AFTER SPENDING A morning looking at the 2012 Sprite, we can confirm that Swift Group’s entry level line-up is in very good shape indeed for the season in prospect.

 

Like the Challenger Sport and Eccles Sport models, Sprite gets a completely new bodyshell. The only difference is no option for a roof window and there is a large, single-span double glazed front window rather than three small ones.

 

 

Sprite and breezy

Inside, the range gets the same wood finish as the Swift Challenger Sport which is fairly dark but helps it feel a bit plusher. The upholstery in particular has the look and feel of a far more upmarket tourer. Like the Sport, locker doors are flat and unfussy with postive locking catches.  What remains intact is the feeling that Sprite is more upmarket than the price tag suggests.

 

In terms of layouts, Sprite retains all the favourites from last season, including the Alpine 2 (pictured) and Alpine 4 fixed bed. The Quattro twin-axle six-berth and Musketeer TD remain broadly unchanged. Sprite is promising improvements to Musketeer EB and Major models too.

 

Pricing is announced at the NEC Show but with that bodyshell upgrade and the interior finish, we’re expecting a increase in asking price. Weights are a little harder to predict, but with the rest of the Swift portfolio having been on a diet for this year, it seems likely that improvements are on the cards.

 

The main rivals are Elddis’s much improved Xplore line-up but the capable Adria Altea and stylish Bailey Orion ensure there is a four-way fight for entry-level customers in 2012.