Xplore 596
Image
Key Features
Model Year
2009
Product Class
Single Axle
Price from (£)
£12995
Berths
6
Full Review
THIS six-berth from the budget Xplore range has dinettes at the front and rear.
The stretched body has a GRP front panel and one-piece front window, which gives a great view out from the inside.
The rear panel doesn’t let the side down, with a large window here too. From the outside, it’s clearly a large tourer, bur it’s not until you step inside that you realise just how roomy it really is.
With two double dinettes, a side wardrobe and washroom with kitchen opposite, the 596 is the ideal layout for a large family.
It sleeps six, which means that during the day it’s essential that there’s plenty of space for the occupants to enjoy on long tours as well as short breaks.
Xplore interiors are generally light and bright and, as the largest model in the range, this is no exception.
The two settees at the front of the caravan can be used as single beds or made up into a double, and whatever the combination they provide a comfortable bed.
There’s a small chest of drawers in between with a pull-out coffee table; the drawers would benefit from being a moulded tray, in which case they’d be stronger and be able to take more weight.
Roof locker storage is made up of two central units with corner shelves and side cupboards above the seats.
Spot lamps provide focussed lighting and there’s a ceiling light above. It would’ve been nice to have found two small mains lights illuminating this area, but what’s there suffices.
Seating is excellent and the soft furnishings are of a good quality; there’s plenty of support and it looks hard wearing, which is essential in a family tourer. The optional loose-fit carpet costs £195 but looks cut price.
It’s good to see that Xplore has used slatted bed bases and hasn’t cut corners with plywood tops that you’ll find in some budget tourers.
There are two blown-air heating outlets for warmth on chilly evenings and a mains socket in the front lounge too.
The side kitchen has excellent worktop and mains socket provision, along with more roof locker storage above.
There’s only three burners on the hob, but a Midi Prima oven and Thetford 108-litre fridge add to the kitchen’s specification. For storage, there’s a large cupboard for pots and pans, essential if you’re cooking for six.
The kitchen area is large enough for preparing meals for six people, but four burners on the hob would be welcome.
The wardrobe opposite the kitchen has decent-sized shelves, but the hanging space is somewhat restricted; this isn’t unusual for tourers in this sector so it’s what you’ll come to expect.
The Truma heater is fitted here at the wardrobe’s base and the heating controls sit conveniently on the dinette side of the wardrobe wall so there’s no fumbling around at seat bases to adjust the heating or water controls.
The side washroom is pretty basic and a small vanity unit means storage for your bathroom bits is limited, but the rest of the room is practical. Again, it’s quite typical of this price level and difficult to find fault with.
The rear of the 596 is going to prove a hit with the kids, with twin single settees, a fold-up bunk for night-time and a small central locker. Having an area like this for the kids means the adults can relax at the top end.
There are roof lockers on each side of the rear end and there’s a small shelf over the huge rear window – perhaps a locker instead of a shelf may have been more useful here. You can never have too much storage when there are six people on board! The area is lit by spots and a centrally placed ceiling lamp, and is eating, sleeping and living space that’s perfect for the kids.
Verdict:
The Xplore 596 has a surprisingly spacious feel given its 2.23m width. It proves that good design is more important than large dimensions. The maple-finish furniture is light and well-made; and the seating is supportive with a modern design.
The interior build is excellent when you consider the budget credentials; there’s no sign of scrimping on the workmanship or using cheap materials. Value is what the 596 is all about, and it’s what the buyer will get.
It may not be the most exciting tourer to look at, but it’s no ugly duckling. Stainless steel grab handles reinforce the van’s sturdy build. As good as it is, with a new Bailey Ranger Series 6 lurking around the corner, there’s stiff competition.
• This review was published appeared in the October 2008 issue of Which Caravan. Find out more about the magazine here.
The stretched body has a GRP front panel and one-piece front window, which gives a great view out from the inside.
The rear panel doesn’t let the side down, with a large window here too. From the outside, it’s clearly a large tourer, bur it’s not until you step inside that you realise just how roomy it really is.
With two double dinettes, a side wardrobe and washroom with kitchen opposite, the 596 is the ideal layout for a large family.
It sleeps six, which means that during the day it’s essential that there’s plenty of space for the occupants to enjoy on long tours as well as short breaks.
Xplore interiors are generally light and bright and, as the largest model in the range, this is no exception.
The two settees at the front of the caravan can be used as single beds or made up into a double, and whatever the combination they provide a comfortable bed.
There’s a small chest of drawers in between with a pull-out coffee table; the drawers would benefit from being a moulded tray, in which case they’d be stronger and be able to take more weight.
Roof locker storage is made up of two central units with corner shelves and side cupboards above the seats.
Spot lamps provide focussed lighting and there’s a ceiling light above. It would’ve been nice to have found two small mains lights illuminating this area, but what’s there suffices.
Seating is excellent and the soft furnishings are of a good quality; there’s plenty of support and it looks hard wearing, which is essential in a family tourer. The optional loose-fit carpet costs £195 but looks cut price.
It’s good to see that Xplore has used slatted bed bases and hasn’t cut corners with plywood tops that you’ll find in some budget tourers.
There are two blown-air heating outlets for warmth on chilly evenings and a mains socket in the front lounge too.
The side kitchen has excellent worktop and mains socket provision, along with more roof locker storage above. There’s only three burners on the hob, but a Midi Prima oven and Thetford 108-litre fridge add to the kitchen’s specification. For storage, there’s a large cupboard for pots and pans, essential if you’re cooking for six.
The kitchen area is large enough for preparing meals for six people, but four burners on the hob would be welcome.
The wardrobe opposite the kitchen has decent-sized shelves, but the hanging space is somewhat restricted; this isn’t unusual for tourers in this sector so it’s what you’ll come to expect.
The Truma heater is fitted here at the wardrobe’s base and the heating controls sit conveniently on the dinette side of the wardrobe wall so there’s no fumbling around at seat bases to adjust the heating or water controls.
The side washroom is pretty basic and a small vanity unit means storage for your bathroom bits is limited, but the rest of the room is practical. Again, it’s quite typical of this price level and difficult to find fault with.
The rear of the 596 is going to prove a hit with the kids, with twin single settees, a fold-up bunk for night-time and a small central locker. Having an area like this for the kids means the adults can relax at the top end.
There are roof lockers on each side of the rear end and there’s a small shelf over the huge rear window – perhaps a locker instead of a shelf may have been more useful here. You can never have too much storage when there are six people on board! The area is lit by spots and a centrally placed ceiling lamp, and is eating, sleeping and living space that’s perfect for the kids.
Verdict:
The Xplore 596 has a surprisingly spacious feel given its 2.23m width. It proves that good design is more important than large dimensions. The maple-finish furniture is light and well-made; and the seating is supportive with a modern design.
The interior build is excellent when you consider the budget credentials; there’s no sign of scrimping on the workmanship or using cheap materials. Value is what the 596 is all about, and it’s what the buyer will get.
It may not be the most exciting tourer to look at, but it’s no ugly duckling. Stainless steel grab handles reinforce the van’s sturdy build. As good as it is, with a new Bailey Ranger Series 6 lurking around the corner, there’s stiff competition.
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• This review was published appeared in the October 2008 issue of Which Caravan. Find out more about the magazine here.
