Bailey Unicorn Vigo 2014

Bailey doesn't follow the annual launch cycle favoured by its rivals, but fans of the Bristol-based brand will be cheered by two new models, unveiled in autumn 2013.

The second iteration of the premium Unicorn range, launched a year ago, has built firmly on the success of the original. In came GRP sidewalls, a vertical opening skylight, a recessed centre chest and a split-level kitchen, to name just a few of the improvements. So one year on, with sales of the Unicorn II buoyant, the range is set to expand with new single- and twin-axle models.

The Unicorn II Vigo runs on an Al-Ko chassis with buttonless handbrake. The front corner steadies are easily accessed from the side of the caravan; the ones at the back are under the rear skirt so require a slight stoop to reach them.

The battery box and electric hook-up connection are located on the nearside, just in front of the axle, and the water connections are made to the offside. Enter through the two-piece caravan door to find the control panel and touch-screen controller for the Alde wet central heating to your left.

The Vigo we reviewed was fitted with the alternative Rossini fabric scheme, a £199 cost option. Its eye-catching red details combine well with the light-toned cabinets.

The front opening skylight and rooflight flood the area with sun, and there is a good selection of electric illumination for evenings. With no front gas locker taking up space, the centre chest is cleverly recessed into the front wall. This allows you to use the full length of the lounge seats.

Snacks or elevenses can be served on the chest’s pull-out flap – the folding-leaf table can be brought into play at mealtimes.

To sum up, the opening skylight and rooflight combo, as well as the recessed front chest, are the lounge’s standout features.

Enter through a sliding door to find a cassette toilet on the offside, with a circular shower at the opposite end. Between them there’s a vanity unit and an oval basin, with a long window at head height.

There are also four very handy hooks, ideal for bathrobes and towels, fixed to the washroom wall, above the heated towel rail.

The transverse island bed is a straight lift from the Cartagena. It measures 1.83m x 1.37m and features the same fillet cushion arrangement to extend the bed. The size of the front double bed is 2.06m x 1.27m.

In the day, you remove the cushion to improve access around the bed to the washroom, reversing the process at night.

Although the opening skylight robs the lounge of two overhead lockers, there are still numerous storage options in the Bailey Unicorn II Vigo. Top of the list is the cavernous fixed bed box, but there are also the offside front seat box, roof-level lockers, drawers, wardrobes and cupboards.

Smart under-sink storage and a laundry basket are two thoughtful additions to the kitchen.