First in this week’s episode, we review the 2017 Hymer Nova GL 470. This brand is known for building heavy and wallet-squeezing caravans, but if the style, quality and kit-level appeal, what do you get in this, the smallest in the range? 

Layout wise, it has a front lounge and a full-width end-washroom. But stepping on board, what strikes you first of all is the attention to detail and the solid build quality.

The nearside kitchen has a top-spec separate oven and grill with a dual-fuel hob, a microwave, plus a fridge and worktop space opposite. And check out the neat action of that integrated TV!

But that gorgeous, large and comfortable front lounge is arguably this caravan’s star feature. And at night you can use the sofas as single beds or convert them into a generous double bed. See what else you get for its £27,000-plus price-tag.

Don’t miss it!

You’ve five chances to see this show and three different ways of watching. You will find Practical Caravan TV on Showcase TV which is on Sky 212, Freesat 161 or live online – a single, one-off charge of £2.99 applies for the latter.

And here are this week’s broadcast times:

  • Monday 6 March at 8pm;
  • Wednesday 8 March at 6pm;
  • Friday 10 March at 4pm;
  • Saturday 11 March at 6pm;
  • Sunday 12 March at 6pm.
      

Tune in and you’ll also see our Kia Sportage tow car test. Our 2.0-litre test car has four-wheel drive and a healthy kerbweight, so on paper should make a good tug.

Top end power is lacking, but our test car had good mid-range pull. It was also a stable tow car, even when pulling a twin-axle tourer.

Build quality inside this SUV is good, rear cabin space sufficient for adult passengers and it has a 503-litre boot capacity, with the rear seats in place. Watch this week’s episode of Practical Caravan TV to find out more about what tow car ability the Kia Sportage has.

True elegance from Swift

After the break, we review another caravan that comes in at over £27,000 – it is the Swift Elegance 530.

Tweaks for 2017 help make this model stand out, plus it is loaded with kit, such as external 230V and gas barbecue points, Al-Ko goodies, an external locker, heavy-duty corner steadies, alloy wheels, Thule bike-rack mounting points and a rear-view camera – phew!

The front-lounge, side-dinette layout works well and we’re fans of the sockets grouped together in a chromed unit at the front. The kitchen is spacious and well-equipped, while the full-width end-washroom is, we think, one of this van’s highlights. See it in this week’s show!

Finally, we’re off to near Ashford in Kent, to look at the open-all-year Broadhembury Caravan and Camping Park. A former finalist in our Top 100 Sites Guide, take a look round this popular site that’s well-placed for exploring the county’s sights.

And that’s it for this week on Practical Caravan TV. Watch on Sky 212, Freesat 161 or live online, and we hope you enjoy the show.