Have you wined and dined in France, soaked up the sun in Spain, visited one of the many beauty spots in Ireland or even travelled further afield? Or do you just prefer to stay in the UK? Wherever you’ve been and for however long, we want to hear from you!

Vote using the panel on the left hand side and tell us more about your favourite European destinations by adding a comment below.

Its rear washroom, centre kitchen and the model we saw had parallel seats in the living area but an L shape option is available at a cost option of £125.00.

The living area is spacious with a nice wide window shelf under the one piece window which has cassette blinds and an insect screen. You could use a television in this area as there are three mains electric power points to choose from and a TV socket. A neat low shelf serves a convenient place to put those mugs of tea or glasses of your favourite tipple and there is a free-standing table that stores in the wardrobe. Four reading lights are well positioned for day and night time even when the seats are made up into a double bed; it measures 6ft4 x 4ft7.

The upholstery is a refreshingly simple cream and aubergine colour with one piece base and back cushions, complemented by Aubergine coloured scatter cushions and curtains and a drop-in carpet. All this harmonises with the modern oak coloured furniture, yet it has a combination of traditional and contemporary look.

The kitchen benefits from plenty of cupboards and drawers and you’ll find a Thetford Duplex oven and grill with a three-burner gas hob. There is one mains electric power point. You get a fridge with a full size icebox and a side dresser with room for all those things that make a caravan home from home and for an electrical appliance such as a television.

Storage space has been maximised by the use of the innovative and award winning Whale gas and electric under floor space heater, which frees up locker space. There are two blown air ducts in the living area and one in the bathroom. Hot water is generated by the Whale Rapid-Heat water heater.

In the shower room, you’d be surprised at the space available but perhaps it’s fair to say that there isn’t a lot of storage space for toiletries; neat is a good description.

The exterior is plain and simple graphics with unobtrusive branding

Verdict: Despite its modest price tag and relatively small size this Lunar Venus is packed with a surprising amount of features as standard. The model we saw was fitted with the “Plus Pack” which includes Alloy wheels, AL-KO AKS 3004 stabiliser/AL-KO Secure wheel lock receiver, spare wheel and carrier, door fly screen and radio/CD/MP3 player with iPod connection; this costs just £399.00 very considerably less than buying the components separately so it’s a no-brainer really. Add the AL-KO Secure wheel lock and watch the insurance price for this caravan drop.

Cost to insure: £206.00*

In summary:

• Two berths
• Length including tow bar – 5.605
• Internal length – 2.960
• Overall width - 2.09
• Headroom - 1.908
• MRO - 849kgs
• MTPLM – 998kgs
• Overall height – 2.600
• Awning length - 850cms
• Recommended Retail Price from £11,295.00**

*Caravan insurance cost based on model fitted with an axle wheel lock, hitchlock, plus standard security and safety devices. Kept on drive at HX4 0BE. Caravanners over 30 years old, claim free for 3 years and a member of a caravanning club. £100 excess. 180 days European cover and up to £75 per day for up to 15 days emergency accommodation cover included. Legal expenses cover, extended European cover and other emergency accommodation expenses cover options are available at extra cost. Quote includes 10% online discount and 6% Insurance Premium Tax and is correct as of May 2013.

**Price is ex-works and includes VAT @ 20% but excludes a recommended retailer delivery charge of £495 including VAT which includes delivery of your caravan to your dealer and preparing your caravan for collection by you.

For more information on the Lunar Venus visit www.venuscaravans.com

To see if you could receive a discount when you take out caravan insurance with Caravan Guard, click here.

The Inos single axle caravan with a slide-out side is made by the North Wales based, Fifth Wheel Company. It made its first public appearance late in 2012. Handmade and built to order around a standard floor plan, Inos brings high-end high street and a domestic interior design palate to a new level in caravanning.

Inos is a wood free body construction technique; wood is replaced by polyurethane Styrofoam panels and uses a four element sandwich construction method, which has good insulation properties. Heating is by convection using the Alde wet central heating system combined with under floor heating. The water system is top-end too, using the Whale water system with a triple insulated on-board tank.

