The biggest news from Elddis in 2011 is unquestionably the all-new Avante range. The interior has been completely renewed to give it a refreshed feel for the new season.
Changes to the line-up see the range increase from nine to ten layouts. Dropped for this season is the side dinette 524 and fixed end-bunk 464. The 505 is missing although this has been reworked to house a separate shower and been rebadged as the 515.
Joining the 2011 line-up are the 564 and 554. The 564 is a nearside twin-dinette layout, the rear with wrap-around seating and spacious end washroom. It is a similar take on the Swift Charisma 545 and Bailey Olympus 534 models introduced last year.
The 554 is all new and an exclusive layout to Elddis. The clever arrangement has nearside fixed bunks at the rear and full washroom with separate shower opposite.
Outside, new graphics and carbon-effect body trim are the only differences to 2010 models. Interior improvements are vast however.
Most striking are the streamlined kitchen lockers, which now have a smart white and frosted glass finish. The remaining lockers throughout are an attractive light oak, finished with steel handles.
As well as looking the part, the lockers have been made 50% deeper, making them much more useable. Extra shelving kits are also available as an option to further boost storage flexibility. Warm upholstery and ‘Cappuccino’ granite worktops add a touch of class while two alternative fabrics are available as a £200 option if the standard one doesn’t take your fancy.
Other improvements for 2011 are the 6’5” headroom, 100% LED lighting, extra electrical sockets, front access to seat bases, sturdy aluminium bunk ladders and 170degree wardrobe hinges for ‘walk-in’ access.
Weights are yet to be released, but Elddis has confirmed all singles axle models will be under 1500kg. Prices are up quite sharply at around 6% across the range, but the huge improvements go some way to justifying it.
Prices
Avante 362 £13199
Avante 462 £13999
Avante 515 £15399
Avante 526 £15399
Avante 540 £15399
Avante 554 £15399
Avante 556 £15399
Avante 564 £15399
Avante 624 £16699
Avante 646 £17499
Verdict
Overdue perhaps, but the new Avante was well worth the wait. Sharp styling, exciting new layouts and the promise of reduced weights from 2010 make this a must-see.