The entry-level Xplore range of caravans is now a stand-alone entity in the Elddis line-up for 2014. This should increase its visibility as it competes with other budget brands, including Sprite and Venus.

The whole 2014 Xplore caravan range gets a root and branch makeover, with new external branding and graphics, plus new ABS panels to the front and rear. Headroom is increased to 1.95m and there’s a new colour scheme, featuring light grey upholstery with green detailing. Overhead lockers get handles instead of catches and there’s new LED interior lighting, too. Hobs and sinks are finished in black enamel, and the Dometic fridges reference these colour cues with smart black frontages.

The five-strong range gets two new layouts for 2014, with the 402 (parallel lounge, end washroom), and 574 (fixed twin beds, end washroom) coming in.

Practical Caravan says…

“Now in its fifth year of production, Xplore was certainly due a reboot and this substantial makeover delivers on all fronts. We really like the smart new interiors, which have a decidedly non-budget feel.

“This thoughtful restyling, and the inclusion of two new models with popular layouts, could see Xplore do really well this season. With prices for carried-over models rising by just 2.9%, Xplore will run its rivals hard in 2014.”

The 2014 Xplore range

Xplore 304

Price from just £12,149 

The diminutive 304 packs a lot into its 4.37m length, with a four berths, an L-shaped lounge, a midships kitchen, rear nearside corner washroom and rear offside corner bunks. The front lounge makes up into a 1.98m x 1.35m double, while the top bunk is 1.8m x 0.6m and the bottom bunk is 1.8m x 0.71m. The MTPLM is 1066kg, making it one of the UK’s lightest caravans.

Xplore 402

Price from £12,999

A compact two-berth with a parallel lounge, midships kitchen and a compact but useable end washroom, complete with a separate shower cubicle. The front lounge sofas make up into either a 1.98m x 1.83m double, or two 1.83m x 0.69m singles. The MTPLM is a mere 1139kg.

Xplore 504

Price from £14,199

A fixed bed four-berth with a parallel lounge, corner bed in the back and an end washroom. The fixed bed is 1.91m x 1.27m and the front lounge makes up into a 1.98m x 1.5m double. The MTPLM is 1322kg.

Xplore 530

Price from £14,199

A four-berth with two separate lounging areas, a parallel lounge up front and an offside dinette just ahead of the spacious full-width end washroom. The kitchen is located midships, just inside the entrance door. The parallel sofas make up into either a 1.98mm x 1.88m double, or two 1.88m x 1.69m singles. The side dinette only makes up into a 1.8m x 0.8m single, but there is an optional drop-down bunk available. The MTPLM is 1253kg.

Xplore 574

Price from £14,199

A four-berth with fixed rear twin single beds, a parallel lounge and an end washroom across the width of the interior. The kitchen is located in the middle. The lounge sofas make up into a 2.98m x 1.4m double bed, while the rear singles are a respectable 1.94m x 0.74m and 1.98 x 0.74m. The MTPLM is 1310kg.