Swift Monza S rising roof campervan
Description
Following the launch of the Trekker comes an all-new Monza pop-top
Key Features
Full Review
Words & photos: Peter Vaughan
The Swift Monza S
Swift has been busy updating its campervan range. First came the Trekker and Trekker X on the ‘big’ Transit, now they’re followed by the new Monza S, based on the latest Tourneo version of the Transit Custom.
Like the original Monza campervan, which debuted in 2022, the new model is a pop-top campervan with a side kitchen layout.
However, it benefits from the many enhancements of the all-new ‘V710’ Transit Custom van.
The cab spec
The new model has a lower floor, with no external step required, while the walk-through from the cab has been improved as there’s now an electronic parking brake.
The cab benefits from a roof-mounted passenger airbag, flat floor and a digital cockpit with SYNC 4 13in touchscreen with sat-nav, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth.
It is also 5G ready, and has wireless phone charging, as well as heated half-leather seats with four-way adjustment and lumbar support.
The exterior
On the outside, the new Monza S gets 19in multi-spoke alloy wheels, metallic paint (a choice of Magnetic Grey, Chrome Blue, Artisan Red or Grey Matter at no extra cost), power folding mirrors, and LED headlamps.
The standard power unit is a 2-litre EcoBlue diesel with 150hp and a six-speed manual gearbox. Alternatively, a 170hp engine with new eight-speed automatic transmission is a £3,195 option.
The dimensions
The increased size of the base vehicle means that the new model is 5.05m long, 2.15m wide (mirrors folded) and 2.07m high with the roof down.
The previous model’s dimensions, for comparison, were 4.97m, 2.03m and 2.12m, respectively).
The gross weight of the new Monza S is 3,190kg (so it can be driven on a car licence), with a payload of 510kg. The automatic version is 3,240kg maximum weight with 507kg payload.
The interior
On the habitation side, the campervan has a new elevating roof from renowned German brand, SCA, with a panoramic front flyscreen section.
Inside, the roof features a dimmable LED strip light around the perimeter of the roof. The standard upper berth (1.98m by 1.18m) is on an aluminium frame and Froli springs ensure your comfort. A 200W solar panel is fitted on top of the campervan.
Down below, the very automotive interior comes with just one design for upholstery and furniture finishes – the latter combining the best of the two previous (light and dark) options.
The habitation spec
There’s a new touchscreen for the habitation controls, while 2.2kW Eberspächer diesel heating, a 95Ah leisure battery, and external shower and barbecue points are also standard.
The water tanks (40 litres fresh, 29 litres waste) are underslung at the rear.
Once again, the Monza uses the class-leading Reimo Variotech 3000 sliding seat system with three seatbelts. This converts easily into a 1.98m by 1.11m double bed.
The kitchen
The kitchen includes a Dometic combination unit with two-burner hob and sink under glass lids, while a Mini Grill, also from Dometic, is available as an option (priced at £195).
Additionally, the galley features a 42-litre drawer-style fridge and storage for a Porta Potti.
As the Monza has a second sliding door on the offside, the loo can be serviced through here, although the vehicle’s interior cannot be accessed from this side.
How and where to buy
The new Monza S is on sale now, priced from £71,995. It also comes with a year’s cover under the pan-European Ford Camper Assist breakdown scheme, which will be expanded to include campervans and motorhomes based on the facelifted version of the bigger Transit due out later this year.
Swift has a good-sized network of dealers for its Monza campervans, as you’d expect from the UK’s biggest manufacturer.
In Wales, it has Spinney Flintshire and 3 A’s Leisure. In Northern Ireland, Monza campervans are sold by Thompson Leisure.
Then, around England, there are 12 dealers, so you should never be far from your nearest Monza retailer while you are out touring.
