THE BESSACARR 400 range of mid-market coachbuilts was launched in 2013 to replace the Bessacarr E400. The new line-up was priced at a lower level to the outgoing range, a move Swift was able to make by using a less expensive bodyshell. The specification of the new 400 range was also enhanced.
With sales up during the first year of production, there seemed little need to change a proven formula. But the introduction of the new Fiat cab and the roll-out of the timber-free SMART bodyshell construction across Swift’s coachbuilt ranges has afforded an opportunity to improve the Bessacarr offering for 2015, so the range has been re-engineered and re-designed. The name has changed slightly, too, with the ‘400’ designation being dropped.
There are minor changes to the line-up: the rear fixed-bed 444 and rear lounge 464 are deleted, to be replaced by two new layouts – the front dinette 424 and rear island-bed 494 – while there’s a significant change to the rear-garage 484. The Bessacarr range also benefits from Swift Group-wide spec bumps for the new season – including new cab chairs, a new wood grain finish, new locker handles and dimmable under-locker LED spotlights – plus other general improvements.
Enhanced specification
The 2015 Bessacarr motorhomes get a new streamlined bodyshell, new overcab pods with an opening roof window and a curved GRP rear panel. Bessacarr’s green house style colour features on the side of the ‘van, and in the Bessacarr logo mounted in the radiator grille.
The width of the body has been increased, and the height reduced, to give the ’vans a distinctive look for 2015. A new lower curved roof-line has been fitted to the 424, 462 and 496 high-line roof models (in relation to the 424 and 496, this is due to the drop-down bed). New front marker lights, darkened windows and new graphics round off the new exteriors.
All models receive new cab chairs with an integrated headrest, a wider backrest and better side support. The improved instrument panel now benefits from a gearshift indicator, and USB and Bluetooth connectivity are welcome new additions, too. Two bottles can be accommodated in a new holder, mounted on the floor under the dashboard.
Like other Swift Group ranges, the Bessacarr line-up gets the new mid-toned Aralie Sen cabinetwork, which certainly looks contemporary, while gloss smoked oak inlays in the overhead locker doors add a touch of refinement. The soft furnishings scheme features a dark brown woven seating fabric with a muted cream feature strip in the backrest. This cream cue is referenced in the curtains and scatter cushions, where it appears as the background colour, contrasting with the brown pattern.
The LED under-locker spotlights are now dimmable, the stepwell gets a new light, and there are low-level night-lights. Other design improvements include a new-style kitchen sink and illuminated splashback, chrome plug sockets, and a new Thetford oven engineered to rattle less during transit. Bessacarr motorhomes with fixed beds benefit from Duvalay Duvalite mattresses – exclusive to Swift motorhomes.
Bessacarr models benefit from a higher specification than sister range Esprit, including walnut trim to the dash, cab mirror covers, map pockets, omnivent, vanity mirror lighting, robe lighting, reversing camera and wind-out awning.
All Bessacarr models achieve the Grade 3 insulation standard, and four-season touring credentials are enhanced by the Winter pack now coming as standard (this includes fresh- and waste-water tank heaters, drain insulation and fridge vent covers). The 412 and 424 models are fitted with Truma Combi 4 heating and water heating systems; Combi 6 boilers power the 442, 454, 462, 484, 494 and 496.
The Bessacarr range is powered by the Fiat Ducato 2.3-litre 130bhp engine, with a six-speed manual gearbox. An automatic transmission is available as an option. Swift Group offers the reassurance of a 10-year bodyshell integrity warranty, and all Bessacarr ’vans are fitted with the Tracker Retrieve tracking system.
Model designations have been changed slightly across the range: the final digit in the model numbers refers to the number of belted travel seats. Bessacarr 2015 prices will top out at £50,495, for the six-berth 496, meaning that this attractive and well-equipped range will be affordable for many buyers.
2015 Bessacarr range
Bessacarr 412
Two berths, two travel seats – front parallel lounge, end kitchen and washroom. Low-line roof profile.
Bessacarr 424
NEW LAYOUT. Four berths, four travel seats – front travelling dinette, side kitchen and rear transverse washroom. Low-line roof profile.
Bessacarr 442
Two berths, two travel seats – front parallel lounge, centre kitchen and washroom, and large rear full width washroom. Low-line roof profile.
Bessacarr 454
Four berths, four travel seats – front travelling dinette, centre kitchen, fixed bed, side washroom. Low-line roof profile.
Bessacarr 462
Two berths, two travel seats – rear wrap-around seating, side kitchen and washroom. High-line roof profile.
Bessacarr 484
MODIFIED LAYOUT. Four berths, four travel seats – front travelling dinette, centre kitchen and washroom, new lift-up fixed raised rear bed with garage storage beneath. Low-line roof profile.
Bessacarr 494
NEW LAYOUT. Four berths, four travel seats, front travelling dinette, centre kitchen and washroom, transverse fixed rear island bed. Low-line roof profile.
Bessacarr 496
Six berths, six travel seats – front dinette with four travelling seats, centre kitchen and washroom, rear wrap-around seating. High-line roof profile.
For details of the full 2015 Swift motorhomes range, please click here.
For full details of the new 2015 Swift Esprit range, please click here.
For full details of the new 2015 Swift Escape range, please click here.
For full details of the new 2015 Swift Rio range, please click here.
For full details of the new 2015 Swift Bolero range, please click here.
For full details of the new 2015 Swift Kon-tiki range, please click here.
For full details of the new 2015 Autocruise range, please click here.
