The excellent spec in this best-selling range included Alde heating, says Andrew Jenkinson
SWIFT IS THE most popular brand of tourer on the market, and the Challenger, originally launched for 1985, is among the top sellers in its long history.
Challengers have appeared in a variety of guises over the years and have become well known as stylish, generously equipped caravans.
Always a popular choice for customers buying new, they remain strong buys in the used sector, too. Quality build and good layout choices mean that Challengers will always find a buyer, and there are plenty to browse on the forecourts or for private sale.
Swift also made Challengers as dealer specials, which were a popular choice for those wanting extra kit and luxury fittings.
The more basic Sports were a perfectly good line-up, but the SE offered extra spec, including Alde heating and an alarm. So how does the 2014 model that we went to see bear up? Will it be a great used buy?
Model history
The 2014 Challenger offered two levels of spec: SE and Sport. The SE badge has been used since the 1990s to denote an upgraded model.
The 480 varient we look at here has been around since 1992, with an end-washroom layout that has proved a hugely popular choice for couples.
Over the years, the 480 has been refreshed and updated and for 2014, it was aimed at the upper mid-market sector.
Swift’s SMART construction replaced all of the wood in the bodywork with water-repellent polyurethane material.
The SE’s great spec included barbecue and exterior mains points, a 40W solar panel, ATC, alloys, a sunroof, Status TV aerial, an alarm, microwave, a full oven, a dual-fuel hob, Alde heating and an AKS hitch stabiliser. But weights were kept realistic, adding to its appeal.
The Challengers had nine layouts, five being twin-axle models; these included the new 640 four-berth model.
The 480 SE was a very good seller new, and used examples remain hugely popular on the pre-owned forecourt.
Price checker
The 480 SE that we viewed was well priced, and it came with a new awning. You are looking at £13,995-£14,595 from dealers, and private sales around £13,295. For the
