Swift Kon-tiki 650 motorhome

Berths: 4 Travel seats: 4 Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato Al-Ko Gross weight: 5,000kg Payload: 943kg

The Swift Kon-tiki has been around for more than three decades. From the outset it was a luxurious motorhome that developed an iconic following. But it hasn’t always seemed as special as you might have hoped and that’s something Swift has addressed for 2019 with a completely new model.

The new range includes single rear axle and tag-axle models, as well as High-line (with overcab bed and improved aerodynamics) and Low-line options. All models are claimed to be more stable on the road, while the GRP bodyshell features a stylish new rear panel. Another new addition is Swift Vision with cameras on the sides and rear of the vehicle to not only ease manoeuvring but also make the driver more aware of cyclists alongside and cars overtaking from behind.

For many, though, the most alluring aspect of this new British flagship will be its bedroom. We’ve become familiar with motorhome cabs and lounges being transformed by daylight flooding in through sunroofs; now Swift has introduced the Stargazer window in Kon-tiki bedrooms. The window wraps over from the ceiling into the rear wall, above a padded headboard for added luxury.

The bed itself is mounted low and measures 1.94m by 1.42m, while his ‘n’ hers wardrobes are raised clear of the bedside tables for a roomier feel in bed. This bedroom feels very light and airy and rather special.

At the opposite end of the 650, there’s an equally spacious lounge with offside L-shaped settee, nearside sofa and swivel cab seats under an electric opening overcab sunroof. The table takes continental design cues, being permanently sited and fitted with a fold-in-half top so as not to be too intrusive. It’s great to see more manufacturers recognising, at last, that kids travel in motorhomes and the new Kon-tiki gets Isofix as standard.

On site, you’ll also appreciate the speakers in the ceiling and reading light in each corner. Only the zipped overcab pockets seem to have missed the luxury design brief.

Certainly, the kitchen isn’t lacking in spec. Corian worktops in acrylic stone are more usually seen in German Liner models, while the acreage of preparation space is impressive, too. A mains hotplate, three gas burners, separate oven and grill and fitted microwave can be taken as read, while the 177-litre fridge has a novel door which opens from either side.

Aft of the galley, the en suite has a good-sized shower but the cheap-feeling travel catch and rather too ‘on show’ cassette toilet let the side down slightly in another area that benefits from the Kon-tiki’s XXL dimensions.

Outside, the under-bed locker isn’t a full garage (headroom is 0.78m) but it comes with lighting, power points, tie-downs and also accommodates the spare wheel. An awning, external barbecue point and outside shower also come within the extensive kit list, as do heated cab seats, sat-nav, a wide entrance door, built-in Wi-Fi and underfloor heating. But then, if you upgrade to 177bhp with a Comfort-Matic gearbox, the Kon-tiki slips past the £100k mark for the first time!

If you enjoyed this review, you can read loads more like it in What Motorhome magazine. You can get a digital version of this latest issue of What Motorhome magazine here.