Swift Esprit 496

Six berth 957kg payload 7.65m long 2.3-litre engine Six speed manual

Innovations come and go, but some stay the course and the drop-down, over-lounge bed is one that’s proved its mettle over the last few years. It was Bürstner’s MegaVan which first hit on the idea of installing the same way back in 2005.

The idea works well, and detecting the sweet smell of success, most other continental converters came up with their versions, too. These days you can choose examples from just about every European manufacturer, with some offering the drop-down bed as an option, some fitting it as standard to specific ranges.

The 496 model tested here contains that classic British family layout of front and rear lounges, the kitchen and bathroom sandwiched in between. Motivation is provided by Fiat’s doughty Ducato – facelifted for the new season, the latest ‘Duke’ has a sharper external nose, here with LED daytime running lights and grille enhancements.

Few surprises are found in the kitchen, which is very British – and equipped with lots of kit. The fridge is a decent size, and features a removable ice box and Automatic Energy Selection. Cooking is by full-sized stove and a smart stainless-steel microwave. The sink is stylish too, executed in cream GRP and with a drop-in chopping board and removable drainer.

The bathroom is small but straightforward, with an integral shower and fixed corner basin. Twin screens protect the bench-type loo (and the recessed storage pockets) when showering. Downsides in here include a protruding wheelarch moulding that makes it tricky sitting on the loo and a lack of surface to put things down.

This is a condensed version of the review that appeared in the February 2015 issue of Which Motorhome.

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By losing the bulky overcab pod, the latest Esprit 496 brings continental style and versatility to a great British family layout, but the bathroom needs improving and the galley lacks storage.