Verdict
So does the 560 fulfil Challenger’s concept of style, quality and practical design? We’d say yes, it definitely does that, and with a great deal of panache, too.
If we have any complaint – and this is a minor niggle – it’s that we would like to see the overhead lockers refreshed for 2021, with a new finish and design. But overall, the distinctive exterior looks good, while the spec is just what caravanners want.
The 560 works well and you might also get the bonus of Caravan Guard insurance at half-price – the icing on the cake.
Pros
Night lighting, storage, stylish exterior, large sunroof, great layout for couples
Cons
Solar panel only 80W, no heavy-duty corner steadies, no washroom window
Back in the ’80s, Swift was making great strides in tourer design. Using updated profiles and GRP for front and end panels, the new era of aerodynamic caravans had arrived. Swift became a class leader using these designs. In 1985, the Challenger replaced the Cottingham, and this new line-up proved a long-lasting success.
The 2020 models still sport aerodynamic profiles, with a quality interior and spec to match, and the 560 is a layout that should prove equally popular.
Making meals in the 560 should please the most discerning cook, because the kitchen is fitted with the latest Thetford oven and dual-fuel hob
Pitching & Setting-up
The Challenger looks very stylish, but it’s tough, too, with GRP side walls and a hailstone-proof roof. The superbly finished GRP front and rear panels add to the overall quality of the exterior.
The Al-Ko chassis is used, which comes with ATC and AKS hitch stabiliser. Alloy wheels and a spare are a welcome part of the spec, and the Challenger also comes with a large, non-opening sunroof.
Other features include a capacious front gas locker, which most caravanners would say they can’t live without, plus other must-haves: a barbecue point and exterior mains socket.
It’s good to see the roof-mounted solar panel, although it’s only 80W, and there’s a handy side locker with exterior access. Swift fits the Status 570 digital TV aerial, but rather surprisingly, no heavy-duty corner steadies. There is a midi Heki roof vent, and a one-piece glazed door.
Service points are on the offside and the LED awning light is just above the door.
Living
The Challenger’s very elegant lounge will comfortably seat four people, even though this area is only just over 5ft long. There’s a central chest of drawers here, with a useful pull-out extension flap, just right for a relaxing coffee break.
It’s here that the alarm sensor is placed, while a mains socket and USB point are also located in the lounge, as is the radio. The lighting includes LED corner spotlights, integral lights above the overhead lockers and LED downlighters by the sunroof.
Overhead lockers offer plenty of storage in the lounge, and there are access flaps on the seat bases, so you won’t have to lift up the settee to get to the bedding at night.
There’s ample room for two to dine here in comfort, using the freestanding table.
Kitchen
Making meals in the 560 should please the most discerning cook, because the kitchen is fitted with the latest Thetford Oven and dual-fuel hob, with a cupboard below.
There’s a microwave above the main unit, which is always welcome, but could be a tad high if you’re not that tall. In addition, there’s a Dometic fridge/freezer and a sizeable stainless-steel sink – we really like the stylish light-up splashback.
There is more good storage space (mainly in the overhead lockers), two mains sockets and an extension flap.
Opposite the kitchen is the Swift control panel; Swift Command lets you control your services using an app. The cupboard here has the sockets for a TV,
Washroom
The central washroom works well, with a generous handbasin and mirror, plus more cupboard space below. On the left is the Thetford electric-flush toilet, and on the right, the moulded shower cubicle, which has an eco showerhead. Just outside is a radiator for the Alde heating.
There’s no window on either side of the washroom, which would have been good for additional daylight and ventilation.
Beds
The rear island bed’s Duvalay mattress ensures a great night’s sleep, and there’s ample storage below. The lounge seating makes up into another double, using slats pulled out from the central chest and the settee cushions.
Storage
For two people on tour, the Challenger 560’s storage capacity should be more than enough, with capacious overhead lockers in the lounge, the side cupboard by the entrance door, and more cupboard space in the kitchen.
In the washroom, there’s a shelf, plus a cupboard below the handbasin.
But it’s the bedroom that boasts the best storage. With twin wardrobes, overhead lockers and two side cabinets, there’s loads of room here. And on top of that, there’s and excellent aount of underbed storage, too.
Technical Specifications
| Berth | 4 |
| MiRO | 1397 kg |
| Payload | 127 kg |
| MTPLM | 1424 kg |
| Interior Length | 4.95 m |
| Shipping Length | 6.66 m |
| Width | 2.23 m |
| Awning Size | 932 cm |
