Back in the 1980s, Compass was a successful range hailing from County Durham.
The team behind the brand were father and son Siddle and Ray Cook. After leaving Elddis, selling to ABI in 1973, the pair set up Compass.
Within a few years, despite the tough times, the company was thriving.
Among several available ranges, Rallye proved to be a best-seller from the very beginning, mainly because of its excellent spec. Elddis later bought the firm, in the late 1990s, moving production to its Delves Lane plant.
After some years, Compass as a brand was axed – although a few 2010 prototypes were manufactured, they never sold any production batches.
Then for 2014, the Compass name made a comeback, and Rallye was added to the offering at the luxury end of the line-up. It very soon established itself as a strong market leader.
Model History
The Rallye name itself can be traced back to 1981, so it’s been around nigh on 40 years!
It was in 2009 that we saw its final appearance, although this turned out to be just a rest break for the brand, until 2014.
Then it was to make a new launch, reappearing on the market with the innovative SoLiD construction method, using glues instead of screws, so cutting back on the risk of damage from water ingress.
The new Rallye came with an excellent level of spec, including Alde heating, but some customers felt that the interior didn’t look as good as it might have done. By 2015, though, improvements in the décor had rectified this.
GRP sides were employed and the spec included an alarm, microwave, full oven, fridge, TV aerial, radio/CD, barbecue point, Al-Ko chassis, ATC, alloy wheels, and much more.
The sunroof brightened the already modern, airy interior, making the new Rallye look really smart.
By 2016, there were seven layouts in the line-up, adding more appeal to the range. That year, the twin-axle six-berth was launched, offering larger families more choice in this luxury range of tourers.
Alternatives
Look for a Lunar Clubman SB with the same layout as the 574; we found a 2016 SB with a great spec for £15,495. Or try the Coachman Pastiche 565, also from 2016, with the same floorpan and priced at £16,495.
Price checker
These tourers maintain prices well. We found this example at £17,495, but also saw others at £16,995 and £17,995 – shop around for the best used price and extras. Private sales are going for around £16,495. Prices for other models in the range:
- 530: £16,995-£17,195
- 540: £17,199-£17,495
- 550: £17,695-£17,895
- 554: £17,295-£17,995
- 644: £18,295-£18,995
- 636: £19,000-£19,450
Verdict
We believe the new Rallye is a better bet than the earlier models – the 2016 examples look really good and provide comfortable living.
The end washroom in the 574 is well-equipped, and overall storage space is generous.
The condition of our model was excellent, with no marks or signs of any damp repairs. In fact, it looked pretty much like new – and was snapped up by a lucky customer just a few days after we viewed it!
CHECK FOR
- Signs of damp on back wall
- Delaminating floor in the kitchen and lounge area
- Cracking in front locker lid
- Damage to front ABS panel
- Inner wallboard tape seams coming adrift
- Cracks on front panel
- Damp in window surrounds and Heki roof vent
Tech specs (574 model featured here)
- Price £17,495
- Berths 4
- MiRO 1360kg
- Payload 139kg
- MTPLM 1511kg
- Internal length 5.59m
- Width 2.26m
See what we made of another model from the same manufacturer too, the 2014 Compass Omega 482.
If you liked this… READ THESE:
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.
Rallye proved to be a best-seller from the very beginning, mainly because of its excellent spec
