Melbourne’s Coronet Caravans has taken a new direction, changing its name to Coronet RV as the 54-year-old brand rolls out a revamped range of new and updated models including the company’s first off-road caravans.
The boutique manufacturer renowned for its quality, custom built caravans is moving with the times, introducing a range of smaller, pop-top caravans with ensuites to cater to the growing number of light-duty SUV tow vehicles, as well as a ‘rough road’ model for buyers who increasingly want the ability to get off the bitumen.
On display at the recent Melbourne Leisurefest were examples of the new XT1 ‘X Trail’ rough-road series, as well as FS2 and ST2 on-road models with eye-catching new exterior styling and signage as well as the latest interior decor and furniture.
Priced at $59,990, the 5.05m (17ft) long XT-5050 caravan on display at the show rode on Control Rider off-road suspension and chunky off-road tyres. Well-equipped, the compact, single axle van had a Tare mass of just over two tonnes. Interior highlights included white gloss cupboards, red kitchen splashbacks and a spacious rear ensuite.
While continuing to focus on the custom-design market, which limits production to around one caravan a week, Coronet plans to introduce more new models including single and tandem axle pop-tops and campers aimed at buyers with smaller tow vehicles.
With everything from small pop-tops to triple-axle ‘home away from home’ caravans in countless layouts, the revamped Coronet range is divided into four on-road ‘series’ – ET2 (Extenda Touring), ST (Super Touring), FS2 (Fashion Statement), and CD2 (Custom Design) – and one off-road model, the XT1.
Also part of the Coronet makeover is bold signage on each van advertising the company’s five-year build and water ingress warranty (one of the best offered by any Australian manufacturer). Gloss black wheel guards with red badges also indicate that Al-Ko electronic stability control (ESC) is now standard on every Coronet van.
The new models are pre-wired for solar and come with larger, two-door fridges (compressor or three-way), with more options available including gas, diesel and ducting heating systems.
Coronet was founded by Ian Farren in 1959 and was originally based in Ballarat, Victoria. Since 1991 the traditionally-built caravans have been manufactured at the Bayswater, Melbourne premises of RV repairer, Andrew Phillips.
Coronet RV has also redesigned its
website.