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quoteBelievably good
Can you believe in a Unicorn? They’ve existed, in large numbers, for some seven years now, thanks to Bailey of Bristol. It’s the company’s flagship range, the first of which was spotted back in 2010.
With its two fixed single beds and full-width end washroom, the Cadiz has emerged as one of the most popular models in what is currently a 10-strong line-up (six single-axle, four twin-axles).
Bailey has continued to enhance its Alu-Tech construction formula, too, albeit the basics remain – GRP outer and inner skins bonded to aluminium extrusions, for a structure that’s almost wood-free – the floor continues to be made of conventional materials. Latest variants get a six-year bodyshell integrity warranty, although you can extend this by another four years if you’re planning on keeping your Cadiz that long.
To be fair to Bailey, including Alde’s heating and hot water system in a unit this size and still coming in under 1,500kg is a major achievement. There’s a downside, of course, in the all too paltry payload that every manufacturer seems to think it can get away with.
Those two single beds aren’t exact twins. They’re the same 0.70m wide, but the nearside is the longest, at a generous 1.91m, while the offside is just 1.78m. The mattresses are thick and tend towards firmness, although there’s nothing to stop you adding toppers or even switching foam style altogether.
If you want to accommodate more, don’t forget the lounge can offer two singles or a transverse double.
In its normal daytime mode, the lounge is really opened up by the light that comes in via that extended central front window, supplemented by a Heki unit directly overhead.
The open plan feel continues to the kitchen. The main unit is along the offside mid-‘van, with no shortage of ways to cook your meals. The Thetford Caprice cooker has a dual-fuel hob and separate oven and grill, plus there’s a Daewoo microwave oven set high (but not too high).
The circular sink is served by a swan-neck mixer tap, and not only is there a good expanse of worktop to its left, this can be extended by a lift-up flap.
Completing the food facilities, there’s a Dometic 9330 narrow-bodied fridge with removable freezer box directly across the corridor. Maximum capacity is a more than generous 134 litres.
Behind those beds, it’s an easy walk straight into the washroom, where there’s a fully-lined shower cubicle in the right-hand corner, with an Ecocamel showerhead and a handy, high-level ledge for soaps and shampoos etc. There’s just a single plughole in the tray, however.
Note, too, it’s a clear window directly behind the toilet!
One downside is the location for the free-standing table. It stows in the wardrobe (itself in the washroom) for travel, meaning a potentially hazardous journey every time you lug it out to put up in the lounge or, if more suitable, in your awning.
But there’s a new safety feature on all Unicorn caravans – a Tyrepal Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is fitted as standard – which will also get you a 5% discount on your caravan insurance with Caravan Guard.
According to Bailey, it was always a popular choice as an optional extra but now it’s a permanent feature.
Safety is clearly a priority for Bailey: “With tyres condition and pressure being such an important part of vehicle safety, in line with the automotive industry, we felt it was important to provide our customers with that extra level of protection,” said Simon Howard, Marketing Director at Bailey.
Plus there’s the TRACKER Retrieve system as standard, which will help lower your insurance premium.
As you can see from the panel opposite, the Cadiz isn’t short on rivals, but Bailey nearly always manages to pull off the trick of price-beating its competitors.
Such is the way Bailey continually develops its products, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a Unicorn upgrade in the not too distant future. Now, then, might be the ideal time to step in and grab a mid-season bargain.
Verdict: Single beds can still mean fun… and definitely luxury
Plus: Roomy layout, spec per £ is top-of-the-class
Minus: Table location, the occasional flimsy fitting
In-a-nutshell: Two beds better
There’s more information on the Unicorn range on the Bailey website. To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page
Alternatives: Adria Alpina UL Colorado, Coachman VIP 565, Knaus StarClass 565, Lunar Clubman SB, Sterling Elite 565, Swift Conqueror 565
Bailey Unicorn Cadiz factfile
| Model | Bailey Unicorn Cadiz |
| Dimensions | 7.37m L, 2.28m W, 2.61m H |
| Internal length | 5.83m |
| Berths | 4 |
| MTPLM | 1,491kg |
| Payload | 154kg |
| RRP | from £23,064 on the road |
| Safety & security | Al-Ko ATC, Al-Ko AKS stabiliser, laser-balanced wheels with security tyres and anti-tamper bolts, Tyrepal Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Al-Ko Secure wheel lock, Tracker Retrieve with 3 months free subscription, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector. |
| Key options | Trafalgar upholstery (£225), bedding set (£209), four-year extension to bodyshell warranty (£265), three-year extension to manufacturing warranty (£439). |
We are about to purchase a Cadiz 2017. The foam trim inside one of the top cupboards over the bed is a bit discoloured and although everything felt dry, I am worried about the roofstrap. Has anybody else had this problem?
