Avondale Dart 4754/4
Image
Key Features
Model Year
2007
Product Class
Single Axle
Price from (£)
£10495
Berths
2
Full Review
THE 475/4 is a layout that was once deemed a must-have in all caravan manufacturer’s ranges: twin front singles, central chest of drawers, side kitchen with wardrobe and washroom opposite, while the rear has a single rear end dinette with fold down bunk above.
It can also be ordered with the option of fixed rear bunks, should this layout better suit your needs. The Dart is a lightweight four-berth designed to be towed by the average Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra.
The distinctive front and rear panels and overall shape help to distinguish the Avondale from its campsite peers. With a good overall quality build, the Dart has all its service points on the offside.
Cheery graphics and one-piece front window are plus points. Only the token gesture front locker is a let-down and the wheel trims don’t set off the Dart’s profile as well as it deserves.
The interior feels light, airy and spacious. The soft furnishings appear to be good quality and replace the less popular brown of the 2007 range. The front dinette will seat four people with relative ease and the front chest of drawers offers a coffee table as well as storage.
Roof lockers sit at the front and side and offer excellent storage while lighting is taken care of with four corner spots and a ceiling light.
Seating is comfortable and offers good support but only one blown-air heating outlet is present so there’s limited heat being circulated in general around the tourer. Under seat locker lids are slatted straps on a wooden frame but open up to reveal easy access to bedding.
The side kitchen in the Dart offers Thetford fridge and oven but with only three burners. The cupboard beneath is a plus and the general kitchen storage is very good for a tourer of this size.
The generous worktop is a plus for preparing meals, and two mains sockets are provided (there’s one in the front lounge for the TV) and again roof locker storage is very good when you consider the size of the caravan.
The wardrobe has two doors, one area for the hanging space and shelves ideal for jumpers and coats. It’s a good size, even though the side gas locker takes some of the storage away.
Adjacent to this, the washroom does feel a little cramped. It’s nicely fitted out though and the storage provision is a strong feature but larger framed chaps like myself may find it a squeeze to use the shower.
The rear end in our version came with the single end dinette with fold down bunk above. It’s spacious and also has roof locker storage above, but some families may prefer the choice of the fixed bunk version. One benefit of the dinette with fold down bunk is the flexibility is provides for families of all shapes and sizes. Only the absence of a mains socket here is a slight let down.
Avondale has hit on a good idea here; it’s aptly timed too as fuel costs soar to outrageous levels. The Avondale makes a great lightweight tourer to match with an economical towcar. With superb towing stability and a good quality finish, the Dart should do well.
It’s not perfect but it’s a good move by Avondale to appeal to those caravanners wanting to avoid the expense of a larger towing outfit. The 475/4 isn’t cheap and we would like just a few extra niceties to give added value.
• A full version of this review appeared in the August 2008 issue of Which Caravan, the only magazine all about buying. To order a road test reprint contact Tina Beaumont on 01778 391187.
To subscribe to the magazine, click here.
It can also be ordered with the option of fixed rear bunks, should this layout better suit your needs. The Dart is a lightweight four-berth designed to be towed by the average Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra.
The distinctive front and rear panels and overall shape help to distinguish the Avondale from its campsite peers. With a good overall quality build, the Dart has all its service points on the offside.
Cheery graphics and one-piece front window are plus points. Only the token gesture front locker is a let-down and the wheel trims don’t set off the Dart’s profile as well as it deserves.
The interior feels light, airy and spacious. The soft furnishings appear to be good quality and replace the less popular brown of the 2007 range. The front dinette will seat four people with relative ease and the front chest of drawers offers a coffee table as well as storage.
Roof lockers sit at the front and side and offer excellent storage while lighting is taken care of with four corner spots and a ceiling light.
Seating is comfortable and offers good support but only one blown-air heating outlet is present so there’s limited heat being circulated in general around the tourer. Under seat locker lids are slatted straps on a wooden frame but open up to reveal easy access to bedding. The side kitchen in the Dart offers Thetford fridge and oven but with only three burners. The cupboard beneath is a plus and the general kitchen storage is very good for a tourer of this size.
The generous worktop is a plus for preparing meals, and two mains sockets are provided (there’s one in the front lounge for the TV) and again roof locker storage is very good when you consider the size of the caravan.
The wardrobe has two doors, one area for the hanging space and shelves ideal for jumpers and coats. It’s a good size, even though the side gas locker takes some of the storage away.
Adjacent to this, the washroom does feel a little cramped. It’s nicely fitted out though and the storage provision is a strong feature but larger framed chaps like myself may find it a squeeze to use the shower.
The rear end in our version came with the single end dinette with fold down bunk above. It’s spacious and also has roof locker storage above, but some families may prefer the choice of the fixed bunk version. One benefit of the dinette with fold down bunk is the flexibility is provides for families of all shapes and sizes. Only the absence of a mains socket here is a slight let down.
Avondale has hit on a good idea here; it’s aptly timed too as fuel costs soar to outrageous levels. The Avondale makes a great lightweight tourer to match with an economical towcar. With superb towing stability and a good quality finish, the Dart should do well.
It’s not perfect but it’s a good move by Avondale to appeal to those caravanners wanting to avoid the expense of a larger towing outfit. The 475/4 isn’t cheap and we would like just a few extra niceties to give added value.
• A full version of this review appeared in the August 2008 issue of Which Caravan, the only magazine all about buying. To order a road test reprint contact Tina Beaumont on 01778 391187.
To subscribe to the magazine, click here.