The kitchen is designed to be used and enjoyed; it has a fridge freezer, a 800W microwave, a triangular stainless steel sink, a four burner gas hob with oven and grill and an extractor fan. With a drawer stack featuring self-close drawers, dedicated storage for the freestanding dining table and generously sized overhead lockers, there’s more than adequate space for utensils and crockery.

The slide-out section runs almost the entire length of the caravan and gives an extra 14 sq metres of living space. It’s electrically operated (12V) with a double seal and gives extra space in the living area allowing for more seating space. Storage space is not lacking here either as there is space under one of the sofas and spacious overhead lockers. The model we saw had an L shape seating arrangement making it possible for junior family members to sleep on the sofas.

On site, the king-size bed glides into the slide-out and because of the extra internal width created the corner radius is reduced. There is storage under the bed, accessed by lifting the bed up.

A solid domestic style sliding door leads into the shower room situated at the rear of the Inos. We liked the non-slip safety lino on the shower tray and the bi-fold door is space saving; not that space is at a premium in this unit. The Alde header tank does take up space but that aside, there is plenty of storage for a goodly variety of toiletries including in the cupboard under the semi-recessed basin.

Fabrics are largely the customers own choice and need to blend with the interior wood furniture. Lockers were previously sourced in Italy but the wood is sourced in the UK not far from the factory, thus improving the company’s carbon footprint. Lighting throughout is LED – a mix of warm white and cool white – which help its green credentials too.

High security locks are fitted to all the doors and Inos is built on a BPW chassis with BPW IDC Anti-Snake trailer control system and Winterhoff 3000kg stabiliser. Extra security such as an alarm is optional. Bear in mind as the caravan retails at £36,000 it is very likely you’ll need to buy a tracking device to satisfy the requirements of your caravan insurer (make sure you invest in a system that is insurance approved). The awning rail is according to the customer’s specification.

Verdict: it’s a unit to aspire to for some, a must-have purchase for others and some may overlook the design principles altogether. Taking the middle road, we think it has its place within the industry and is a long-term lifestyle investment, ideal for a couple or a family that can take time out to tour the UK or abroad for extended periods or to put on a seasonal pitch. It would be wise to check with site owners that a unit this size could be accommodated and allow the necessary space for manoeuvring. The BPW iDC anti-snaking system will lower your insurance premium with a safety device discount.

Cost to insure: £420* (annual premium)

In summary:

• Two or four berths
• Overall body length: 5.75m
• Internal length: 5.5m
• Overall width: 2.3m
• Width with slide out extended: 2.9m
• Headroom: 2.0m
• MRO: 1600kgs
• MTPLM: 1800kgs
• Overall height: 2.7m
• Recommended Retail Price: from £36,000**

*Caravan insurance cost based on model fitted with an axle wheel lock, hitchlock, plus standard security and safety devices. Kept on drive at HX4 0BE. Caravanners over 30 years old, claim free for 3 years and a member of a caravanning club. £100 excess. 180 days European cover and up to £75 per day for up to 15 days emergency accommodation cover included. Legal expenses cover, extended European cover and other emergency accommodation expenses cover options are available at extra cost. Quote includes 10% online discount and 6% Insurance Premium Tax and is correct as of May 2013.

**Price is ex-works, includes VAT at 20%, but excludes delivery, installation and any other costs as determined by the manufacturer, distributor, dealer or park owner. Please check the price carefully before you buy as it can vary considerably dependent on many factors including the geographical location of your chosen park.

For more information visit www.fifthwheelco.com

To get more from your caravan insurance or to see if you qualify for one of our fantastic discounts, click here

The Elddis Xplore 504 caravan is a popular layout with an end shower room and fixed nearside double bed, centre kitchen and front living area with parallel seats. There are some that would call it a four berth as the front end does make up into a double bed or two singles if you prefer. For some, though, it’s a two-berth as for them, a fixed double bed is a boon.

