With the demise of the short-lived Sprite Exclusive range (which was one of the best specified on the market for the money), Swift returned the Sprite range back in its place as the affordable lightweight range of tourers it used to be.

As a result, the Challenger range stole Sprite’s Exclusive DNA while retaining that Challenger feel. We looked at the baby Challenger 390 earlier this year and were impressed with the decor and the spec, and have also taken a look at the Challenger 480.

So what would the larger Swift Challenger 500 feel like and should those on the hunt for the best 4 berth caravan be considering it? It’s based on the Alpine 4, with a fixed bed, corner washroom, centre kitchen and front lounge area. We went to Preston Caravans & Motorhomes to see one.

Pitch and set-up

The Challenger’s GRP sides and hail-resistant GRP roof are well finished. The front and rear GRP panels are stylish with sturdy chrome-effect grab handles. There are black alloy wheels and a window in the door, while the front nearside has an exterior locker access as well as BBQ point and exterior mains socket.

The main service points are on the offside, except the toilet cassette access (see: how to empty a caravan toilet if you need advice on this). It’s on the nearside, so if you’re not keen on emptying your loo with the awning up that may be off putting. There is a Vision Plus TV aerial fitted as well as a 120S solar panel. You’ll get caravan ATC fitted, along with the AKS hitch.

Lounge in the Swift Challenger 500

We think the front lounge offers comfortable, good-quality sprung seating with scatter cushions. There is no central chest of drawers – instead you get a small fold-up coffee table, while there is a larger freestanding table for main meals.

The front lounge in the Challenger 500
There isn’t a central chest of drawers – you get a folding coffee table instead, while the quality seating and scatter cushions are very comfortable

There are mains sockets on the front window shelf and a wireless mobile phone charger. Four LED corner spotlights are fitted, while a JVC radio with removable front is placed in a roof locker.

The JVC radio in an overhead locker
There’s a JVC radio with a removable front and some useful storage space

There is a sunroof, but you don’t get curtains on the side windows – just padded panels with pleated blinds.

Kitchen in the Swift Challenger 500

The kitchen is kitted out with an extending worktop flap and a good quality caravan microwave along with a Thetford dual-fuel hob and gas oven. There is a large stainless-steel sink, and opposite the kitchen is a 142-litre slimline Thetford fridge freezer.

The kitchen in the Challenger 500
Thetford dual-fuel hob and gas oven will appeal to couples who like to cook, while kitchen worktop space is good, especially with the extending flap

There is LED strip lighting, and for ventilation, in addition to the side window, the Heki roof vent is placed just far enough back from the lounge that you could open it while cooking. Overall, it’s well designed and we like the finish on the locker doors.

Beds in the Swift Challenger 500

The 500 is a four-berth, but we reckon it is likely to be used most often as a caravan for couples, so a fixed bed is the main appeal here.

The corner double bed comes with the Swift exclusive and comfortable Duvalay mattress, but it has a slightly angled design where the washroom robs it of width. As a result, the overall size of the bed may be a tad small for some.

The slats in our test model pulled out easily, with the seat cushions virtually falling into place to make a comfy double.

Washroom in the Swift Challenger 500

There isn’t a window in the corner washroom, although a roof vent allows for light and ventilation. The room just gets a shower tray and wipe-down walls with a shower curtain, which feels rather dated.

The washbasin (left) and the shower and toilet (right)
There’s a decent-size handbasin with a mirror located in the
main bedroom area (left); a shower curtain feels a bit retro, but the shower and rest of the washroom is well laid out

But the latest Truma CombiNeo system delivers continuous hot water, and the room itself is quite large. The neat handbasin is in the main bedroom area.

Storage in the Swift Challenger 500

If there are just two of you, storage in the 500 is very good, with deep roof lockers over the rear bed and shelving. The lounge area also has two roof lockers each side, while the kitchen comes with more good storage including two shelved cupboards, two overhead lockers and a utensils drawer.

Our one gripe is with the wardrobe: it’s next to the fridge and has little in the way of hanging space.

The microwave and overhead lockers in the kitchen
Quality microwave is at eye level and there are nicely designed cupboards and shelves

If four were staying in here, clothes-hanging space would be limited. Front seat base storage is okay, with internal access, but not brilliant. Washroom storage includes a large shelf above the loo.

Alternatives to consider

You could take a look at the Bailey Phoenix Black 640, a four-berth which comes with a cleverly designed washroom door which we thought made comfortable living that bit easier to achieve.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a tourer for couples, how about one of our highly commended contenders at the Practical Caravan Awards 2026? The Barefoot Bothy is an eye-catching three-berth and offers the stylish, cosy interior you would expect from Barefoot.

Or maybe you’d be interested in a pre-owned tourer? If that’s the case, see what we made of a used 2019 Sprite Alpine, which offers value and a decent build.

Technical specification

  • Price: £27,795
  • Berths: 4
  • MiRO: 1204kg
  • Payload: 146kg
  • MTPLM: 1350kg
  • Interior length: 4.83m
  • Shipping length: 6.53m
  • Overall width: 2.25m
  • Web: swiftgroup.co.uk
  • Seen at: prestoncm.co.uk

Spec list includes:

  • ATC
  • Spare wheel
  • Exterior locker
  • Alloy wheels
  • Al-Ko wheel lock receiver
  • Status TV aerial
  • External BBQ point and mains socket
  • Solar panel
  • Truma Combi Neo heating
  • Thetford oven
  • Dometic fridge
  • Alarm
  • Radio
  • Beds: Front double: 1.98 x 1.28m
  • Rear double: 1.94 x 1.32m