A dominant name in the UK caravan market for years, Swift has launched hundreds of models over its long history.
Some of those ranges are still going strong, such as the ever popular Challenger, now 40 years in production. Others had long runs before being replaced, one such being the Charisma, a mid-priced range launched for 2001 and a solid favourite for years.
The Charisma could be relied on to offer a really good choice of caravan layouts, following popular buying trends. From two berths to six, the line-up provided floorplans to suit most buyers. The spec was also good, with a caravan fridge, oven and blown-air heating, plus a TV aerial and radio. But do they still make a great used buy these days?
Model history
The Swift Charisma launched for 2000, replacing the Ette range, which had been around on the market since 1966.
The new line-up had a tough act to follow, but for the next 11 years until it was replaced, the Charisma served Swift well. In particular, it played a major part in the many dealer specials that Swift was producing for its dealership franchises.
These special editions offered extra spec and upgraded levels of comfort, with better quality upholstery and some welcome equipment additions, which could be a tempting prospect if you’re looking at buying a secondhand caravan nowadays.
The Swift Charisma 560 was first introduced for the 2001 model year and ran until 2011. In 2012, it was replaced by the Swift Challenger Sport.
Welcome new additions for 2011 included alloy wheels, an exterior TV connection, four mains sockets, LED lighting and a new awning light. These were all part of the rather impressive package that you got with the 2011 Swift Charisma.
The 560 came with a large front lounge and a single side dinette with a bunk above.
The midships kitchen is just opposite the dinette, while to the rear of the van is the pretty sizeable washroom, which also houses a wardrobe.
With a choice of seven other models in the line-up, if the 560 doesn’t suit, there should be an alternative layout that will.
What to look for in a 2011 Swift Charisma 560
- Rear panel cracking near roof
- Fading in front and rear panels – knowing how to polish a caravan could help here.
- Signs of damp on interior walls
- Loss of support in mattresses on the permanent beds
- Rusting on cooker hob
- Scuffed tyres and alloys
- Poor support in lounge seats
Price checker
This Charisma looked in very good order from the outside, and inside, was a great example of just how a well-kept older tourer should appear.
Checking prices, we came across good examples from £8495 to £9995. This model didn’t have a motor mover, but at £8150 we still thought it was excellent value and would soon find a buyer.
For the rest of the range, you can expect to pay:
- 220: £6495-£6995
- 230: £7495-£7995
- 535: £7995-£8295
- 545: £7995-£8485
- 550: £8295-£8995
- 565: £8795-£9895
- 570: £8595-£9995
The verdict on the 2011 Swift Charisma 560
The Charisma was a great range of tourers, and many were sad to see them go. Keep a look-out for a good used model and if you find one, grab it quick!
With a good spec, they were popular with touring couples and families. Watch out for dealer specials based on the Charisma, such as the Safari, offering valuable extra kit and upgraded soft furnishings.
Alternative models
You could look at the 2012 Bailey Unicorn Cabrera – it’s a four-berth which provides excellent value for money and is a popular choice with couples. You could also look at the 2011 used Lunar Goodwood – it’s a four berth, which is a neat dealer special and provides plenty of appeal.
If you decide you’d like to see what a more recent tourer from the brand offers, take a look at a 2020 Swift Eccles X 880; it’s stylish and is still looking up to date.
Technical specification
- Berths: 4
- MiRO: 1288kg
- Payload: 162kg
- MTPLM: 1450kg
- Internal length: 5.44m
- Width: 2.24m
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