By Carlisle Rogers
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Since its introduction in 1993, the Compass range has grown and established its own identity and a happy band of followers. Always exhibiting a philosophy of technical development and innovation in design features and construction methods, Compass had a new look introduced in late 2006, and a range of models which seem to have every customer preference and budget base covered. 
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As well as the shiny new top-of-the-range all-fibreglass Evolution featured here, the Compass name includes the well equipped Navigator Sextant, through the family-friendly Nautilus (both of which feature Compass’ now signature Euro-style furniture and cabinetry), to the Aurora, with its extensive range of custom build caravans and pop-tops which are available in almost every conceivable size and configuration.
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But back to the Evolution: this caravan represents something quite different. The body is a one-piece fibreglass moulded unit, made the same way as a boat with the obvious difference of the base of the ‘boat’ being the caravan’s roof. 
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The fibreglass shell – not a sandwich panel construction, as Compass’ marketing manager Fernando Viapiana pointed out – comes out of the mould a complete and seamless unit comprising walls, front and rear and the roof, which is mounted on the Compass heavy duty boxed steel SupaGal chassis. 
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“The result is a very durable and virtually leakproof caravan body,” says Fernando Viapiana, “because no joins or capping are needed on the one-piece shell. The Evolution is a logical move for us in the development of new methods of caravan construction.”&nbsp; 
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Timber fixing points for furniture and fittings are incorporated into the fibreglass shell and slim battens attached to the roof allow wiring and other fittings to be concealed above the ceiling. The internal wall lining is attached directly to the fibreglass shell. 
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The result of several months’ development work by the Compass team, the luxurious Evolution was released at the October Leisurefest at Sandown, Vic, in one size, 21ft 5in (6.5m) and two layouts, one with a full rear bathroom featured here and the other with a split rear living area and corner ensuite. 
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Externally the tandem axle Evolution is eye-catching, its smooth lines and unfussy seamless appearance creating a rather streamlined look. 
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External features include three-tonne Simplicity independent suspension, quick release drop-down legs, Euro style Dometic security door, A&amp;E 9000 rollout awning, rear bumper and spare wheel, annexe and step lights, and 14in alloy wheels, a tap on the A-frame and hose reel in the boot. 
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The interior layout of the Evolution we looked at was the rear side door, front bed, centre offside kitchen, nearside dinette and rear bathroom version. 
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Inside all is pleasant and stylish, with nothing to suggest an innovative method of construction – it is as luxurious and comfortable as one would expect in the range-topping Compass. 
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Starting at the rear bathroom, this is a roomy area with full fibreglass shower cubicle, Thetford toilet, basin with mirror above and plenty of storage. Overhead cabinet doors are the roller/concertina style seen in some European RVs – very stylish and contemporary looking. A towel ring and toilet roll holder are included, with an adjustable chrome rail and shower rose. 
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The kitchen area is along the offside wall, with Dometic RM 2553 150L three-way fridge/freezer, Teka stainless steel sink plus water filter tap, Swift four-burner (three gas) cooktop, grill and oven and pullout rangehood with light. An NEC microwave is above the sink.
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Five drawers are fitted below the sink, and a pot drawer under the oven. The pullout pantry is tucked in the corner next to the bathroom; the bathroom door had to be open to allow the pantry to slide out fully – otherwise the handle got in the way. 
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The benchtop, full splashback and dinette table opposite are covered in colourful modern laminate with a swirly metallic finish – eye-catching and practical as it won’t show every mark. 
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The table has an adjustable hydraulic leg to make access to the comfortable L-shaped seat as easy as possible. 
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The attractive interior cabinetry offers the usual array of cupboards and overhead storage and includes a feature bulkhead between the seat and the sleeping zone. 
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The north-south innerspring mattress queen bed has handy shelves and cupboards on either side and overhead. 
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The Evolution contains a host of standard comfort and entertainment features including roof-mounted air-conditioner, roof hatch, electronic water gauge, gas/electric hot water service, 17in flatscreen TV, CD/MP3/DVD/radio with four speakers and aerial and TV coaxial plug with powerpoint. Like all Compass models, the Evolution is all 12V-powered.
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The bottom line
In line with its commitment to innovation, Compass has taken fibreglass construction for caravans a step further with the Evolution. It’s a very good looking and luxurious van with an $80,000-plus price tag and will probably interest those who like to be first with the new trends. 
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With an ATM (maximum loaded mass) of 2809kg the Evolution will require a vehicle with a tow capacity of three tonnes as its partner.
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For more details contact Compass Caravans, 260 Hume Highway, Somerton, Vic 3062, (03) 9308 3411, email: info@compasscaravans.com.au, web: www.compasscaravans.com.au
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I liked
• Look of the fibreglass body
• Contemporary design
• Stylish interior decor
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Now I’m being picky
• Pull-out pantry not obstructed by the bathroom door
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Compass Caravans Evolution

Interior length: 21ft 5in (6.5m)

Interior height: 6ft 6in (2m)

Width: 7in 8in (2.4m)

ATM: 2809kg

Tare weight: 2409kg

Chassis: Heavy duty steel SupaGal

Fridge: Dometic RM 2553 150L

Cooktop: Swift four-burner, grill and oven

Microwave: NEC

Price: Around $82,000 

Compass Caravans Evolution

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