2018 Swift Challenger 590 caravan

In the family style

Swift hits the middle market with serious gusto with its eight-model Challenger line-up.

If you want a caravan with a bit more living space – or really do want to cater for up to six – take a closer look at the 590.

Aimed at larger families… this is a single axle for up to six; indeed, it’s the only six-berth in the range. But, there’s a lot of luxury on board.

As you’d expect, there are lots of enhancements in this 2018 version. It loses out in one respect, however, in that it’s nudged the price over the £21,000 mark as well as putting on just a little bit of extra weight. Nevertheless, the standard 1,600kg MTPLM is par for this this kind of tourer. In other words, you’re looking for a pretty hefty towcar.

Of course, the graphics and interior colourings are new. These things tend to go without saying. The more important upgrades are features like; upgraded side skirting, new alloy wheel design, more substantial shower tray, ambient interior lighting… it’s details, details, but they do add up.

There’s also more on the extra’s list – including air conditioning – while the option to upgrade from Truma to Alde heating is retained (if you want to specify the latter, add 20kg to the MTPLM).

The interior layout is a three-way front lounge/centre kitchen and washroom/rear children’s room split. Turn right as you enter for the latter – those fixed bunk beds are the natural habitat of kids. Also here at the back of the 590 caravan is a three-seater dinette arrangement that can also be made into two more beds. It all adds up to a kid’s zone at the back – and most would argue it’s a good thing to see a privacy screen here.

The washroom has a step-in shower, oval fixed basin, swivel-bowl toilet. There’s a large mirror where a window could (should?) be. It’s an improved rooflight, too, compared to earlier models – but it’s still a little small. And, storage is at a bit of a premium considering this is supposed to be a family caravan.

The kitchen definitely fares better. As you’d expect, it’s a dual-fuel hob with separate oven and grill. The sink is to the right of the hob, where there’s also a bit of worktop, plus an extension section far right. The microwave oven location should find favour, too. It’s over the sink area where it’s easy to access at all times (directly over the cooker, where others put theirs, can be tricky when the hob is in use).

As you’d hope for a family caravan, the front lounge is generous in size. Those settees are different lengths – so you could consider single beds (1.86m long on the nearside, but some 10cm shorter on the offside). More feasible is the creation of a more than generous 2.02m x 1.76m transverse double.

Needless to say, too, Swift isn’t afraid to lavish a bit of style. The gloss finish to the overhead lockers, for example. It stays practical, too. The wardrobe, between kitchen and lounge, is definitely family-sized, despite accommodating the lounge table.

When it comes to factory-fitted extras, it’s the Lux Pack (exterior gas and mains electric points, exterior-access hatch, alarm, even a kitchen splashback panel) that grabs the headlines. However, for extra safety and security respectively, you might want to consider Al-Ko’s ATC and Secure axle wheel lock. There’s also a £95 annual subscription to activate the Swift Command tracking system, which is fitted as standard and will help keep your caravan insurance premium down.

Verdict: Lots of family-friendly features make this a six-berth winner

Plus: Rear kid’s zone with fixed bunks, excellent price:specification ratio

Minus: Washroom falls a little short

In-a-nutshell: Challenger for the six pack

There’s more information on the Challenger range on the Swift website. To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page

Alternatives: Adria 612 DT Rhine, Compass Casita 586/Elddis Avante 586