Words Ros Bromwich, pics Ellen Dewar
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One of the standout caravans in the many interesting displays at the SA Caravan and Camping Show in February was Roadstar Caravans’ Voyager Sapphire. 
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CW jumped at the chance to grab it for a cover feature and decided to head back to Maytow Caravans in Adelaide for the photo shoot, but as things turned out the caravan you see here was a different model from the one we saw at the show. 
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That it is noticeably different (but just as impressive) in interior feel is testament to the success of this flexible new design from Roadstar. 
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“We want to give our customers a very versatile and fully spec’d design so they can choose exactly what they like from within an extensive range,” Roadstar’s marketing manager Fernando Viaprana told CW. 
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And extensive it is – there are 12 floorplans, ranging from 19ft to 24ft 6in (5.77m to 7.44m), all with showers, offering several front door/rear bed and rear door/front bed alternatives. 
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For the ensuites, buyers can choose a toilet/shower cubicle, full width rear bathroom setup or, in the largest models, a separate shower and toilet arrangement. 
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Polished Design
The Sapphire featured here is in the middle of the size range, at 21ft 6in (6.53m). One of the rear door/front bed layouts, it features the full width rear bathroom and was optioned up with several desirable extras. 
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Like all Roadstar Caravans it’s built on a sturdy heavy duty boxed steel Supagal chassis, with the A-frame extended to the axle for extra strength. Wheels are 15in LA 24 polished alloys with LT tyres, and it rides on Simplicity independent suspension. This van has offroad options: a Hyland coupling plus gal sheet underfloor. 
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All Roadstars are fitted with the Australian Standard-compliant Trail-a-Mate jack and have a jacking point on both sides. 
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The sides are the traditional low profile aluminium, with smooth fibreglass ‘Aeroplus’ low profile front and rear one-piece mouldings. 
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Other exterior features include a spare wheel mounted on a powdercoated bumper bar, fully sealed wheel arches and two 80L water tanks.
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The front boot contains the battery system and solar wiring; there are stoneguards over front and rear windows. An 8500 awning is a standard fitting, with an exterior/interior TV point. 
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It’s inside the Sapphire that the contemporary flavour and design really come into their own. 
Stepping inside the rear side door, the bathroom is across the rear, with the kitchen array on the offside and a four-person dinette occupying the centre nearside section. 
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The island queen sized double bed is at the front of the caravan, with an innerspring mattress on Posturepedic slats as standard. 
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The cabinetry is extremely stylish, with curved profiles and smooth solid finishes adding a definite European influence. The timberwork was Australian designed and built for Roadstar Caravans by Global RV Products. 
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“Our role is to source the best materials we can so that quality and finishes are provided for locally built caravans,” says Global RV’s Joe Markovic. 
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Changes include solid doors – not sandwich panel – and the European door catches. Throughout the Sapphire the overhead cupboards, wardrobes, the curves, the kitchen and bathroom fittings all reflect this aim to produce a desirable home away from home.&nbsp; 
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The russet/red upholstery fabrics and bedspread and contrasting curtains complement the white walls and extensive timber very nicely, and the gleaming laminate chosen for this van adds another luxury look.
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The optional entertainment console – DNA’s DVD/CD/MP3/AM/FM radio – was included; the 
air-conditioner is standard. 
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The Sapphire’s kitchen along the offside offers a decent amount of working space. There’s enough benchtop to spread out on, especially with the lid down on the four-burner (three gas, one electric) cooktop, and ample storage.
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There’s also a grill and full oven, with the microwave above the sink. The Swift rangehood is housed in some characteristically curvy overhead cabinetry. The Dometic 2553 three-way is built in neatly with a drawer under and a spot for the TV on top of the fridge. 
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The sink has a mains pressure water filter. The bathroom is a roomy affair, with a Thetford cassette or swivelling cassette toilet in the offside corner. 
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A generously sized vanity unit has loads of storage over and under, with a mixer tap to the basin and mirror; a towel rail is also fitted. 
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The one-piece moulded shower cubicle has a large hatch in the ceiling.&nbsp; 
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The Bottom Line
The Voyager Sapphire is a logical development from the previous range of Voyagers, continuing the ‘versatile, comfortable and well equipped for touring’ theme, and adding some very appealing new layouts and features.
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Priced in the low $60K starting bracket, the Sapphire will be on the shopping lists of people who want a substantial touring caravan built with high quality standards combined with an eye-catching, up-to-the-minute interior. 
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Thanks to the team at Maytow Caravans, 602 North East Road, Holden Hill, SA, 1300 629 869 for their help with the shoot. 
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For your nearest Roadstar Caravans dealer call (03) 9305 5633 or visit www.roadstar.com.au
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Roadstar Voyager Sapphire

External length: 21ft 6in (6.53m)

External width: 7ft 8in (2.35m)

Nameplate ATM: 2864kg

Nameplate Tare 2314kg

Frame: Meranti 

Chassis: Heavy duty SupaGal 

Suspension: Simplicity Independent 

Cooktop: Four-burner gas/electric, grill and oven

Fridge: Dometic RM2553

Shower: Yes 

Toilet: Thetford cassette

Lighting: 12V Opal, halogens

Power: 12V battery pack

Gas supply: 2 x 9kg

Hot water: Suburban 

Fresh water tank: 2 x 80L

Price (as reviewed): $71,045 
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Roadstar Voyager Sapphire

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