Price £28,795 Berths 2 MiRO 1308kg MTPLM 1435kg Superbly revamped for the new season, this stylish two-berth offers relaxed, value-for-money touring
SWIFT HAS BEEN BUSY revamping its Elegance, Conqueror and Challenger ranges. It was time for the Challenger to receive an overhaul, and the brand’s designers have clearly given it a good shake-up.
There are four models in the range. Three have fixed beds, while the fourth, which we’re reviewing here, is the 480 SE, with a two-berth end-washroom layout.
The ‘SE’ tag means you get extra spec at a special price. This traditional layout for couples on tour remains hugely popular, and the new model looks like a promising addition to the market.
Pitch and set-up
The Challenger’s profile has been totally overhauled, and it looks superb, with its GRP front and moulded rear panels.
It comes with four sturdy grab handles and there are Thule bike rack fixing points at the back. The sides are also in GRP, while the Al-Ko chassis has heavy-duty corner steadies plus an AKS hitch and ATC.
There’s a large front gas locker and all of the service outlets are on the offside. The new-look graphics and alloy wheels add to the general air of caravan chic.
A 100W solar panel is fitted as standard, as is a Status TV aerial, and an external mains, shower and barbecue point.
There is a handy external wet locker, but the absence of a stable-type door could be a minus point for some buyers, who might expect to find that kind of door on an upmarket tourer in this price band.
Lounge
The lounge offers plenty of comfortable space for two, with twin settees that will seat up to six. Although the 480 is actually 7ft 6in wide, it feels broader.
The seating is supportive and comes with corner bolster cushions and plush scatter cushions. The large sunroof lets daylight flood in, and night-time lighting is well placed. Radio speakers are in the ceiling, while a mains socket is easy to access.
Swift has done away with side curtains, though, and instead has padded panels.
Kitchen
The side kitchen provides a separate oven and grill, with a four-burner dual-fuel hob. There’s a flush-fitting microwave between the overhead lockers, and you also get a large sink and a sizeable pull-out flap to extend the worktop. There are two mains sockets located here, too.
LED lighting keeps the area well lit at night, and Swift has included an extr
