Hymer Nova SL 580K caravan

For 2009 Hymer introduces the increasingly popular fixed bunk, five-berth layout Nova SL 580K to its range

Hymer Nova SL 580K caravan

Last year, both Geist and Adria produced caravans with fixed, side bunks at the rear, each with its own side window, creating one of the few original design breakthroughs in recent years. Now it seems that every manufacturer wants at least one caravan in its line-up with its appearance enhanced by that double-deck of tinted glass. The big news is that while others are drawing in their purse strings, Hymer has made a very bold statement by introducing an executive-class version with a whopping price tag to match.  

Hymer has gone for the solid and practical look that seems to be the German way. ?AL-KO provides wheel locks and AKS coupling system and the Pro-Active version of the Phantom Tracker is included. The insulating sandwich of marine-ply, polyurethane and aluminium is so rigid that the walls are entirely self-supporting and guaranteed against water ingress for six years.

The lounge is the traditional twin-settee layout, with a high quality chest of drawers. Lighting is effective and flexible, with LED mood lighting nestling on the shelves beneath the lockers and the windows are fitted with sliding concertina blinds - much less troublesome than spring-loaded versions.

The settees are too short to make two adult, single beds, but will make up into a roomy, lateral single. Pull-out bed frames are welcome substitutes for a roll of slats, but you have to remove the chest of drawers to make up the double bed. It’s quite time consuming and you have to suspect that this is a wrap-around lounge adapted to British tastes.

The kitchen is equipped with everything that British buyers require. You get three gas rings and an electric plate, below which is a grill, amusingly referred to as a “food warmer”. There is also a high-level microwave (too high) and a useful 90-litre fridge. A clip-on drainer is required to provide room to prepare food on the granite-effect worktop; this is quite acceptable, but squeezing an impressive array of equipment within a compact area does leave you short of storage.

The entire area beyond the kitchen can be made into a children’s bedroom with a folding screen and makes an ideal retreat, with a very comfortable dinette. Bunks really don’t come any better than these and, apart from their separate windows, the upper bunk has a permanent guard rail (with storage pockets attached). Both beds have a night light, each one emblazoned with a cartoon lion.

The full-width end washroom is probably the main difference between the Nova and its competitors. Even the lighting is classy, with downlights under the shelving providing a soft and welcoming glow. A large wardrobe occupies the off-side, providing ample hanging space, three generous shelves and sufficient space to stow plenty of other items.

The Hymer Nova SL 580K is definitely the caravan to be seen with, for those who demand the very best. It looks as if it might have been adapted from a U-shaped lounge layout to appeal to British buyers. This is a caravan aimed at those with cash to spend, who are turning to caravanning as a new experience, rather than sticking to a budget.