The Sprite Compact, Swift’s ‘back to basics’ caravan, was one of the key new models in its 2022 line-up. It is narrower and lighter than much of the rest of the company’s ranges, and keeps alive the promise of a new van for less than £20,000 – so long as you forgo any sunroof.

But budget ranges are often the starting point for dealer specials, because their basic spec offers opportunities to add lots of goodies. So how has the Sprite been upgraded? We checked out Broad Lane Leisure‘s special edition, the Fairway Classic Compact 360, to find out.

Pitch and set-up

Upgrades on the outside include ATC, an external BBQ socket and a solar panel
Upgrades on the outside include ATC, an external BBQ socket and a solar panel

As is common with many special editions, lots of the extras included in the Fairway come on the outside. For example, you get ATC included. With a van this size, you might feel that you don’t need it. But it is a useful back-up, especially if that low MTPLM tempts you to tow it with a small car that is close to the 85% guideline.

Broad Lane has also supplied an external BBQ socket and mains socket, a 100W solar panel on the roof, and an alarm, which you wouldn’t get on the standard Sprite Compact. You also get external access to the nearside underseat locker.

At just 2.03m wide, the Compact will be noticeably narrower than other vans you might stop beside on site. In the 24 hours we had the caravan pitched, two passers-by commented on this – but they also thought it would be much easier to tow (it was).

Given the narrow width, you might also be surprised that, while this budget tourer doesn’t have a sunroof, it still has three windows up front. Broad Lane also includes a window in the door. Chrome grab handles at front and back add a touch of class.

Lounge

As a dealer special, the Fairway has its one exclusive upholstery
As a dealer special, the Fairway has its one exclusive upholstery

As with all dealer specials, the Classic has its own exclusive upholstery. Broad Lane has chosen wisely – warm neutral beige as the main colour and a fiery orange on the scatter cushions. You don’t really notice the absence of a sunroof.

The van’s narrowness is apparent in the lounge’s width. But if it’s just the two of you touring, you should find it comfortable.

A Heki lets in more light from above. There are four spotlights under the lockers, and a pair of USB ports there, too.

The sideboard to the left of the fridge is perfect for a TV and the sockets are nearby. The foldaway table stores in the wardrobe, and so is an easy reach to put together, if the fold-out shelf doesn’t suffice.

Kitchen

Work surface above the fridge is useful for food prep, or you could position a TV here
Work surface above the fridge is useful for food prep, or you could position a TV here

Another unusual sight in this price band is a separate oven and grill. That applies to all Sprite Compacts, not just the Fairway. Swift already provides a three-burner gas-only hob, which would be tricky for a dealer to improve on in a special edition.

Swift also fits a microwave, while the sink on the right is big, with the switches for the lights right next to it.

Because of all the equipment, workspace is more limited. If you have an electric kettle or toaster, you will have to position them here, as  the mains sockets are nearby.

Washroom

Separate shower head with riser lifts the washroom above the budget standard
Separate shower head with riser lifts the washroom above the budget standard

The separate shower head with riser lifts the Fairway above the budget standard. The large opaque window allows in lots of light, and there is a lit mirror above.

The rest of the washroom is a bit more basic, with a fair amount of white plastic. The basin is small, and the integrated shower tray only has one drainage hole.

Beds in the Swift Fairway Classic Compact 360

Lounge seating makes up into a comfortable double bed, or two shorter singles
Lounge seating makes up into a comfortable double bed, or two shorter singles

The two settees work well as singles for anyone under 5ft 11in. You can make a longer double with the help of slats that roll out from under the front chest. But the narrowness of the caravan means that anyone much over 6ft may find it a little short. If you can live with that, though, this is a very comfortable bed.

Storage in the Swift Fairway Classic Compact 360

The external locker door that Broad Lane provides is very useful, because the nearside locker is clear for storage. The offside underseat area is also relatively clear, apart from a bit of ducting. You can reach both lockers from inside without having to lift base cushions, thanks to generous access flaps. The two large overhead lockers are complemented by a pair of corner lockers up front.

The wardrobe, meanwhile, is almost full height, and huge for the clothes of two, even with the table inside. Kitchen storage is a bit more limited. The one overhead locker includes a crockery rack, and there is a second locker above the sideboard. The cupboard under the sink is large, although it has a narrow opening. But the pan locker would only be suitable for small pans.

In the washroom there is a small plastic cupboard and an open shelf.

Verdict

Kitchen is small, but you still get a separate oven and grill, and there's a microwave, too
Kitchen is small, but you still get a separate oven and grill, and there’s a microwave, too

The Sprite Compact provides a good spec for a van that is just under £20,000. The Fairway takes it over that price threshold, but with valuable extras that turn a basic experience into a comfortable one.

If you’d like to see some more two berth inspiration, be sure to take a look at our guide to the best 2 berth caravans.

  • Thumbs up: Three front window, separate oven and grill
  • Thumbs down: Beds best suited to those under 6ft, no sunroof

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