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quoteGoing glamavanning…!
Heard of glamping (glamour plus camping)? Well, this is glamavanning. With a name like Continental, perhaps you’d expect a bit of flair, well this tourer has it by the bucketful.
Things have changed for the Sterling Continental 530. Last season it was a twin axle model, now it’s just a single. In all other respects it’s moved even more inexorably upmarket.
The layout hasn’t changed, though. Here’s a very modish take on a traditionally classic end washroom, side dinette floorplan – an arrangement that appeals to both couples and families with children alike.
First impressions of the interior, however, are more of a trendy apartment than a towed home. There’s a real leather trim to the upholstery. It’s called Winchester Black, combined with a suede-effect stain-resistant SwiftShield. Fluffy scatter cushions seem perfectly at home here, too. For those with pets, soft furnishings like this that won’t collect hairs is good news. Maybe not the shag-pile rug between the settees, though.
Unlike some Sterlings of the past, you could almost say there’s a restrained style to the interior of the current Continentals. Indeed, it doesn’t take much to imagine how your personal belongings will sit in here.
The Continental’s kitchen has the latest Spinflo Aspire cooker, with dual-fuel hob (one electric hotplate, three gas rings), separate grill and oven. And, of course, there’s a microwave oven. The sink is inset into a marble-style worktop with full acrylic splashback. Critically, there’s also a generous amount of worktop – to both the right and the left, bearing in mind there’s a plastic drainer to add to the sink when needed.
Below the worktop, the Dometic fridge has a 110-litre capacity, with a 12-litre removable freezer box. Only the small cutlery drawer lets down this kitchen.
The full-width washroom is a similar model of consistency. A chrome towel rail squeezes between the wardrobe and the swivel-bowl toilet. There’s an opening window beyond the latter and the shower cubicle has an Ecocamel Orbit outlet that manages successfully to combine a forceful spray with actual water saving.
It’s probably no surprise to hear Alde heating tops the list of standard equipment, which also includes everything from an 80Watt solar panel to soft-close drawers. There’s plenty of practicality, too. Lockers are easy to open and close. There’s a dedicated drinks locker… why, there are even stereo speakers in the washroom!
Not forgetting Swift Command, the all-encompassing feature that gives you full control of lighting, heating, hot water and more – all via a downloadable app should you need it.
At bed time, there’s the choice of single beds or a full-scale 1.98m x 1.78m double at the front. Beds three and four come from the dinette. They’re not the longest, but children will like the traditional bunk-style set-up.
It’s all enclosed in Swift’s Smart HT construction process, resulting in curved leading edges, recessed awning rails etc, that all help with the streamlining. There are GRP outer and inner skins, including the roof, and inert polyurethane blocks instead of water-attracting timber to provide the strengthening. The floor is a five-layer composite with Styrofoam at its core. There’s a six-year bodyshell warranty (extendible to 10 years on initial purchase), while general parts and fittings are covered for three years.
Plus there’s plenty of safety and security features fitted as standard, to give you some healthy discounts on your caravan insurance. Amongst others, these include the Tracker Retrieve, Al-Ko ATC trailer stability control, passive infra-red alarm system, and receiver for an Al-Ko Secure wheel lock.
If nothing else, a Sterling Continental is one to wave in front of the face of anyone who dares to say caravans lack sophistication and modernity.
Verdict: A classic floorplan, re-styled and thoroughly modernised
Plus: Modern styling, highly practical layout, high specification
Minus: No lightweight, is it all too much?
In-a-nutshell: Cool to caravan
There’s more information on the Sterling Continental range on the Swift Group website www.swiftgroup.co.uk. To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page
Alternatives: Coachman Pastiche 520, Lunar Clubman ES, Swift Elegance 530
Sterling Continental 530 factfile
| Model | Sterling Continental 530 |
| Dimensions | 7.01m L, 2.26m W, 2.61m H |
| Internal length | 5.45m |
| Berths | 4 |
| MTPLM | 1,673kg |
| MIRO | 1,522kg |
| Payload | 151kg |
| RRP | from £27,540 on the road |
| Safety & security | Tracker Retrieve, Al-Ko Secure wheel lock, Al-Ko ATC trailer stability control, passive infra-red alarm system, AKS 3004 stabiliser, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, interior deadlock facility, CRiS identity labels |
| Key options | Alternative upholsteries (foc), wraparound lounge (from £175), Thule cycle rack (£215) |
Perhaps the equivalent Swift Elegance 530 traditional interior would suit the more conservative users. However, last years model was a twin axle – I don’t think so??
We have a Bailey Unicorn Madrid lll has everything and a bit more for 5 grand less and is lighter to no contest !
I like it, especially as they have toned things down just a fraction. But I am very happy with my Sterling Elite which has almost all the same features at less cost, and I think looks even better!
Doesn’t do it for me to modern…like a bit of the old traditional and being practical. Agree Leather very cold feeling!
Hi ,
Not my kind of caravan don’t like the colours and the price tag well we all haven’t won the lottery.
I haven’t seen a caravan good enough to replace my conqueror, come on Swift get your thinking cap on and bring something new to the market that does not cost an arm and a leg.
It looks more like an up market hospital ward than a homely caravan.
Sorry !!..not for me..I find it too clinical and the leather very cold especially for winter caravanning. To be honest..i would want a fixed bed for the price !!
Like the layout, apart from the low cupboard at the front which gets in the way when you want to make the bed. (had ours removed, and paid extra for it on our current ‘van.) Not so sure about the black and white scheme. I would like more relaxing colours. As we use our ‘van for relaxing in when we are away from home. I would have thought at this price the Al-Ko wheel lock would have been included as well. Still, cannot fault the Al-Ko Trailer Stability Control and would always recommend this to any one who considers buying any caravan. I have been towing for as long as I have had a licence (over 40 years) for work and leisure and these are a great safety feature. Like it, but would like a more relaxing range of colours available.
Thanks Andrew. The Continental does come with an Al-Ko wheel lock – I’ve added it into the security box.
Over £27,500 and no alko wheel lock , just a receiver, Swift are taking the micky.
Hi John. It does include an Al-Ko wheel lock – it’s been added into the safety and security.
Love the new look and the security this caravan has, Seating in leather much more suitable for children and pets