Roadstar Magnifique 2005 Review

By Ros Bromwich

One of the few notions I’ve retained from the marketing module of my degree course is the necessity of always introducing something new to a company’s product range. Kellogg the cereal maker was used as an example, with its endless stream of innovations to what you could do with wheat, corn and rice.

One of Australia’s major caravan builders, Roadstar Caravans, has illustrated that principle beautifully, adding not one but three totally new – and very different – models to its already wide range of caravans.

Space issues at the Melbourne Caravan Show in April/May meant that the newcomers couldn’t be housed in the same spot as the normal Roadstar display, and that, if anything, increased the impact of the ‘newness’ of the additions: the teardrop Reo, the low-tow French import Trigano and the subject of this story, the ne plus ultra Magnifique.

As people darted from one model to another to examine the new caravans, it was the Magnifique which drew the most admiring glances.

And that was very pleasing to Roadstar’s sales and marketing manager Paul Golding.
“Magnifique is all about the looks,” he told CW. “It came about because Roadstar wanted to create something different from what’s been widely accepted as what a caravan should look like inside.

“Our top-of-the-range Grange is a fine caravan but we wanted to go the next level, and the styling and popularity of caravans in Europe has led us to develop the Magnifique, using special timber cabinetry and other ideas in collaboration with a new company, Global RV Products (see breakout).

“It’s a huge step for us. Roadstar director Margaret Sparks has wanted us to do this look for years, and after several trips to Europe it’s all come together in the Magnifique,” Paul told CW. 

“People loved it at the show. Cheryl and Joe Mallacria, pictured here (and who featured in Discover Down Under aired on June 5), told us they were at the caravan show and having lunch before going to put a deposit on a Grange.

“They heard other people talking who said ‘have you seen the Magnifique yet?’. They said ‘no, where is it?’. So they came down to the other stand, loved it and bought one.”
In these days of imports and new names appearing on the scene it’s important to emphasise that these aren’t imported vans.

“Magnifique is a Roadstar caravan totally built here in the factory at Somerton (Vic), but with the timber cabinetry and some other fittings imported from Europe. All the normal Roadstar stuff is here: chassis, suspension, timber frames, etc, and will be locally sourced as usual,” said Paul.

“To streamline production there are going to be maybe four or five options, with six or eight layouts in the range – you can’t do anything too different because the cupboards are all modular.

“It is a fantastically complete caravan with all comforts included and once the factory team get used to the new fitting techniques production will be smooth.”

Good looking
From the ground up the Magnifique is standard Roadstar fabrication – the usual chassis, Meranti frame and white low profile aluminium cladding, with the popular fibreglass moulded front and back.

The prototype caravan shown in Melbourne and at the Brisbane show in June came about after several designs were tried out on paper. Once this internal layout was settled upon, the components were brought in and the caravan was built – it’s 22ft internal (6.7m) and 7ft 10in (2.4m) wide, translating to 28ft (8.5m) external.

It has immediate presence – the sheer size and the different striping, powdercoated bumper bar, Euro double glazed windows and doors, and 15in mag alloy wheels add up to create an impressive exterior.

But it’s inside that the story is really told: it’s quite beautiful, with circular white leather club lounge, and dramatic curved surfaces and overhead cabinetry creating a truly opulent effect.
As Joe Markovic from Global RV Products explained, the timber cabinetry is really something new for a locally built caravan.

“The furniture is built completely differently. We use the minimum amount of staples – it’s a solid piece of ply which fits onto the frame with proper joints and is then screwed.

“The easy-clean foil surface is heavier and thicker so it’s much stronger,” said Joe.

“Plywoods from Europe (from non-rainforest sources) have a fantastic balance of strength and light weight. We love the way it looks, and it’s easy to put together. It’s all computer controlled, the curves are cut before shipping – all they have to do in the factory is assemble it.

“All the shelves are grooved and screwed for extra strength. It’s a very modern way of building: good looks, ease of assembly, and cost-saving.”

The floorplan has rear entry with the lounge area (which converts to a bed) at the back, central galley kitchen and huge bedroom at the front, with separate toilet and shower cubicles (stylish one-piece units with built-in shelves) from the UK.

The list of standard fittings is extensive: external features include fibreglass front and back, windows and stoneshield to front and rear, loop bumper bar, rollout awning, Magnifique decals, 12V square external annexe lights, main door light and night light for doorstep, external glass illuminated grab handle, tap on A-frame, hose reel in boot, and insulation to roof and walls.

Interior features include the circular leather lounge, backrest storage shelves, round table with adjustable hydraulic leg, curved cupboards and doors throughout, feature glass in overhead cupboards, rounded innerspring mattress with orthopaedic bed slats, and slide-out table/drawer under bed.

Internal features include three-burner stove with grill and oven, pull-out rangehood, combi-grill microwave, 17in LCD flatscreen, CD/DVD/MP3/Radio player with four ceiling speakers, Winegard antenna, 12V halogen lights throughout, quality carpet to bedroom, towel ring and toilet roll holder, brass fiddle rails and plenty more.

All Roadstar caravan buyers receive the Exclusive GoldStar Leisure Package which includes 24 hour Australia-wide roadside assistance for peace of mind holidaying, discount vouchers from major retailers, free membership to a major caravan park chain, and a one-year Australia wide warranty.

The bottom line
The Magnifique certainly adds a fresh dimension to the locally built caravan industry, both in looks and manufacturing techniques. With European inclusions added to a tried and tested Aussie product, and retailing at the mid-$70K mark, Magnifique is a truly luxurious and stylish touring home for people who want the best in touring comfort. 

Roadstar’s dealer network is planned to receive Magnifiques in October/November. Call Roadstar for more information and your nearest dealer on (03) 9305 5633.

Going Global
Global RV Products is a new company, set up earlier this year by Roadstar’s directors to serve the caravan industry, and the Magnifique is its first project.

“Roadstar is a customer, and Global RV is run completely separately,” explained Joe Markovic, Global RVs international sales and marketing manager.

“My background is in plywood supply to the caravan industry and we started from the notion that we wanted to have European furniture in an Australian van.

“We knew we had to build the van to suit our road conditions so we have had to do a few special things to make sure it is European design, but made for Aussie vans.

“The Magnifique layout evolved from a couple of different designs we saw in Europe, we picked the best bits that we felt would suit Roadstar – we wanted to make sure it was still ‘a Roadstar’ – that was very important.

“Magnifique has two roles for us: one was to introduce a new European-style model for Roadstar and to think about changing the way the assembly line works, the second was the introduction of Global RV Products to the industry.

“We wanted other manufacturers to see the van and create an interest. Roadstar is the first success – now we’ll take what we can offer out to the industry.

“Confidentiality agreements protect the ideas and projects we will work on with other manufacturers. It will take a little time to get used to but we are confident it can work,” said Joe.

The idea behind Global is not just about furniture, it’s to provide a whole range of premium products to the caravan industry in Australia.

“We want to be known as part of the caravan industry, rather than just an outside supplier. We are looking from the industry outside, to source what people are asking for.

“There’re all sorts of exciting things happening – I’ve just come back from China where permits have been issued for people to tow caravans. Five caravan parks are going to be built around Beijing for the Olympics in 2008. This could kick off the industry over there and they will need expertise in building caravans, so there could a major role for us there.”

Contact Global RV Products on (03) 9303 8748, joemarkovic@globalrvproducts.com, www. globalrvproducts.com