For 40 years the Compass brand has been a familiar name in caravanning circles, delivering a solid, across-the-board range of layouts that has consistently met the varied needs of the UK caravan market. And, as with all the ranges in the Explorer Group, it’s now part of the Erwin Hymer Group, which was recently bought by Thor Industries in the US.

The brand also benefits from the SoLiD construction method, meaning the units are fully bonded, and are guaranteed by a 10-year water-ingress warranty. 

The Casita – meaning ‘little house’ – is the brand’s entry-level range, and comprises four standard-width layouts and three twin-axled, eight-foot floor plans; ideal for seasonal touring. The standard-width 586 layout skilfully manages to manipulate a relatively small space – under 5.7m (or 18′ 8″ for those who still think in imperial) – to accommodate a family of six. It’s a layout that, in the Xplore range – also part of the Hymer Group – was named Best Budget Tourer in our most recent Tourer of the Year Awards.

The Casita offers more: its £3000 premium over the cost of the Xplore version buys you a classier three-piece front window, a Sky Scape panoramic sunroof, carpets throughout, a dual-fuel hob, a separate oven and grill, a microwave, ATC and a number of other assets. 

The Casita’s understated graphics adorn Strong-Lite aluminium one-piece sidewalls, while the stone-chip-resistant front panel incorporates the now almost obligatory panoramic sunroof, three-piece window – all can be opened – large grab handles and a wide front locker. 

Inside, the decor is neutral but far from bland. The cabinetwork is mid-toned ‘Salinas Ash’ with a cream trim and long chrome handles. The parallel sofas’ wipe-clean ‘Daytona’ upholstery is a pale oatmeal tweed effect with faux suede trim. Accents in silver grey are picked up by the carpet, tie-backs and scatter cushions. The overall look is fresh, modern and inviting.