Verdict
The Coachman Pastiche 565/4 is a very nice looking caravan from a highly repected manufacturer. This Pastiche is marginally wider and longer than some rivals, which, along with its complex roof and good kit levels, could account for it being a little heavy.
The size and complexity of the Pastiche bodyshell, plus its high kit levels, also play their part in its higher price.
The Practical Caravan review team felt that the Pastiche loses points for its shorter beds, however otherwise its interior is superb and the exterior is one of the best in its class. We also liked the sunroof and fittings such as the Seitz door and pleated blinds. But it all comes at a price, both in weight and cost.
Pros
It has an attractive interior
It is well-served by Truma heating
Storage is good
Cons
The fixed twin beds are shorter than those in rival caravans
The front double bed is narrow
The separate shower could be larger
The twin-bed layout has long been a popular fixed bed option on the Continent and is now hugely popular in the UK market, ranking as a best seller for UK manufacturers who have included the floorplan across their ranges. Twin beds are usually accompanied by an end washroom and the two make a winning combination as luxury accommodation for two or for families whose children have outgrown bunk beds.
The impressive design of the Coachman Pastiche 565/4, launched in 2012, is bolstered by Coachman’s reputation for high-quality build and attention to detail.
The Pastiche’s radical body sports a panoramic sunroof and bold roof bars – it’s one of today’s best-looking exteriors
Pitching & Setting-up
The Coachman Pastiche 565/4 has shed its reputation for restrained design. The Pastiche’s radical body sports a panoramic sunroof and bold roof bars. It’s one of today’s best-looking exteriors.
Al-Ko’s ATC trailer control system and shock absorbers promote safe towing, while heavy-duty corner steadies site the caravan firmly. A deep front window line restricts the size of the gas locker door, but access inside is fine.
The polyurethane-frame door is generously sized and the stronger one-piece construction and double sealing system make draughts and water ingress unlikely.
Living
The mix of light wood, coffee-coloured panels and neutral fabrics is a visual treat inside the Coachman Pastiche 565/4. Four scatter cushions and armrests add to the cosy feel, while the front sunroof and large Heki rooflight make the lounge bright. Pleated blinds on all windows adjust easily to keep the sun out. Over-locker lights and four spots all use LEDs.
Coachman pioneered Truma’s Combi dual-fuel heating and stays with it this year, stating that it is lighter and heats up quicker than the popular Alde radiator system. The TV stand is by the wardrobe and a second 230V socket is on the offside seat base.
Kitchen
Longitudinal beds always squeeze space somewhere. In the Pastiche 565/4, it’s in the kitchen, reducing storage and worktop. Perhaps Coachman should consider fitting a worktop extension and using space above the fridge for extra cutlery storage. The sink and drainer incorporate a chopping board, bowl and glass lid, which can increase work surface.
The high level of equipment includes the latest Thetford fridge, which has auto energy selection, easy touch-screen controls and an interior light. A microwave oven, 230V hob and two 230V sockets provide plenty of opportunity to use the site electricity supply, and there’s an Omnivent fan in the roof.
Washroom
The Coachman Pastiche 565/4’s washroom feels right the moment you go through the domestic-style door and find the convenient pull-switch for the lights.
The large Belfast-style washbasin, good-quality fittings and Roman blind over the rear window add to the luxury. There’s worktop around the basin and shelf space abounds. However, shelves between the basin and the shower take up space that could have been used for a larger shower cubicle.
Beds
Fixed-bed caravans are bought for their beds, so there should be no compromise in this department. But there is one in the Coachman Pastiche 565/4: their size.
Despite the comfortable sprung mattresses of the fixed singles, their sturdy metal bases and the gas struts for easy access to the storage spaces, they are only 1.88m and 1.83m long – standard domestic beds are 1.9m.
There’s lots of natural light from a ‘Midi-Heki’ rooflight, while LEDs above the roof lockers and two well-placed reading lights provide night-time illumination. Two extra speakers for the sound system and a TV bracket serve the room. At locker height are shelves for books or magazines, but there are no bedside shelves.
The front lounge converts easily with an extending seat base to create a double bed that is 2.11m long but only 1.08m wide.
Storage
Heating and electrical equipment is in the offside seat, freeing the twin bed boxes and nearside seat for storage. Access via the lids, front flaps and external door to the nearside bed is easy.
The lounge and bedroom each have six roof lockers, of which two have shelves; that’s generous even for four occupants. The wardrobe has sufficient hanging space and five drawers can hold small items.
The kitchen has two overhead lockers, surprisingly without catches, but little lower cupboard space. There’s plenty of storage area elsewhere, though, in the Coachman Pastiche 565/4.
Technical Specifications
| Berth | 4 |
| MiRO | 1480 kg |
| Payload | 160 kg |
| MTPLM | 1640 kg |
| Shipping Length | 7.46 m |
| Width | 2.32 m |
