Coachman VIP 520/4

Ideal for couples who want a permanent side dining area and a large end washroom

Exterior

Remember when roof lights first appeared in the late 1990s? Soon all caravans had them. Now the quest for even more glorious daylight has given us the forward-facing sunroof.

Swift may have started the trend, but, to our eyes, Coachman has done it better – simply because these sunroofs span almost the whole width of the caravan, between arches that run the length of the roof and blend into the roof rails. The distinctive looks of the 2012 VIPs (and also Coachman’s Pastiches and Lasers) aren’t all about shape. This range is defined by bigstatement flashes of grey tones.

Interior

The 520-4 is a four-berth with a classic layout: a side dining area and end shower room. It’s perfect for couples who want a permanent dining area and the option of occasionally accommodating two grandchildren. It’s also ideal for young families that need beds for three or four and also want the practicality of a big end shower room. That’s where we start this test.

The shower room contains the wardrobe, which is enormous. There is just over a metre of hanging space, with three shelves and two large drawers beneath; they are 63cm wide and 38cm deep. The table for the side dining area is stored at the back of the wardrobe, so you have to reach among your clothes to get at it. Not ideal. Two cabinets give you ample space; shelves rise to the right of the big, deep washbasin.

The 520’s circular shower has a special style feature. The rose is mounted on a large, curving, shiny black moulding that arches across the shower ceiling and ends in a row of LED lights. Lighting is also an impressive feature of the living area. Bright lights shine across the ceiling from the tops of all the head-height cupboards.

They’re an excellent styling feature – and they also give good illumination. Rows of little lights shine down on the dining area and the kitchen and that’s where you’ll find something else to like about the 520: it’s big on kitchen surface and big on storage. The cabinet between the fridge and the oven is just over 60cm wide, with two shelves, while a drawer of the same width gives plenty of space for all the cutlery and utensils you’ll ever need.

Opposite the kitchen is a dresser, with two surfaces linked by a chunky, shiny metal pole, and a cabinet beneath. Above, on the wall behind, is the only evidence on view that the VIP 520 has a unique heating feature. The Truma Combi-Boiler is hidden out of the way under a settee – and, exclusively to Coachman, the system is programmable. The control panel for it is conveniently placed above the dresser.

Add in the ATC anti-sway, electronic braking system, an extractor fan, a metal bed base that pulls out from under the offside settee (far easier and sturdier than slatted bases) and you’ll realise that £21,365 buys you a lot of features in this accomplished Coachman.

It’s relatively expensive, but you get solid build quality and high spec. We think the 520 is value for its price tag