2018 Swift Sprite Quattro EB caravan

Family fortunes…

Almost reinvented for the season ahead. Almost? Well, there are too many changes to list here, but there are certainly enough highlights beyond the usual new “cuff and collars” – i.e exterior graphics, interior trim.

Indeed, Swift has pulled off something of a coup. Not only does Sprite proudly carry the banner of the UK’s best-selling caravan range, it’s also been voted top in the annual Practical Caravan  Owner Satisfaction Awards – for the second year running.

No surprise, then, that the range has up to 10 models for 2018. Of four twin axle Quattro models, the EB here is the only four-berth – the rest host up to six – offering up the luxury of a transverse island bed at the back. It’s also the only all-new model to be introduced this time around

The new, three-windowed front is certainly a statement that Sprite caravans are moving inexorably upmarket. Also among the exterior upgrades are LED rear lights, new grab handles, Status TV aerial and flush-fitting, impact-resistant sideskirting.

Without the Diamond Pack, safety and security features are pretty thin on the ground. It’s a safe bet to say, though, that every Swift Sprite sold this season will have it, despite the £595 premium. Consider it worth it, though, when you see what’s involved – alloy wheels (steel spare), door flyscreen, microwave oven, radio/CD/MP3 player, two scatter cushions… plus the peace of mind of a stabiliser and wheel lock receivers, all courtesy of Al-Ko. Also, the front sunroof shown here is from the extras list. Again, it seems to be a must-have fitting. Plus the Swift Command Tracker will knock pounds of your caravan insurance premium once you’ve paid the subscription – fitted as standard to all 2017 and 2018 caravans.

Inside, things have been refreshed across all 2018 Sprites, with cream-coloured locker doors helping to lighten up the whole interior. The front lounge/rear bedroom format should prove popular with families of four or couples who want a separate sleeping area.

The transverse island bed has the spare wheel in its base. It’s not the ideal location in terms of ease of access, as well as taking up valuable storage space.

That’s practically the only point of criticism here in a bedroom that includes a corner unit for a TV, windows to two sides (but it’s on a standard rooflight overhead), mini dresser units with drawers and cupboards, plus three overhead lockers set high enough there’s no problem sitting up in bed.

The bed itself can push back in daytime mode, should you want a bit more walk-around space, while there’s a single sliding door for slightly tricky access from bedroom to the washroom.

It’s a roomy washroom, though, stretching across the width of the caravan. There’s a part-circular, plastic-lined shower cubicle, with upmarket Ecocamel showerhead, but just the one plughole.

The central basin is small but deep. There’s a Thetford toilet with window beyond and a shallow locker above this. Also in here is a generous floor-to-ceiling wardrobe.

The kitchen along the offside includes a worktop extension. The three-ring cooker with separate oven and grill is set far right, with a sink to its immediate left. Like the cooker, the fridge is from Dometic. Storage is a bit compromised, and there’s not really an excuse for such a small cutlery drawer.

With few direct rivals in this twin axle format, you can’t help thinking Swift is onto a bit of a winner with the Quattro EB.

Verdict: The price is still right, despite all the upgrades

Plus: Quality and comfort, keenly priced

Minus: Spare wheel location

In-a-nutshell: Moving on up from the bargain basement

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

Alternatives: Bailey Pegasus Brindisi, Elddis Avante 554, Lunar Quasar 674