Crusader The Manhattan lives up to its name

As the word Manhattan turns a cocktail into a wonderful blend of Vermouth and Bourbon, changes theatre into Broadway, and dapper into vogue, some would wonder if the Manhattan's level of comfort and sophistication is beyond a caravan manufacturer that started in 2004 building RVs for the small pop-top market.

FINE LOOKS
Looking over the Manhattan, it is clear this manufacturer knows what its customers want and is able to meet the demands of a range of markets.

When we towed the Manhattan to location, it certainly looked stunning behind our Toyota LandCruiser. Actually, it seemed to provide the Toyota with a certain stylish edge not normally associated with this very popular bush workhorse. Quite simply, they looked great together. The silver- grey of the Toyota sat nicely against the maroon trim of our van. The Manhattan has simple leaf spring suspension, and it towed well, although the trek we took carried it only over paved roads.

Having glanced over the outside and watched it tow, the only thing that remained was to discover if the Manhattan was everything its name promised. It seemed hard to believe that any caravan could easily carry the sense of style, privilege and glamour associated with New York’s midtown district while still providing functional and comfortable holiday digs.

With 6in chassis members, the manufacturers have put together a caravan that should be strong enough to roll off the bitumen and onto most other road surfaces without pretending to be an off-road van. After all, it is billed as a van for touring not trekking. Nonetheless, this is the kind of van that would look at home in a beachside park in a cosy coastal village somewhere or perhaps rattling down a dusty bush track to that secluded place you’ve dreamed about.

PRACTICAL LAYOUT
Move inside the Manhattan and you will discover why this caravan provides the right blend of form and function. When you enter, the large pleated leather-upholstered lounges make the dinette catch your eye, and you sigh in the knowledge that this van is obviously about comfort. Among its inventory, the Manhattan shows off a 19in flat-screen television ready for use outside or in, a very convenient fridge plus a full oven that includes a cooker with three gas and one electric burner.
 
Now here’s where the style comes in. Put out the Dometic awning, set out your camp chairs and table, and the review van was ready to please. That’s because all you needed to do was reach back, open a hatch and discover the external wine cooler. There are few things better than camping by a river enjoying a cool pinot, soaking up the breezes in the shady comfort of your awning. That is unless you can do it while watching the cricket on your plasma. Given there is a television connection right beside the wine cooler, well, it doesn’t get any better.

CHEF'S DELIGHT
Meal times are easy as the kitchen area has lost none of its functionality in favour of elegance. Instead, it has found a wonderful balance between looking good and working well. The already adequate bench space is enhanced by a bench top cover over the stove cover. The effect is to provide more bench space while not losing the look and usefulness of a long bench. The travelling chef is going to be very happy. That’s especially true considering that the kitchen drawers all run on metal runners while the pantry and other cupboards use piano hinges. So, there’s no chance of having to struggle to open a cupboard or drawer. Once open, there is little chance of taking some bark off your fingers when looking for the bottle opener as all the furnishings are finished as it should be to the highest of standard.

Setting the intimate atmosphere is easy considering the van has Tasmanian oak finishes throughout with black- frosted glass inserts in the overhead lockers above the bed and the dinette. Dark venetians help add to that swanky intimate look while the entire package has the feel of art-deco luxury.

VERDICT
From a company that has gained a reputation for quality and affordability, the Manhattan is a caravan that places Crusader firmly in the prestige market. This van offered as standard features others call extra at a realistic price. Once seen, it will be hard to ignore!

Visit the Crusader Caravans website for more information and Australia wide dealer locations.