Hymer Nova SL 540 caravan (2008)

The caravan with startlingly modern looks - and functionality to back them up.

WHEN Hymer launched its SL trim in 2007, we saw a set of interiors that were modern and luxurious. This caravan is its small washroom layout. It’s the only SL with a fixed double bed and a swivel TV to the separated bedroom

Hymer’s sides have gone a shade less metallic, with a pale grey aluminium skin, and this is apparently easier to repair. 

Open the door and the interior scheme is fresh as well. Hymer’s honey-coloured wood finishes of last year are replaced by dark wood, approximately walnut in shade (though Hymer calls it ‘Toscana cherry wood’). 

Find this on the strip-wood effect laminate flooring and on the cabinets themselves. It’s a strikingly modern look. Will the caravan feel too dark come winter evenings? It’s possible that it’ll all become rather wearing as the caravan ages. But for now it’s up-to-the-minute and is going to challenge anyone’s preconceptions about caravan interiors being dull and dated.

How much character is there underneath these good looks? The subtle, pale upholstery is deeply sprung and comfortable – seats are deeper this year. 

 

The Hymer’s lounge area

The six lockers overhead shut with a satisfying clunk. Go to make the front dinette into a bed, and you’ll find an innovative pull out bed arrangement – half a slatted base pulls out from the right sofa, and half from the left, joining in the middle. 

The stylish kitchen has dark gloss granite-effect worktops and a new, black, metallic-fronted Dometic fridge. Again, style is backed by substance, with sturdy wire racking inside the fridge.

The oven was a combi grill with plate warmer over for European caravanners, but the importer, Lowdham Leisureworld, has had this adapted to separate grill for the UK. 

It’s entirely possible since caravans are steadily edging their way closer to households in terms of their equipment. This Nova, for example, has a large round sink with an extra plug, a three-burner hob has an electric hot plate and there’s a domestic-style extractor.

Opposite the kitchen is a lovely curved table work area next to the window and over the Trumatic heater. 

Although this layout is a four berth, it’s going to primarily be used as a two, and the separate double bedroom, with sliding door, continues the luxury furnishing theme. 

Perspex fronted cupboards, in champagne, include a swivel TV cabinet, with a digital TV, Tuner and DVD just for the UK. 

The washroom is squeezed into the left hand corner next to the bedroom and is extremely tiny.

You can use the shower, and you can use the toilet, but this is a caravan to take to larger sites with shower facilities.