01422 396 769 
quote
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.
Our friends just upgraded from a small Eriba (no onboard hot water) to a 2012 model Sprite Major 4 (rear dinette/bed) and they love it. For them and their son it’s ideal and opened a whole new world of Caravanning for them. Caravans are not cheap and this is a great entry level van with all the mod cons needed to enjoy touring.
Talking of which, an end bathroom is a MUST for those of us who actually use our touring caravans for … Well touring really! Not all sites are the same, some european sites have different standards of facility and we love using our own shower and sitting down in the warm with a glass of wine, especially when it’s raining. All our (hardcore) touring friends use their caravan showers. It’s not a waste of space at all.
Having owned this van from October 2012 I can say it has been very practicle. We are avid rally campers and depend on the 12v system and the shower. We find it a very good van in this respect although it can be a little small in some areas. Some improvement needed at the rear bed as the plastic edging that supports the table when in bed mode are week and have broken on us twice. Ok whilst it is still on 3 year internal warranty but what after. May look at fitting some wooden alternative that will be stronger. We love the option of leaving the dinette bed up as a fixed bed but putting it away when more space is needed. Have been towing it with a Seat Leon with little issue. Now upgraded to a mondeo. Tows with ease and is surprisingly stable even at maximum payload. The front locker has room for a 13k gas bottle to save the expensive 6k alternative. Although it’s a bit of a nuisance having to take it out when towing due to nose weight limits.
Saw this caravan at the NEC this week. A brilliant idea with the dining area / double bed. I will be upgrading my van next year and certainly look very seriously at this.
Disappointed with Lauren’s response. A really good van as a starter, especially if, like me you don’t have the resources or a powerful enough car to buy/tow anything bigger
Why do designers waste so much space on an end bathroom? Most sites have very good facilities these days.We know a lot of caravanners and only one uses the shower in their van.
Why waste space to sit around watching TV or on a bigger bedroom you only use at bedtime? Enjoy a walk, take in the surroundings then come back to your lovely warm caravan, have a nice hot shower and slip straight into your favourite slippers instead of having to trudge back from the shower block in the cold with damp hair.
looks what it is cheap and nasty something from the 70s
Steady now, it’s made in the same factory as our top end Sterling Elite. Nothing ‘cheap and nasty’ about it.