Regent slides into Sydney

Melbourne’s Regent continues to roll out new and revised models with the introduction of its first slide-out caravan at the 2014 NSW Caravan, Camping & Holiday Supershow.

The slide-out option, which adds an expansive, C-shaped lounge-dinette cum double bed section to the middle of the van, is one of many updates to Regent’s flagship Monarch model.

The 21ft 6in Monarch MKII slide-out model on display at the Sydney show featured a number of cosmetic as well as practical enhancements designed to entice luxury caravan buyers.

Externally, these include curvier edging to the gloss black lower body trim, bolder graphics, new LED tail-light design, while a reversing camera, electric entry steps and 17ft Dometic awning are now fitted as standard.

The on-road, tandem axle model also boasted a bigger front tunnel boot to accommodate a slide-out for a generator, as well as an external TV box and hot/cold shower.

The enhancements continued inside, with more headroom around the front bedroom, which now has a more glamorous feel thanks to a fully upholstered bedhead, new LED lamps and a small corner dressing table and mirror.

Although the Monarch now shares a ‘flat-pack’ CNC-cut furniture fit-out with its cheaper Weekender sibling, it’s better finished with a gloss facia on the cabinets.

Upgrades to the spacious kitchen include a Dometic 190 litre two-door fridge/freezer and Waeco six bottle wine cooler, and there's more storage space thanks to new pot drawers and a bigger roll-out pantry.

Tweaks in the extra-large rear bathroom include a new-style vanity and basin, bigger wardrobe and a new, built-in laundry bag alongside the washing machine. The sliding door has also been recessed for a cleaner look.

The six-person, slide out club lounge features Regent-embossed leather upholstery, dimmable LED mood lights, overhead cabinets and four windows including a roof hatch to let in plenty of natural light. It also converts to a double bed by dropping the table.

However, all this luxury doesn’t come without a weight penalty, and the 3160kg ATM means a heavy-duty tow vehicle is required. It's also premium priced with an 'introductory show price" of $89,990.

Due to a last-minute rush to have the display model ready in time for the show, some further fine-tuning to the design is planned, including raising the overhead cabinets in the bathroom to allow taller people to use the mirror.

The 21ft 6in Monarch MKII is believed to be the first slide-out in the history of the Regent brand, which began in the early-1990s but was recently rescued by Bailey importer Caravans Australia after it went bust.

According to Caravans Australia's Design & Technical Manager, Steve Wills, more slide-out models will be rolled out before the end of the year.

“We’re planning on doing a whole series of them, probably around four or five models,” he said. “The intention is to offer each model with the option of a slide-out if you want.”

Meanwhile, Regent is now the sole Australian-built brand in the Caravans Australia line-up, after the Campbellfield, Victoria-based manufacturer dropped its range of similarly-built Legacy caravans.