SWIFT GROUP HAS unveiled its 2015 motorhome portfolio – and fans of the Hull-based manufacturer won’t be disappointed.
As well as Rio, a brand-new compact coachbuilt range, there are significant updates and upgrades to other popular line-ups including Escape, Esprit/Bessacarr 400, Bolero and Kon-Tiki. Autocruise panel van conversions also get makeovers for 2015.
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Launch Rios are on the old cab – this is how it will look on the new one
Swift top brass described market conditions as “challenging” but very successful in 2014. To build on this momentum, the company has repositioned all its ranges for 2015, all of which will receive the facelifted Fiat Ducato/Peugeot cabs. And all coachbuilt models will be built from Swift’s SMART timber-free bodyshell construction, which utilises polyurethane to significantly reduce the likelihood of water ingress.
Other range-wide improvements include new cab captain’s chairs, the adoption of a new ‘Aralie Sen’ wood finish and new soft furnishing schemes, plus refreshed graphics for the exteriors. Swift also looked at the driving experience of its vehicles, and has introduced positive catches and soft-closing rubber sections to lockers and drawers, as well as a less noisy oven, to reduce road noise.
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Here’s Swift’s Escape 624 which now has a brilliant white exterior
The entry-level Escape is the UK’s biggest selling budget range, but it still gets re-engineered and redesigned for 2015. In comes a new Fiat cab and exterior finish (brilliant white replaces anthracite), plus the new woodgrain for cabinetwork, positive locker catches and other improvements. Prices will rise by 6%.
The new Rio will sit between the Escape and Esprit ranges. A compact coachbuilt with a rear tailgate, it is the same width as a panel van conversion and has been designed for active couples with young children. The larger of the two layouts, the 340, features an electronically operated drop-down bed – one of several Swift models to receive this feature in 2015.
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This 494 is an addition to the Esprit range and has a drop-down bed
Esprit was launched last year, to replace the popular Sundance, and ended up besting it by 35% in sales. It receives significant updates for 2015 – Swift is calling it “all-new” – including the new Fiat cab, SMART construction and wood finish. Two new layouts (the 424 and 494) will have drop-down beds. Prices will start from £42,289.
The more upmarket Bessacarr 400 range shares similar characteristics to the Esprit but has an enhanced specification including a new wider and lower bodyshell, a new rear panel, a twin view reversing camera, a flush-fitting awning and white mirror covers. The new 494 model has an island bed, a feature hitherto reserved for Swift’s Kon-Tiki range. Bessacarr 400 prices will start from £50,495. The Bessacarr 500 range has been deleted.
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There are lots of changes for Swift motorhomes in 2015
Swift’s second-to-top motorhome range receives attractive enhancements for 2015, to tempt existing customers – and owners of Bessacarr 500 models – into upgrading. The successful Black Edition trim has filtered down from Kon-Tiki into the Bolero range; models get the new Fiat cabs, new cab captain’s chairs and a new wood finish. A new 714 model is the same as the 712 but with the addition of a dinette. Bolero prices will increase by 3.3%.
The range-topping Kon-Tiki has been a huge success, and the Black Edition launched last season cemented its position. Improvements for 2015 include the new Fiat cabs, captain’s chairs, a new dashboard, a digital radio with an antenna in the mirror for better reception, running lights, new 16in alloys, a new oven and improved splashback lighting. The range stays at five layouts, and prices increase by 2%.
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Striking 16in alloys on the 2015 Autocruise Rhythm
Autocruise van conversions get new cabs, initially on Fiat until the Peugeot cabs come through in late November, bold new graphics and 16in alloy wheels. Inside, there’s new woodgrain and dimmable LEDs replace halogen bulbs. A new model, the Chorus, will launch in Feburary; it will have a front dinette and centre shower. The Jazz has been deleted. Autocruise prices go up 4.3% for 2015.
New motorhomes for 2015: Swift Bolero
New motorhomes for 2015: Swift Escape
New motorhomes for 2015: Swift Esprit
New motorhomes for 2015: Swift Kon-tiki
New motorhomes for 2015: Swift Rio
New motorhomes for 2015: Bessacarr
New motorhomes for 2015: Autocruise
New motorhomes for 2015: Auto-Trail
New motorhomes for 2015: Auto-Sleepers
New motorhomes for 2015: Roller Team
New motorhomes for 2015: Knaus
