The entry level Xplore was a compelling product last year, but the classy new Sprite line-up made it look a little unsophisticated. The 2011 Xplore won’t have that problem this year.
In terms of layouts, the main changes are the removal of twin axles from Xplore. There are now five floorplans. The largest vans are the new 556 triple-bunk six berth and fixed bed, rear washroom 540. The twin-dinette 495 five-berth and end-washroom two-berth 452 continues from last year, along with the tiny 302.
New graphics and an upgrade to the more stable BPW V-Tec chassis are the main external upgrades. Inside, Elddis has worked hard to push the interior feel upmarket. Upholstery is more grown up and darker and added a level of sophistication that was not part of the Xplore package last year. Lockers are deeper for improved storage and corner lights are added for the first time.
Kitchen kit has got a makeover too. A recessed sink with clip-on drainer replaces the glass-topped unit used previously which frees up a lot of workspace in all models. A bigger 115l fridge is standard in all models and you can ditch the matches too. Finally, electronic ignition is provided for the cooker on Xplore models!
All its caravans meet the standard for Grade III thermal insulation for the first time. Essentially it means the caravans are usable all year around.
Prices are up. The 302 loses its eye-catching £9995 price with a £400 hike. Typically, price rises are around 6% for the range.
Prices:
302 £10399
452 £11599
495 £12399
540 £12999
556 £12999
Verdict
Xplore has grown up with a classier interior and unique layouts. Still needs a short fixed bed to layout to really take the fight to the Sprite.
We have 2 autistic boys.one
We have been caravanning for
We have been caravanning for 15 years and are looking to purchase a new caravan.This would suit our needs.Winning this would be fantastic.
We have been caravaning since
We have been caravaning since 1980, started of with an old sprite alpine, cold water only on a foot pump in the floor, had some really good hols with our boys, daughter was born so needed a bigger van so put it in part exchange for a Bailey Cheiftan, then a bailey avalon, after a few more years we bought a brand new Bailey Padgent Auvergne in 2000 at the 1999 Bristol caravan show, absolutley loved it, then within a year my job changed and had to work every weekend so the van sat on the drive and as we looked at it our hearts sank, so we reluctantly sold it back to chipping sodbury caravans, went to spain on a plane for a few years but really missed the caravan life, my job changed again so did not have to work so many weekends, wondering what to do we thought lets go half way so purchased a folding camper its good until it rains when you have to put it away and the season is much shorter, so we have decided to look for another caravan for next year and have been out looking around the dealers and really like the fixed bed 4 berths that are about but which one, winning one would be the icing on the cake for us, has anyone got any veiws on these layouts, we tow with a 2.5v6 Vauxhall omega, thank-you in anticipation.
This would be brill - the
This would be brill - the hubby & son have spent hubbys inheritance many times over on a caravan even though his elderly relatives are still around lol
We are new to caravanning
We are new to caravanning and have just bought an old bailey ranger and a new car to tow it with winning this caravan would mean we could give the old caravan to our daughter and both her and her partner and 2 boys could accompany us on our hopefully regular breaks away.