2015 Sterling Continental 565 caravan review: Putting on the style

Sterling has a new flagship range for 2015 season. And boy does it look great.

Swift Group’s Sterlings always did dare to be that bit different, but they’ve taken a step even further for the season ahead.

In fact, the Sterling Continental becomes the flagship range now, with the Elite range discontinued – as a seven-model range (also reflected by Swift’s own slightly less flamboyant Elegance line-up).

It’s perhaps unsurprising, too, that among the new models is a layout like this – the increasingly popular twin single beds with full end washroom format.

It’s certainly a money-no-object approach here, with features ranging from Alde heating to pre-wiring for a motor mover system. There are also endless detail touches – again a full range – with everything from a multitude of mains sockets, even a USB, to extensive LED lighting, including dimmers for individual reading lights.

Caravan security hasn’t been forgotten either with a standard fit Tracker Retrieve tracking device which will lower costs of insuring this high spec caravan.

The washroom hosts a separate, lined shower cubicle with sliding bifolding door (in turn, this has a useful fold-down hanging rail for wet clothing etc). A fixed sink takes centre stage, with a swivel-bowl toilet on the other side, where you also get a window and radiator/heated towel rail.  Two coat/towel hooks, towel and toilet roll holders and plenty of storage – courtesy of two overhead lockers, a corner cupboard and a unit under the sink – complete a very impressive washroom.

All that’s missing is the wardrobe, which has residence at the foot of the nearside bed, sat atop a set of handy drawers.

Along the offside ‘midships is the kitchen, with its distinctive granite-style worktop and a mix of blacks and whites colouring that, again, keeps it very individualistic. You’ll recognise the Thetford Aspire cooker and Dometic fridge here, of course, along with items such as the Swift-branded mixer tap, small cutlery-only drawer, larger drawer, and – overhead – a microwave oven and large single locker, with two doors. Whilst worktop space is sufficient in this kitchen (there’s also a flip-up extension to the left), actual storage space is at a premium.

The lounge, too, has a very modern ambience, but seating space is slightly compromised. Those settees could conceivably be used as small children’s single beds, but more likely is you’ll want to slide out the extra slats to make a full-size double if those rear singles are already taken.

Actually, you’ll need to get your tape measure out for the beds (better still, lie on them yourselves to assess suitability) – officially, the fixed singles 1.84m x 0.68m (nearside) and 1.72m x 0.68m (offside). There are no complaints about the comfort from those Duvalay Duvalite mattresses, on sprung slats, however. Just as critical, both single bed bases are easy to access via hinged uppers, for vast acreages of clutter-free storage.

Underfoot, there’s a deep pile to the carpeting sections – and that’s before you get to the “shaggy” rug in the lounge.  Finishes elsewhere include two-tone locker doors, a hessian effect furniture finish, chrome handles etc. Impala upholstery will be an option to what you see here.

All of this stylish stuff is underpinned by Swift’s SMART HT bodywork construction, which is free of any wood and has only minimal screw fixings.

Needless to say, it’s a hefty unit this, so you’re looking for something suitably heavy – and stylish enough – as a towcar.

Far too trendy to be a caravan? Let the buyers decide…

Verdict: Style and quality

Plus: Highly individualistic

Minus: Heavy, check those bed sizes

In-a-nutshell: Avant-garde

Cost to insure: £293

In summary

• Sterling Continental 565
• Dimensions 7.49m L, 2.26m W, 2.67m H
• Internal length 5.93m
• Berths 4
• MTPLM 1,691kg (upgradable to 1,750kg)
• MIRO 1,535kg
• Payload From 156kg
• Key options: Full options and prices to be confirmed
• Safety and security Tracker Retrieve, Al-Ko Secure wheel lock, infra-red alarm system, Al-Ko ATC, Al-Ko stabiliser, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, single-key lock operation

Recommended retail price from £25,495**

There’s more information on the Continental range on the Swift Group website and to find out more about our low-cost premiums visit the caravan insurance discounts page. 

Alternatives: Adria Astella Glam Edition, Bailey Unicorn Cadiz, Coachman VIP 565/4, Hymer Nova 580 GL

*Caravan insurance cost based on Sterling Continental 565 retailing at £25,495 fitted with Tracker Retrieve, axle lock, hitchlock, alarm and ATC anti-snaking 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 13/08/2014

**On-the-road, including VAT at 20%