The bamboo effect vinyl floor throughout is very practical, and if you had a dog or wanted to welcome muddy boots, then it’s easy to clean but a loose lay carpet and door mat are available as an option.

The offside kitchen has a round stainless steel sink, a three burner gas hob, which has a cover that gives extra workspace, an oven and a grill; would you miss not having a microwave?  We liked the overhead lockers and didn’t mind the wardrobe being opposite the kitchen.

The reason for that is in the shower room where there is just a square shower with a discreet cupboard to store the free-standing table and the loo; the hand basin is set in a very nice vanity unit on the offside wall opposite the bed where, traditionally the wardrobe would be situated.  We liked the “mug sized” shelves each side of the bed, ideal for that morning cuppa or late night cocoa and you could even watch television at the same time as there is a TV bracket on the side of the wardrobe. Notably, you can order a memory foam mattress.

Space and water heating are provided by the award-winning Whale system; the space heater is discreetly mounted externally, the ducting enters under the bed, and the Rapid-Heat water system heats the 8L capacity tank in 12 minutes.

Main windows have insect screens and a blind and the one-piece front window lets in a lot of sky. In the living area, we found the upholstery to be not very firm but there is an upholstery choice of fabric. Perhaps memory foam and a throw would make it more comfortable for some people.

The model we saw was fitted with the optional Xplore SE pack including a Winterhof stabiliser, alloy wheels, a spare wheel and carrier, and CD player with MP3 connectivity and speakers.

Verdict

It’s a practical layout, offering good value for money, ideal as a starter caravan and doesn’t need a beefy tow car. It’s just the sort of caravan that campers, tired of wet weather camping, might just consider.

Adding optional security features, like a BPW Diamond Standard wheel lock, BPW iDC for enhanced towing stability, and an alarm will help reduce the insurance cost of this caravan.

Recommended Retail Price from £13,799.00

Price is ex-works and includes VAT @ 20% but excludes a recommended retailer delivery charge of £495 including VAT for delivery to your dealer and preparing your caravan for collection by you.

Cost to insure: £270 *

In summary

• Four berths
• Length including towbar: 7250mm
• Internal length: 5599mm
• Overall width: 2146mm
• Headroom: 1908mm
• MRO: 1136kg
• Plated MTPLM: 1315kgs
• Overall height: 2726mm
• Awning size: 10000mm

For more information: www.elddis.co.uk

*Caravan insurance cost based on 2013 Elddis Xplore 504 retailing for £13,799. Fitted with hitchlock, wheel clamp, plus standard security and safety devices. Kept on drive at HX4 0BE. Caravanners over 30 years old, claim free for 3 years and a member of a caravanning club. £100 excess. 180 days European cover and up to £75 per day for up to 15 days emergency accommodation cover included. Legal expenses cover, extended European cover and other emergency accommodation expenses cover options are available at extra cost. Quote includes 10% online discount and 6% Insurance Premium Tax and is correct as of 22/04/2013.

The Bailey Pegasus GT65 Rimini is a twin bed layout; why has this layout become so popular?

Is it because couples choose to sleep in single beds or is it because the flexibility of being able to make up the seating in the living area into a double bed means the kids go to bed in the twin beds and the grown-ups can still use the living area in the evening?

Access to locker space under the front seating has been improved and bed box tops have been redesigned. The free-standing table has a home under the nearside twin bed.

The living area is spacious, not just because the vertical skylight set in Bailey’s hallmark “Walnut” furniture finish allows much more light in, but as the gas locker has moved to a central position on the offside much better use has been made of that space with a recessed chest of drawers, with a pull-out occasional table and a 35cms wide window shelf. At the bottom is the power distribution unit box, where it’s easy to access.

I think the optional Amaro upholstery blends better with the walnut furniture than the standard Catria upholstery.

