It’s been a tough year for all caravan manufacturers, but Swift has managed to get at least some stock out to dealers. Here we’re looking at the new Challenger Grande. Yes, that means last year’s ‘X’ has been replaced with the Grande badge.

A similar switch has happened with the Sprite Supers, now also renamed Grande.

The revamped 560L sports a caravan layout that will no doubt have lots of appeal, along with its new exterior and interior finish.

Pitch and set-up

The Swift Challenger Grande 560L is on the Al-Ko chassis, which has an AKS hitch. It also comes with a wheel lock receiver. Standard corner steadies are fitted, while there is an external mains socket and gas barbecue point and a side-access locker.

Smart new graphics add even more style, as do the new front panel and rear unit, made by Swift itself. The large front gas locker offers excellent access and the grab handles are sturdy and easy to use.

The Swift Challenger Grande 560L
The Swift Challenger Grande 560L

An LED awning light is in place over the one-piece glazed entrance door, while Swift now uses diamond-cut alloy wheels, which also look very smart. In short, the sleek good looks of the 560L will complement any of today’s modern car designs.

Lounge

Having fallen out of favour with buyers in previous years, the L-shaped lounge has now made a real comeback.

The 560L uses this design to very good effect: on the nearside there is no window, but there is a cabinet with provision for a TV to be fitted (our guide to the best caravan TVs is worth a look if you’re on the hunt for one). There is a mains socket and an aerial socket, too, which connects to the excellent Status aerial.

The lounge feels bright and airy with its large horizontal sunroof, and the light grey upholstery adds to this feeling of space. The seating is comfortable, and thoughtful touches include directional LED spots for reading, as well as integral LED spotlights and speakers for the radio.

The capacious overhead lockers, now finished in a contemporary woodgrain, are a big improvement over last year’s finish.

Kitchen

The offside kitchen in the Grande is well equipped, as you would expect. It provides a Thetford full oven and a dual-fuel hob, a welcome feature that Swift first introduced as long ago as 2003!

A flatbed (plateless) microwave is fitted between the two overhead lockers above the kitchen. Storage is very good, with two cupboards and a large central drawer.

The kitchen in the Swift caravan
The well-appointed kitchen has an extension flap if extra work surface is required

There is a big sink and plenty of worktop, with a splashback and a handy extension flap if you need more space for food prep. The LED striplight directly over the sink and hob should light things up nicely at night. The slimline Dometic fridge, located opposite, is ample for the food of four, and just above it is a locker for more storage. There is a roof vent here, too: if you want an extractor fan, the SE version provides this extra kit. Overall, the kitchen is practical and stylish, so should suit most cooks.

Beds in the Swift Challenger Grande 560L

You could use the front settee as a single bed, but it will provide more comfort made up into a double instead, which is easily done by pulling out the extension.

If it’s just the two of you on tour, the 560L will make an excellent choice: the fixed double bed offers perfect comfort with its generous size, while the Duvalay mattress is designed especially for Swift and offers really good support.

The fixed double bed
The fixed double bed is a good size and has superbly comfortable Duvalay mattress

Washroom

The central washroom – something that has become so popular these days – works well as it can easily be partitioned off.

It provides a smart handbasin, and there’s a mirror above and storage space below.

A Thetford electric-flush toilet is fitted on the offside. There is no window here, but a roof vent adds light and ventilation. The circular shower cubicle is more than adequate, while next to it on the wall is the radiator for the Alde heating system.

Storage in the Swift Challenger Grande 560L

Overhead locker storage is very good in the 560L, with plenty of space under the seating and the fixed bed. The wardrobes in the rear bedroom are a good size. You also get a large gas locker, and the kitchen has generous cupboard space. For two on tour, that should be more than enough capacity.

Verdict

Swift has given the interiors of the Challenger range a much-needed boost. We especially like the well-planned upgrades, such as the alarm fitted as standard and the extra width, offering enough room for four adults to use this tourer in comfort.

The storage is good and the caravan feels well put together. For those wanting extra spec over the standard Challenger Grande, the SE badge will add such items as ATC and an extractor fan. All in all, Swift has done an excellent job in difficult times.

  • After more tourer inspiration? Then take a look at our best caravan guide, where we share our top picks

What we like

  • Large gas locker, spacious lounge, kitchen and bedroom, updated interior

What we don’t like

  • No ATC as standard, payload rather limited

Technical information

  • Price: £32,995
  • Berths: 4
  • MTPLM: 1665kg
  • MiRO: 1509kg
  • Payload: 156kg

Spec list

  • Alde heating
  • Thetford oven
  • Dometic fridge
  • Alarm
  • Alloys
  • Status TV aerial
  • Radio
  • Shower
  • Al-Ko receiver
  • BBQ point
  • Exterior mains socket
  • Awning light

If you’d like more four berth inspiration, take a look at our reviews here:

If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Caravan magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things caravan related.