Full review

A number of Britain’s largest motorhome retailers offer dealer specials – quite simply, these are mainstream models with extra kit, unique branding and some cosmetic changes. Each one is subtly different, from one dealer to the next, but all offer the reassurance of a mass-market motorhome with the added allure of more equipment than the entry-level vehicles on which they are usually based.

In 2017, a number of firms have also turned to the very latest Swift Escape – which has been totally reinvented this season – for their dealer specials. One such company is Lowdhams, although it also continues to offer its Bessacarr Hi-Style range as a more upmarket alternative (prices currently from £48,450 to £56,485 but set to rise before you read this – see This Month).

There are six models in the Freestyle SE range (so not every Escape is mirrored in the Lowdhams trim) – all can sleep at least four, with the 695 catering for larger families, thanks to its bunk beds, plus five seatbelts and six berths.

Here, it’s the 694 model that we’re showcasing as it has today’s must-have floorplan – an island bed. The bed is fitted lengthways, butting up to the rear wall, with wardrobes on either side, in the usual style. The bedroom area is open to the rest of the vehicle, with the L-shaped kitchen close by on the nearside and just a simple screen for privacy.

Before you – or we – doze off, though, let’s take a look at the outside. All new Escapes – and, therefore, all Freestyles – are low-profiles but they sit quite tall on the higher version of the Fiat Ducato chassis.

The bodywork uses Swift’s latest SMART Plus timberless-framed construction with new GRP balanced panel side walls. The overcab pod features an opening sunroof, while the cab itself is painted in dark grey metallic with a colour-coordinated bumper.

There’s plenty more to differentiate the Freestyle over a standard Swift product, including stylish 16-inch alloy wheels, an awning and external points for a shower, barbecue and 230V socket. Pleated cab blinds, a reversing camera, TV aerial, Winter Pack (including a heated waste water tank) and 100W solar panel are all standard, too.

Lowdhams says the Freestyle comes with over £4k-worth of extra goodies, so it’s well worth comparing with both the Escape on which it’s based and other dealer specials. Remember our advice, though, to always buy reasonably locally.

All Freestyles also benefit from the modern interior décor of the latest Escapes, mated to an exclusive soft furnishings scheme that includes ‘furry’ scatter cushions. Curtains have been replaced by upholstered frames around windows with blinds, and furniture looks a lot more contemporary than before.

This 694 model also comes with an optional drop-down double bed over the front lounge (plus a fifth belted travel seat, rearward-facing), Combi 6 gas/electric heating, a combined oven/grill and slim-tower fridge and a microwave. The compact washroom is an all-in-one design, so there’s no separate shower.

If you enjoyed this review, you can read the full version and more in the April 2017 issue of What Motorhome magazine.

You can get a digital version of this latest issue of What Motorhome magazine here.