There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to Swift Group’s mid-market ranges; what’s more, three new models have now been added to the Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles line-ups to bring the number of floorplans in each to nine. The layouts are the same across both ranges: it’s simply a matter of brand-styling preference.

New for 2017 are two twin-axle models: the 635, with a mid-transverse washroom and transverse island bed, and the 645, also with a transverse island bed but this time featuring an end washroom. On a single axle is the 560, with a rear island bed and mid-transverse washroom.

The walk-through washroom isn’t new – it’s been employed in motorhome layouts for a while – but it brought a welcome whiff of innovation to the 2016 output of caravan floorplans, and helped Lunar’s Delta RI secure our Tourer of the Year award. The major manufacturers are now introducing the feature across all range levels, so the challenge for those taking up the trend is to improve on it: Swift Group seems to have done so simply by switching the toilet and the rear transverse bed to the offside wall. This adjustment eliminates the need to carry the toilet cassette through your awning.

Swift Group is also giving a boost to its entry-level and mid-market line-ups by introducing construction methods and control systems formerly only seen in the top ranges. Aluminium and plywood-constructed sidewalls are now replaced; all models will be built using the latest SMART Plus construction, which means timberless, GRP bodyshells and a new sandwich floor construction with a GRP outer skin. The new system has little effect on weight.

Also being introduced across the portfolio is the Swift Command control system. It comprises an intelligent power supply unit and an LCD control panel, and can be operated remotely via an app.

Our Sterling Eccles 635 test caravan was fitted with the optional Lux upgrade pack (£595), which includes an illuminated kitchen splashback, external barbecue point and 230V socket, external locker and keyfob-operated alarm system. And to see other Sterling caravans for sale, click here.