The end shower room contains the large wardrobe too, which does have useful storage under it, but you might need to watch that you don’t bash your elbows when drying down. The shower pod is square with a bi-fold door and the shower has an Ecocamel water saving shower head.

Space and water heating is by the Whale 4Kw under floor mounted heater and the Whale Rapid-Heat water heater respectively, controlled by the Whale I Van system. This is a touch screen panel which communicates wirelessly with the water and space heaters and you can pre-set automatic timers for each unit. Blown air vents are well-located throughout the caravan.

The centre kitchen, I think you’d say it was L shape, certainly has plenty of worktop space and two mains sockets; the fridge is ever so slightly raised off the floor so you don’t bang your tootsies when you open the door. The circular stainless steel sink has a free-standing drainer and chopping board which store neatly under the sink.

The exterior is best described as striking with the vertical skylight, liked by many.Rimini like the rest of the Pegasus range has AL-KO ATC trailer control system, Al-KO AKS 3004 stabiliser, AL-KO Octagon shock absorbers and Al-KO Secure portable wheel lock as standard equipment. GRP upper body panels are standard and there is solar panel connection provision.

Verdict

Good value for money, well-specified and a considerable weight reduction over its predecessor make Rimini a more affordable contender for the budget and weight conscious caravanner.   Standard fit AL-KO ATC and AL-KO Secure should mean attractive insurance premiums for this caravan.

Recommended Retail Price from £17,760

Price is ex-works and includes VAT @ 20% but excludes a recommended retailer delivery charge of £565 including VAT which includes delivery to your dealer who will prepare your caravan for collection by you.

Cost to insure: £294 *

In summary

• Four berths
• Length including tow bar: 7.400m
• Internal length: 5.710m
• Overall width: 2.230m
• Headroom: 1.96m
• MRO: 1314kg
• MTPLM: 1472kg
• Overall height: 2.61m
• Awning size: 1048cm

For more information

www.baileyofbristol.co.uk

*Caravan insurance cost based on 2013 Bailey Pegasus GT65 Pimini retailing for £17,760. Fitted with hitchlock, wheel clamp, plus standard Al-Ko secure security and Al-Ko ATC safety device. Kept on drive at HX4 0BE. Caravanners over 30 years old, claim free for 3 years and a member of a caravanning club. £100 excess. 180 days European cover and up to £75 per day for up to 15 days emergency accommodation cover included. Legal expenses cover, extended European cover and other emergency accommodation expenses cover options are available at extra cost. Quote includes 10% online discount and 6% Insurance Premium Tax and is correct as of 22/04/2013.

The Sterling Eccles Sport 584 has been upgraded for the 2013 season; a notable upgrade is the installation of the Truma Combi-boiler which although is the size of a conventional water heater, it enables the space previously used by the traditional room heater to be better utilised. It’s a win-win for designers and owners as it has created more storage space. The boiler is mounted in a floor locker and has a dual fuel operation for hot water and blown air heating controlled by a user-friendly touch screen panel. There are blown air ducts in the living area, the bedroom and the shower room.

In the living area, a new interior colour scheme with Italian Ash wood grain texture is complemented by the soft furnishings; if you don’t like the standard Sheraton upholstery, or you just want to personalise your caravan, there are three other options available. The bed make up system has dedicated tracks to keep the bed slats in place.   We liked the LED down lighters and task lighting which complement the ambient lighting over the lockers. In addition, to give even more light, a panoramic sun roof is now standard.

The kitchen has the benefit of an extendable worktop and the granite effect round sink has a removable drainer with dedicated storage. The black fronted Thetford fridge harmonises with the front of the oven and grill; it’s contemporary touch with a high street look.

A transverse island bed glides easily from a day bed to a traditional bed and lifts up too, to give extra storage. I was impressed with the storage opportunities given by two wardrobes, drawers and a cupboard.

The end shower room is certainly a decent size for the “smallest room” with a space saving sliding door benefiting it and the bedroom area.

