SWIFT GROUP builds on the momentum from last year’s show-stealing upgrades with more bold improvements. The biggest changes are in the entry level, where the Swift Charisma and Sterling Europa have been rebranded and compellingly redesigned.
The new line-ups borrow design cues from their elder siblings and certainly pack plenty of showroom appeal. There are eight models in each line-up, with two new layouts.
Striking exteriors, classy interiors
The exteriors are striking, thanks to the sweeping aerodynamic GRP front and the dark-tinted front windows and roof panel, which houses the optional factory-fitted sunroof. The rear moulded panels are full-height and feature automotive-style lights and prominent branding. On the side of the van, a semi-recessed awning rail is fitted to both sides and the strong graphics establish brand identity and refinement.
All of the vans in the range benefit from standard kit including facelifted Al-Ko hitch gear, low-energy LED lighting, over-locker lighting, four 230V sockets and a moulded front binnacle for storing mobile phones and MP3 players. Al-Ko ATC anti-snaking system is on all models.
The interiors are classy and comfortable. Eccles Sport gets light ‘Oregon pine’ cabinetwork, while Challenger Sport has the darker ‘Mali acacia’ wood. All front lounges benefit from a new bed make-up system, which retains the slats on a track, and front-loading seat bases.
Lighter vans than last year’s
The new vans are between 35kg and 50kg lighter than the models they replace, bringing them within a wider range of family cars. The eight layouts cater for couples all the way up to large families, with a choice of two-berth, four-berth and six-berth floorplans. The two new layouts are the 514, which has a nearside fixed-bed and offside corner washroom, and the 636, which has twin nearside bunks and an offside corner washroom and side dinette.
Swift has made a brave move by rebranding two successful ranges but the new vans are very impressive – we recommend going for the factory-fitted sunroof. The weight reductions across the board are welcome, too. For details, visit www.challengersport.co.uk or
www.ecclessport.co.uk