Verdict
Come the end of the Practical Caravan Elddis Affinity 554 review, what is the verdict? Well, the Explorer Group feels certain that this model will be a big seller in 2015 and from what we’ve seen, we think their confidence is justified.
The Affinity offers a high specification at a price that may tempt buyers away from costlier upmarket caravans, without making it feel like a sacrifice. Fixed-bed fans will be tempted by the 554, and all buyers are likely to appreciate the new sunroof.
Pros
A stylish and well-constructed caravan
The island-bed layout reaches market at a more affordable price point
Cons
Some features of the interior trim may strike some people as a bit too traditional
The receiver for the Al-Ko Secure wheel lock is standard, but the lock itself is a cost option
The Elddis Affinity 554 is the latest addition to the mid-market and aspirational range. In 2013, Practical Caravan’s reviewers chose the fixed-double-bed 540 as their Tourer of the Year. Still, it’s the most heavily revised Elddis for 2015 – including the ‘Sky-Scape’ sunroof, which is lifted from its cousin, the Compass Rallye.
There are neat silver graphics above the three front windows that integrate the Sky-Scape into the caravan’s design and link visually to the silver-painted gas-locker lid and skirts. On the sides, the grey/burgundy decals are simple but stylish, and go well with the refreshed rear light clusters.
The Elddis Affinity 554 has Ozio mattresses and seat cushions, which will apparently last as long as the tourer
Pitching & Setting-up
The transverse-island-bed Elddis Affinity 554 is the sole new layout for the 2015 line-up. Elddis expects this floorplan to be a big-seller, as do other manufacturers this year. New graphics break up an uninterrupted expanse of wall panel on the nearside. This helps to overcome a perennial problem with this layout.
The range retains the Explorer Group’s SoLiD construction method. The company also adds one-piece ‘Strong-Lite’ aluminium sidewalls and the bonded ‘No-Screws’ awning rail. Elddis is so confident that its build eliminates water ingress that it offers a 10-year warranty.
A major change this year is the switch from BPW to Al-Ko chassis. They are fitted with shock absorbers, a stabiliser, ATC trailer control and Secure wheel lock receivers. The spec includes Alde 3020 programmable central heating, an alarm system with leg sensors, and external satellite, mains and gas points.
Living
The sunroof and front windows allow plenty of daylight into the lounge of the four-berth Elddis Affinity 554. The sofas aren’t huge – a common complaint with this layout – but there’s room for four to dine, and the new ‘Chivago’ trim with aubergine piping is fetching. Darker wallboards add a more traditional element.
Chrome-edged cream bands on the cupboards and chrome handles give a luxury feel. At night, ambient LED lighting accentuates the atmosphere.
Kitchen
The locker and cupboard doors in the kitchen of the Elddis Affinity 554 have push-botton catches and lack the cream strips used in the lounge, to differentiate the galley from the front, observe the Practical Caravan review team.
The microwave sits chest-high between a cupboard and the sideboard. The nearside worktop is a bit low, but it wears the same stone-coloured finish as the main kitchen’s opposite. A large granite-effect sink, a swan-neck tap and backlit drinks cabinet contribute to the high-quality feel here. A separate oven and grill, four-burner dual-fuel hob and a good-sized fridge/freezer round out the kit list.
Washroom
Behind the sliding door of the narrow washroom in the Elddis Affinity 554, you’ll find the Alde system’s small heated towel rail and a large shower cubicle with a bi-fold door – both of which come in for praise in Practical Caravan’s review.
Elddis makes the most of your water container with a top-spec Ecocamel Orbit showerhead. The Whale Intelligent Controller cuts out automatically when the water has run out to prevent damage to the high-flow pump.
Beds
Like Coachman, the Explorer Group has adopted Ozio mattresses and seat cushions for the Elddis Affinity 554 and throughout its range, promising that they will last as long as the tourer, Practical Caravan’s reviewers report.
This is a four-berth with a transverse island bed, plus the front lounge can be made into a double bed. The 554’s transverse 6ft 2in island bed can be retracted during the day, to leave space around the curved foot of the bed for accessing the washroom. At 4ft 6in wide, it feels pretty generous, and you won’t notice the extension piece beneath your pillow. For more legroom, make up the front double, which is a healthy 6ft 7in x 4ft 11in.
Storage
The drawers in the Elddis Affinity 554 and throughout the range are made using dovetail joints – an unmistakeable indicator of high quality construction – and these are just one of many storage options.
The bedroom boasts plenty of space for stowing your belongings. Twin wardrobes flank the island bed and lockers line the area overhead. A huge ventilated storage area in the base of the bed is accessible from outside and usefully near the axle line, which allows you to keep heavier items there.
Technical Specifications
| Berth | 4 |
| MiRO | 1323 kg |
| Payload | 153 kg |
| MTPLM | 1476 kg |
| Shipping Length | 7.41 m |
| Width | 2.23 m |