Another important upgrade is the inclusion of Thatcham approved Tracker Retrieve tracking device – also approved by Caravan Guard and therefore will secure buyers a sizeable insurance discount.

Electronic anti-snaking in the form of AL-KO ATC, the AL-KO 3004 stabiliser and AL-KO Secure receiver are fitted as standard; the wheel lock is an optional extra. The exterior walls are 5000 series marine grade aluminium; it’s strong and easy to clean. The awning light is now an LED.

Recommended Retail Price £17,295.00

Price is ex-works and includes VAT @ 20% but excludes a recommended retailer delivery charge of £535 including VAT which includes delivery and preparing your caravan for collection by you.

Verdict

Island beds have the marmite effect but this is a good caravan for those that rally. Mostly, I suspect, it will be a caravan bought by a twosome for chill-out comfort rather than a parental unit + 2. If you add optional security features, like the AL-KO Secure wheel lock and possibly an alarm, they will further reduce the cost of your insurance.

Cost to insure: £260.00 *

Factfile

• Berths: 4
• Length including tow bar: 7.48m
• Internal length: 5.83m
• Overall width: 2.25m
• Headroom: 1.95m
• MRO: 1308kgs
• MTPLM: 1464kgs
• Overall height: 2.65m

*Caravan insurance cost based on 2013 Sterling Eccles Sport 584 retailing for £17,295. Fitted with hitchlock, wheel clamp, plus standard security and safety devices. Kept on drive at HX4 0BE. Caravanners over 30 years old, claim free for 3 years and a member of a caravanning club. £100 excess. 180 days European cover and up to £75 per day for up to 15 days emergency accommodation cover included. Legal expenses cover, extended European cover and other emergency accommodation expenses cover options are available at extra cost. Quote includes 10% online discount and 6% Insurance Premium Tax and is correct as of 20/03/2013.

It’s called the Swift Colour Concept Caravan; the clue perhaps a bit cryptic, is in the name so don’t rush off to your nearest Swift dealer and look for it. It’s not a new model range from Swift Caravans, it is what it says it is; a colour concept, a study on interior finishes, and designed to stimulate discussion. It sure did that.

The brief to the caravan’s interior designer, a lively young lady, was to bring in new palettes to communicate a modern domestic environment.  The body shell chosen for the design was the Challenger SE 590 which has a centre kitchen and washroom and front and rear living areas.

Carpets have been replaced with a birch plank effect wood floor, easy to sweep and wipe clean. A scatter rug press-studded to the floor is cosy on the toes in the living areas; called Shaggy Santa Cruz, think long pile with a myriad of brown threads and silver highlights. You just shake it to clean it and restore the pile, apparently.

The upholstery has a modern theme too, think espresso with flecks of grey in the weave, accented by taupe and gold and teal coloured iridescent scatter cushions.

The canvas look wall boards are a mellowed mocha look and help give a light and spacious feel. Lockers and chest of drawers are soft white with chunky chrome handles and there is a bronze/brown contrast band at roof locker height.

The chrome light fittings are all LED with feature SPLED lights; they are really tiny non-directional lights and complemented by feature strip lights above and below the pelmets. Light bounces off the feature wall in the rear lounge; it’s a charcoal vinyl with a hint of texture and iridescence.  Patterned voiles and teal and silver tabards help to hide the window frames and don’t intrude into the caravan like curtains do.

The design brief has got as far as the washroom too; think iPhone shape for the round edged mirror!

The kitchen has a modern splash back with a geometric abstract design in black and charcoal and the worktops are a new white silky look laminate with a delicate twirl design.

Finally, the exterior graphics are distinctive, yet subtly textured, and take their cue from the geometric abstract design seen on the kitchen splash back.

There’s not a price for this caravan as it’s merely a designers’ concept.

Verdict

It’s a fresh look and environment but will caravans look like this in the future? Who knows? I don’t have a problem with caravan interior design taking a leap forward and I admire Swift for being brave enough to canvas the caravanning public’s opinion by asking visitors to the caravan at NEC Birmingham in February to complete a very detailed questionnaire.