We recently changed our Swift Conqueror 480 for a 2016 Cadiz 3, which overall is very good. The washroom is a bit smaller but adequate. What no one seems to be mentioning is the apparent quite common problem of water ingress via the rear roof bar. We found this within days of picking up the van and have since heard from a number of other owners who all had the same issue. I found the water inside the rearmost lockers along the top edges. Easily fixed so why did Bailey allow so many vans to go out without the redesigned roof bar or not do a recall? In fairness to our dealer, we did collect the van after a period of several weeks of hot dry weather so a damp check on the GRP walls would not have shown up a problem, and they were very quick to carry out a repair.
Have just bought a 2017 Bailey S3 Cadiz, is there any way that the table can be fitted under one of the single beds as in the Rimini as it is ridiculous to have it stored in the back of the wardrobe.
Congratulations on your new purchase Anthony. You would need to speak to your dealership or contact Bailey direct on [email protected]. Also include the caravan or motorhome VIN (Vehicle Identification) number and the name of your supplying retailer.
We bought a new cadiz in 2016. Absolutely made up with it. The quality is 1st class. Only wish that there was a door under the two beds on the inside. Other than that it’s brilliant.
Thanks for sharing your feedback June. Happy caravanning.
What size awning will I require for a CADIZ 2017?
Thank you
Hi Maureen, you’d be best checking with the dealership or by contacting Bailey Customer services: [email protected]
Bailey also sells awnings via it’s Bailey Parts outlet and you can type in your caravan to search for the right product: https://www.bailey-parts.co.uk/category/accessories-awnings?listprice=0&listprice=760&page=1&sort=&vin=&model=CC4T
In the Bailey Cadiz the battery is located under the carpet between the beds. After a bit of use the outline of the plastic trim around the battery box becomes apparent after a little while. To over come this i have cut a shape from 6mm ply to fit inside the plastic trim. This brings the carpet level and you will not see the trim outline.
We have a 2015 Bailey Cadiz and love it. There are a few comment on payload. I would like to inform all that for £66.00 Bailey will send you a sticker to upgrade your payload to 1550 kgs. The order description is Unicorn lll Cadiz Max Upgrade Kit. All you need to do is stick the new sticker over the old one and you have an upgrade. Hope this helps.
Thanks for sharing Dave.
We looked at the 2016 model when choosing our first fixed bed model, but the problem mentioned in the review of a shorter second twin bed ruled this van, and several others, completely out. The Caravan we chose – the Pegasus Rimini – has twin beds on the same floorplan, with a longer second bed. We love it. Please, manufacturers, don’t assume all couples fall into the “one tall and one short” category!
Brilliant Cadiz, just love it, 2016 model, value for money , quality with comfort. The Alde heating and hot water system is so quiet, especially at night, would not ever go back to blown air system.
Review above is very accurate and I do concur that the one drawback with not only Bailey, but with all caravan manufacturers is the lack of payload.
Invariably this leads to overloading of caravans, on purpose or legitimate mistake by the owners,so easy to do.
This one problem just invalidates all the other safety features, that the manufacturers boast about, as an overloaded caravan being towed, becomes unstable, especially in critical situations
Perhaps insurance companies could work on this with the manufacturers.
The Bailey Cadiz has 4 stars from us
We have a Cadiz 2016 and are able to get a Avtex 21inch in the allocated opening at the rear of the fridge with no problem. Bailey state 18.5 inch is the max, however if you fit a quick release bracket you are able to fit your TV to the bracket either from above or the side. I do agree the TV does seem a long way away.
A good balanced review. I would also add that the gas locker amidships provides better balance and is also a good higher storage compartment – no banging heads on a front locker catches. The TV position adjacent to the fridge only accommodates a 12in set and is a bit far away from the front seats, but is a fair compromise. Curved storage in the kitchen is very handy for storing toaster, slow cooker and pans, rather than under the cooker itself. Shoe locker by the door is good as is the external n/s side lockers which are not found on new end central bed layouts. But why arent they fitting USB points in froont shelf as standard?
Is the floor wooden or have they improved it to the fibreglass like the swift
Hi Neil, yes the floor is still made of conventional materials.
we have just taken delivery of our new 2017 Cadiz and the review certainly sums it up, having inspected it throughout we agree with everything you say and we are very pleased
Thanks for the lovely feedback Maurice. We hope you love your new Cadiz and have lots of fantastic holidays with it. Hope your first trip is somewhere good…?
The Unicorn range from Bailey are in my opinion very good caravans, even with a clear toilet window! It is located very high up when viewed from the outside.
One point though the Alu tech construction does not give a wood free construction, the floor is still ply wood, we found this out on our first unicorn which showed 60% damp along the front on its first service. It was fixed under warranty.
Hi Erwin, you’re correct. We checked with Bailey and only the upper bodyshell panels in their Alu-Tech construction system are timber-free. The floor is made of conventional materials. I’ve amended the review accordingly.
As a Cadiz owner this review is well balanced. However some light from the large front window is lost when you place the telly in front of it!
Am A 2017 Cadiz owner good review
Thanks for your feedback Andrew.