By Ros Bromwich
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Once again Coromal Caravans has come up with a surprise. 
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Just when you thought that Coromal provided a complete range of models to suit every demographic and lifestyle the development team has designed something new to complement the range – the low profile, folding Mirage.
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The design team combined the main body features of the popular Silhouette Camper, the towing benefits of independent suspension (which is used on the entire Coromal range) some new construction techniques and a number of versatile layout features with a simple and quick to erect folding roof and wall panel system. 
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Result: the Mirage, which was revealed for the first time at February’s Adelaide caravan and camping show. 
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“Although it is a combination of both a caravan and a camper it should really be referred to as a folding caravan,” Coromal’s Richard Raven told CW. 
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“Coromal’s design team have taken the Silhouette as a base and developed it into this great new product after first coming up with the idea a couple of years ago. 
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“We could see there was a demand for a small caravan for a couple who want a bit of extra security with solid walls and roof around them. We also knew people wanted the option of an island double bed in a compact unit, so we have provided that layout as well, in the total of five floorplans.
&nbsp;“The Mirage layouts are similar to those in our pop-top range, but with the low-towing profile,” Richard added. “Extensive research went into how it is made, too, with many trips to the USA investigating the sandwich panels used for the sides and the clever hinge seal joining the walls to the base.”
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New interior features were also integrated in to the Mirage models, such as flat pack furniture which gives a neat and clean finish and helps keep the weight down. “A bonus is the flexibility it gives us to make the most of every storage space,” said Richard.
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Setting up camp
As was energetically demonstrated at the SA show, unfolding the Mirage on site is a simple matter of releasing the four corner locking down clamps and raising with a push the front and rear walls; the main flat roof section then simply slides in place. 
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Then you lift the two side walls, open the main door, lock in the additional wall locking atches, and that’s it. 
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“The whole operation is so easy and simple as a result of being gas-strut assisted,” said Richard, “and it can easily be done by one not particularly strong person. It’s super quick – takes around 15 seconds &shy;&shy;– and the reverse process of folding down is equally simple.”
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To facilitate the setting up process, custom-made handles are fitted to the folding panels and the gas struts which do the lifting automatically lock into position. The gas strut brackets have been custom-made for the Mirage. 
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The main door folds in half as part of the folding wall, thanks to a combination hinge/seal which runs the length of the body. The hinge/seal is used to attach the wall section to the body and is a perfect dust and weather seal, says Richard.
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Exterior features include a spacious front locker, useful for storing the barbecue, tables, chairs and fishing gear with room to spare – ‘space for two sets of golf clubs’, as it said at the SA Show. A bag awning can be fitted to the flat roof section, another good feature.
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Stylish moulded polyurethane stoneguards fit the front like a glove. A custom-made wind deflector is fitted to the front which enhances the body lines and softens the edges of the folding roof and wall sections. 
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The front and rear body sections are moulded in fibreglass.
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Inside the Mirage there is a good feeling of space; the front and rear walls are angled in to a relatively small degree and there’s plenty of headroom throughout, thanks to the long flat roof section. Large windows, in particular the front one, help also in this regard.
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Five layouts are available in single and double bed models from 3.9m to 4.5m. 
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“These floorplans provide day and night time accommodation for two without the need to convert the dinette to form the beds,” said Richard, “and we have included an island double bed model in the range. There is also room for a third person to sleep in some of the models.”
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The furniture is computer-designed and cut in a new process from a strong lightweight double sided poly-ply. Rounded corners to the furniture not only look the part but are a first class finish. 
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The cupboard doors will not come open when travelling due to the fitting of positive locking catches and self-closing hinges and the solid ply benchtops are at a normal working height.
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A four-burner (one electric ring) gas stove and grill comes standard while the fridge is a three way Dometic RM2310. A Smev chrome sink pump adorns the large bowl stainless steel sink with a microwave a standard feature (except 396 model).
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For the power, a 12V system is fitted which includes a power supply unit/battery charger and a battery compartment with a slide-out base for easy inspection. This system is so convenient, particularly for the occasional overnight stop away from a 240V power source or a weekend away in the bush. Other features include a coaxial TV pint, roof pressure hatch, external power point and annexe light. 
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A range of Jacquard fabrics is available to choose from, with a choice of two furniture colours.
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The bottom line
The Mirage certainly looks like an appealing package. Combine Coromal’s independent suspension with the low profile aerodynamic body style and lighter weights and it will attract many buyers with small and medium tow vehicles. 
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Tare weights range from 950kg for the 3.9m model to 1000kg for the 4.5m units, with price tags starting from the mid-$25K area at the SA show. 
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Buyers looking for compact, well equipped fuss-free caravanning will put the Mirage on their shopping lists. It can be seen at all the major State RV shows, so readers can check it out soon. 
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For more details and dealer locations visit www.coromal.com.au
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Coromal Mirage: M396 M425/6 M455/6

Length (m): 3.9 4.23 4.56

Width (m): 2.19 2.19 2.19

Towing length (m): 5.05 5.38 5.71

Towing height (m): 1.66 1.66 1.66

Height when set up (m): 2.64 2.64 2.64

Tare (kg): 950 950 1000 
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Coromal Mirage

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