I’m told by the caravan’s interior designer that on a day-by-day basis the feedback was generally positive from 80% of the respondents. You can’t please all of the people all of the time, but 80:20 seems a very reasonable ratio. I’d like further analysis though; was it the younger generation that preferred the concept?  I don’t count myself in that age bracket, but I don’t like to think of myself as part of the more traditional grey market either!

What do you think? Add a comment below.

Ash furniture doors with double metallic trim, a panoramic roof window and, to my mind, one of the nicest soft furnishing schemes I’ve seen recently give this caravan a relaxing, comfortable ambience.

The front end features standard parallel seating and aluminium frame front beds, which are easy to make as when the lockers are open they are supported by a gas strut. Truma Combi-Boiler is installed in the offside under bed locker.

I also liked the shelf under the window and design of the small roof lockers each side of the roof window, definitely a good use of the space.

The kitchen is L shaped on the off side with an L shape dresser housing the new style stainless steel fronted Thetford 3000 series 113 litre fridge on the near side.

Sounds odd, doesn’t it, but it looks practical and I think it’s a good use of space; there is certainly a lot of storage and worktop space. Even the microwave is hidden away in a dedicated cupboard and the recessed sink has a toughened glass lid.

The rear of the caravan is taken up by two fixed bunk beds, a wardrobe and a shower room; I was surprised that it didn’t look or feel cramped. The bunks are set against the offside wall and there is a privacy screen, the wardrobe is large and stores the free standing table. A new Status 550 aerial is roof mounted with the VP4 amplifier installed in the wardrobe. There’s even a natty recess area, ideal for shoes, with coat hooks too.

The shower room had the wow factor too with a sleek, shiny black shower tower in the fully lined cubicle; look carefully and you’ll see a circle of small LED lights round the top; I’m told they are blue when lit up. A new mini-Heki roof light will help the ventilation without having to open the window.

On the outside, you might miss the new mud flaps and a new door retainer, but you’d note that there is provision for the AL-KO Secure Axle wheel lock. AL-KO 3004 AKS stabiliser. AL-KO ATC and an alarm are fitted as standard so you’ll get discounts when getting quotes for caravan insurance.

Verdict

There is a good use of space, quality fabrics and it has a certain stylishness. If you add the optional AL-KO Secure wheel clamp you may find that it will further help to reduce the insurance cost of this caravan.

Recommended Retail Price from £21,595.00

Price is ex-works and includes VAT @ 20% but excludes a recommended retailer delivery charge of £545.00 including VAT which includes delivery to your dealer and preparing your caravan for collection by you.

Cost to insure: £335.00*

Fact File

• Berths; 4
• Length including tow bar; 7.45m
• Internal length; 5.80m
• Overall width; 2.320m
• Headroom; 1.955m
• MRO; 1505kgs
• MTPLM; 1665kgs
• Overall height; 2.685m

*Caravan insurance cost based on Coachman Pastiche 525/4, £21,595. Fitted with hitchlock, wheel clamp, Al-Ko ATC, Caravan Guard approved tracking device and as standard security. Kept on drive at HX4 0BE. Caravanners over 30 years old, claim free for 3 years and a member of a caravanning club. £100 excess. 180 days European cover and up to £75 per day for up to 15 days emergency accommodation cover included. Legal expenses cover, extended European cover and other emergency accommodation expenses cover options are available at extra cost. Quote includes 10% online discount and 6% Insurance Premium Tax and is correct as of 13.02.13.

The main attraction of the Swift Group’s Sprite Major 4? It’s not a fixed bed model. But it could be…

If you can’t decide whether you want a permanent double or not, here’s a reasonably lightweight tourer that can help you make up your mind. From the middle of the eight-strong Sprite line-up for this year – and not to be confused with the fixed bed model of the same name and number, but also designated FB – the “standard” Major 4 offers the usual twin settee front lounge (that converts into a transverse double), and a rear nearside angled double dinette that can also make a bed. Plus, with the pull of a couple of blinds, you can section off the rear bedroom so you have a full en suite service with the washroom behind.

