Verdict
8/10
Pros
Comfortable van
The washroom, fixed bed and lounge are all a good size.
Cons
The limited work surface and storage in the kitchen
Pitching & Setting-up
When I moved away from my family, and my family caravan, I became a tent camper. But I soon grew tired of the compromise and wanted the comfort of a van again.
However, even in vans it seemed there were compromises to be made, be it tiny corner washrooms or high weights. But this new, fashionable layout aims to tick all the boxes. It promises to deliver a fixed bed and end washroom, plus a good-sized lounge, all on a single-axle and light enough for a small 4×4 to tow. It’s a lot to deliver and some manufacturers have done better than others.
Swift’s first attempt, the Challenger 570, got everything into the van but weight was an issue. With an MTPLM of 1595kg you need a large 4×4 to pull it. Swift’s second attempt, the Charisma 550, has resolved the weight issue. It is 220mm shorter than the Challenger, which seems to have made all the difference as it has shaved 100kg off the MTPLM. But does a shorter van mean a compromise on space inside?
Living
The lounge is comfortable, well-equipped and light. The seats will fit four comfortably so you can invite a couple of friends in for a natter and a coffee or take advantage of the sofas’ length and stretch out and watch a movie.
The chest table is the flip-over type and is large enough for two at breakfast and lunch. This is useful because retrieving the dining table is a bit of a hassle because it is stored under the fixed bed rather than in a cupboard. It is an unusual solution, but it saves valuable storage space in the kitchen or washroom.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the one area where space has been compromised, but not uncomfortably so. Work surface is limited, though a detachable drainer and fitted chopping board go some way to making the space more practical.
Washroom
That 220mm has been taken from the washroom. It hasn’t greatly affected it though. The only thing that has been lost is the narrow storage cupboard for the dining table.
There is still a spacious shower, excellent storage and plenty of room around the basin to get dried and dressed. Compared to rivals, such as the Bailey Pageant Sancerre, it is still the roomier option.
Beds
I worried that a shorter van would mean a shorter fixed bed. But it doesn’t. Even six-footers can stretch out here. I also like the mirror, shelves and towel hooks Swift has installed on the offside wall, although the area could do with a light above the mirror.
Storage
Storage is limited as well, especially with the awning light impeding on what should be a useful locker over the sideboard. But it has all the kit you’ll need and it does not take too much juggling to prepare a meal.
Technical Specifications
| Berth | 4 |
| MiRO | 1301 kg |
| Payload | 205 kg |
| MTPLM | 1506 kg |
| Shipping Length | 7.11 m |
| Width | 2.23 m |
