Price: £16495 MPTLM: 1700kg

Meridien 640 EKB
Your first sight of the new Sterling will almost certainly have you standing back in amazement at the stunning grey-coloured sides, cool graphics and modern design. Only the Swift Group could have built the Elite, because only Swift has the resources. With its Scandinavian-style light woodwork and modern fabrics, and striking new body shape it is the most contemporary British caravan on the market.
Exceptional security comes in the form of a new Phantom 'ProActive' satellite monitoring system, AL-KO Secure wheel lock and an intruder alarm, which together qualify this exceptional range for a 50 per cent reduction on insurance premiums.
We've picked the four-berth Searcher twin axle because it showcases all the new features – a luxurious end wash room with walk-in shower and separate drying area, Alde central heating with radiators and luxurious fixed bed – that make this a wonderful upmarket caravan for couples.
 • Full write-up and pictures in the Awards issue 2007.

Price: £12495 MPTLM: 1450kg

Dart 630/6
No caravan has received more column inches than Avondale's biggest Dart, which has been taken on a nationwide tour to demonstrate how you don't need a huge car to tow it. It features fixed side bunks, a large rear washroom, side dinette and large front lounge which transforms into a double bed. Its most impressive characteristic is its 1450kg MTPLM, which for a tourer this size is little short of remarkable. It feels a bit sparse inside as a result, but if you want six berths, plenty of living space and don't want to upgrade to a 4x4, this Dart is compelling.
 • Full write-up and pictures in the Awards issue 2007.

Price: £11875 MPTLM: 1540kg

Ranger S5 620/6
Another six-berth twin-axle which won't break either the bank or your car is Bailey's Ranger 620/6. Its floor plan is broadly similar to the fixed-bed layout used in the Fleetwood's Sonata Symphony, but despite being a twin-axle model, it's lighter and cheaper than the Fleetwood and has been one of Bailey's best sellers this year. The biggest difference between this and other six-berth layouts is the provision of a fixed double bed at the back of the van. This leaves a dinette opposite the huge kitchen to convert to two bunks, and a large front lounge which can be used as either two single beds or a large double. The 1540kg MTPLM means it's not as heavy as other family vans either.
 • Full write-up and pictures in the Awards issue 2007.

Price: £14995 MPTLM: 1550kg

Quasar 615
This is not a new layout, but the mildly made-over Quasar 615 five-berth still represents a great van for families. The big selling point for this model is the rear lounge, which is an ideal play and sleeping space for younger members of your touring team. The single dinette that converts to a bunk at the rear faces a pair of fixed bunks to make four beds in total. The front lounge converts into a large double bed for mum and dad. Add to these features the fact the upgrade for 2008 includes a microwave along with revamped interior colour schemes, worktops and washroom, and the 615 looks more compelling than ever.
 • Full write-up and pictures in the Awards issue 2007.

Price: £15999 MPTLM: 1700kg

Argente 650-6
£15,995 1700kg Avondale has earned itself a second nomination in this category, this time for the spacious and well-equipped Argente 650-6. As with most six-berth models, the front dinette also converts into the double bed. The central section of the Argente is dominated by the large side kitchen, which is ideal for preparing a family's meals, and a washroom that is split across the walkway. The shower is on the offside and the toilet compartment is on the nearside. What makes this a great van for large families is the generous amount of living space at the rear of the van. It makes a fabulously comfortable lounge, while at night it can be turned into two pairs of facing bunks.
 • Full write-up and pictures in the Awards issue 2007.