening rear tailgate. But simplifying the design has a very positive effect on pricing – prices start at £46,450.

And Swift has not compromised on core benefits, so onto a Fiat Ducato chassis-cab the company builds a SMART construction bodyshell with GRP outer skin (backed by a 10-year warranty) and in the cab you’ll find captain’s chairs and a DAB radio. The updated Swift Command system comes with a new touchscreen control panel, making it easier to adjust heating, lighting, etc, or you can work it from a smartphone using the improved app.

Also new this season is the VIN Chip theft deterrent and identification scheme, while a Thatcham Category 6 tracker is another device that could save you money on insurance and provide peace of mind.

The C205 is the only fixed bed model in the new Escape Compact range. It shares its front half-dinette lounge, nearside galley and all-in-one washroom with the C402 and C404 but has a transverse double bed in place of their rear lounges. That puts it in direct competition with continental models such as the Adria Compact SP and Weinsberg Pepper Edition, as well as Elddis’ slimline Accordo 125.

Access to the Swift’s bedroom is via two fixed steps and there is plenty of room to sit up in bed. Sensibly, the bedroom’s window is at the foot of the bed, on the offside, where the mattress is narrower. At the other end is a padded headboard with twin fixed lights above. The bed itself measures 1.91m by 1.31m (max).

The garage under the bed isn’t as generous as you expect and access is restricted by the small offside loading door; the bigger, nearside hatch being shaped around the wheelarch. Internal headroom is 0.68m, but this can be increased while you travel as the bed is hinged from the foot and rises on gas struts to give a maximum of 1.16m interior height on the nearside.

Up front, the half-dinette seating beats many for comfort and the table – unusually on an island leg – can be stowed away in the wardrobe. Cab reading lights are a boon and there’s the usual (for Swift) attractive trim panel around the side window, but you’ll need to opt for the £1,740 Comfort Pack to get the overcab sunroof, as well as cab air-conditioning, cruise control, reversing sensors and more.

The kitchen comes well appointed with a combined oven/grill, three-burner hob, removable draining board and microwave – plus plenty of worktop. Opposite, in the washroom you’ll need to use a curtain when showering but space is better than you’d usually find in a van conversion.

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