If you want numbers, this all translates a rear double that’s some 1.94m x 1.32m (maximum) as well as a front double at a rather larger 2.02m x 1.42m.

Thoughts on uses? Keep the rear double made and you have a perfectly serviceable “permanent bed” two-berth. Or, it allows for two couples sharing. Or it could even cope with a young family of four, providing the kids don’t mind sharing.

It’s a floor plan that also gives you a washroom across the back of the ‘van, with a shower cubicle in the nearside corner, so there’s a bit of changing space. In honesty though, it’s a bit on the narrow side.

There’s also one of the biggest wardrobes you’ll ever encounter in any tourer. And yet, it’s commendably short – well under 7m – and weighs in at a maximum of 1,327kg.

That means, even fully loaded, it’s a safe, 85 per cent match for a car with a kerbweight around the 1,560kg mark – which puts it within reach of the Ford Mondeo/Audi A4 class.

But, Sprite. Isn’t that synonymous with value for money? It certainly is. And that’s despite today’s caravanners expecting certain home levels of luxury – hence the full cooker, 113-litre fridge’/freezer, TV station (convenient for both lounges), and Truma heating and hot water operating from gas and/or mains electricity.

Price, as viewed on the forecourt is £14,950*. That’s because it comes with the Diamond Pack and Panoramic Sunroof extras (at £410 and £325 each respectively). They don’t just add a touch of not so guilty pleasure and pizzazz to a ‘van that otherwise veers towards the “plain Jane”, they’ll definitely guarantee a better price at trade-in time.

Chances are, you’ll struggle to find a Sprite without the Diamond Pack, it really is that good an offer – it brings you alloy wheels (steel spare), Al-Ko AKS 30004 stabiliser, Al-Ko Secure receiver, door flyscreen, stereo radio/CD/MP3 player with iPod connection and a couple of scatter cushions.

One-piece smooth aluminium sides and a single front window help towards a crisp exterior look (don’t forget, Sprites are built in the same place and way as caravans badged Sterling).

True, there’s some obvious cost-paring. Notably the sprung roller blinds that are rapidly going out of fashion, and the unlined curtains, and the rather too flimsy mini corner shelves for the rear lounge. It’s hardwearing upholstery albeit not the highest quality foam. There are good, deep overhead lockers, all with positive catches, and seat locker access is very good, too – via large hatches as well as hinged bases.

All this, and you’ll even save a bit on your tourer insurance premium – thanks to the Thatcham Approved Tracker Retrieve system now fitted as standard.

Verdict

More than just a great starter ‘van, this has enough comfort and luxury to tempt anyone

Plus: Generous specification for the money. Reasonably lightweight. Flexible double lounges layout. Full-width washroom. Huge wardrobe. Ten-year warranty

Minus: Rear bed not the longest *Narrow washroom

In-a-nutshell: Mondeo-able

Cost to insure: £216.00*

Fact file

• Price from £14,305
• Berths 4
• Overall length 6.93m
• Interior length 5.29m
• Width 2.23m
• Headroom 1.95m
• MIRO 1182kg (including Diamond Pack at 35kg)
• MTPLM 1327kg
• Key options Diamond Pack £410, SR Panoramic Sunroof £325, Al-Ko ATC £459
• Security and Safety Al-Ko AKS stabiliser, CRiS registration, Al-Ko Secure axle wheel lock receiver, Tracker Receive, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector
• More info: Swift Group (www.swiftgroup.co.uk)
• Alternatives: Adria Altea Tay, Bailey Orion 440/4, Venus 490/4, Sterckeman Alize 370CE

*Caravan insurance cost based on Sprite Major 4, £14,305. Fitted with hitchlock, wheel clamp and as standard security. Kept on drive at HX4 0BE. Caravanners over 30 years old, claim free for 3 years and a member of a caravanning club. £100 excess. 180 days European cover and up to £75 per day for up to 15 days emergency accommodation cover included. Legal expenses cover, extended European cover and other emergency accommodation expenses cover options are available at extra cost. Quote includes 10% online discount and 6% Insurance Premium Tax and is correct as of 16.01.13. *Thanks to Broad Lane for assistance with this review (www.broadlane.co.uk).

The first production models of Eterniti Caravans Ltd were unveiled in October 2012 at the National Motorhome and Caravan Show held at NEC in Birmingham. We’d seen the pre-production models earlier in the year which showed great potential, but there have been many design changes since then and we’re not talking just tweaks or make-over’s, but a major re-think. For 2013 they now have an authentic British look combined with an American twist.

The Genesis IB four is a twin axle built on a BPW chassis. It has a centre kitchen, end shower room accessed by its own external door as well as from within, a lift-up transverse fixed bed and a front lounge. It also has a patented eazzzzzy slide non-electric slide out side 3.96m long that creates around 5m² of extra internal space.

There are 12 different fabric and upholstery options, including two leather options and two choices of furniture finish; we rather liked the Savannah bronze and cream. The furniture is described as “floating” to allow maximum airflow and for the heat generated by the Alde heating system to circulate freely. We liked the energy efficient LED lighting throughout with over 50 LEDs.

The shower room is more than generously sized and unusually is fitted with a Dometic toilet; this has a scratch resistant ceramic bowl. A large surface mounted washbasin and a fully sealed shower compartment of a size not usually seen in touring caravans are standard and the external door does allow you access for when you need to spend a penny en-route with no other convenient facilities nearby.

The L shape kitchen is well equipped with a full size sink and drainer and dual fuel hob, an oven and grill complemented by a microwave. The Dometic fridge with a large freezer compartment is AES (auto energy source) set in a black tower style unit. We liked the worktop extension and the pull-out storage rack.

Eazzzzy bed living in the lounge is created by a very comfy supportive sofa which converts easily to make up into a double bed 1.73m x 2.06m; if imperial measurements help you to sleep better, then that’s 5ft 8ins x 6 ft 9ins or into two singles if you prefer. There’s plenty of room for eating in comfort or just kicking back and chilling out.

The Thermashield construction method offers a high insulation level with Styrofoam sandwich construction and there is no wood in the frame. The glossy finish is thanks to Glamourshield protection. We certainly liked the Toylock a retractable steel security rope so that your possessions can be secured. Underneath the caravan is a 40L fresh water tank.

Verdict

It might not be to everybody’s taste and you’ll need a beefy vehicle to tow it with but looking at the standard specification, the weight and the prices Genesis IB4 does represent good value for money. The company sells direct from its sales depot located at Widnes in Cheshire and will take units in part exchange if you don’t want the hassle of selling privately. You may find that Genesis is too long for some campsites to accommodate. An alarm is standard but if you add the optional tracker system and BPW hitch and wheel lock security features and these will help to reduce the insurance cost of this caravan.

Price: £ 24,999.00 includes VAT @ 20%

Cost to insure: £401*

Fact file

• Berths; 4
• Length including tow bar; 8.62m
• Internal length; 6.59m
• Overall width including slide out; 2.95m
• Headroom; 2.08m
• MRO; 1763kgs
• MTPLM; 1999kgs
• Overall height; 2.92m to the highest point

*Caravan insurance cost based on Eterniti Genesis IB4, £24,999.00. Fitted with hitchlock, wheel clamp, optional tracking device and axle lock. Kept on drive at HX4 0BE. Caravanners over 30 years old, claim free for 3 years and a member of a caravanning club. £100 excess. 180 days European cover and up to £75 per day for up to 15 days emergency accommodation cover included. Legal expenses cover, extended European cover and other emergency accommodation expenses cover options are available at extra cost. Quote includes 10% online discount and 6% Insurance Premium Tax and is correct as of 16.01.13.