Swanky Swift lands in Sydney

As promised, Australian Swift importer Swift RV had on display one of the latest, timberless SMART HD models – a 21ft, four-berth, tandem axle Swift Elegance 645 – at this year’s NSW Caravan Supershow, just three months after the new range’s debut in the UK.

Encouraging showgoers to put down a deposit on one of the streamlined beauties was a ‘show special’ tow-away price of $69,990, which included optional air-conditioning and awning.

According to Swift RV’s Alex Kammerlocher, that was a saving of around $5000 on the expected dealer price of the first Australian-spec models due to arrive in early-2015.

The $75,000 pricetag will make it at least $10,000 more expensive than Swift’s current top-spec, 22ft Explorer 645 and compete in the same price bracket as the similarly-specced tandem axle Elddis Bucanneer, which currently has a drive-away price in Australia of $79,990.

Like the similarly lightweight, UK-built Elddis caravans, the Swift Elegance comes with the type of features rarely seen on Aussie vans including ducted heating, a 10 year body integrity warranty, built-in mechanical anti-sway control system and aero- and durability tested body.

And like most Brit vans now sold Down Under, the latest Swift model will arrive with an Australia-only Explorer spec including bigger 130 litre water storage, more road clearance, stronger chassis, and other upgrades designed to make it more suitable for free camping.

However, the ground-breaking Swift’s trump card is its timberless construction, which includes a super-tough composite floor, along with the most up-to-date fittings and finishes including self-closing drawers that give it a wow factor unlike most caravans.

While no potential buyer could be persuaded to sign on the dotted line in Sydney, Kammerlocher said many visitors were impressed by the new model's upmarket and innovative design.

“Obviously a lot of people were very taken by the new technology… and we had a number of serious enquiries but we’re not getting really excited until we get a firm production schedule (for 2015),” he said.

While eight SMART HD variants are available in the UK, the Australian market will be restricted to the biggest, most lavish models due to local preferences.

“There are a handful of different variants but once you’re talking that sort of price bracket the Australian customers prefer something bigger," he said. "It’s not like in Europe where you have someone who wants to have top of the range but in a small package."

With impressive displays of Knaus, Swift, Elddis and Bailey caravans and motorhomes, this year’s Sydney Supershow had a distinctly European flavour. And next month’s Queensland Caravan Show is expected to offer even more choice with the re-launch of Adria caravans under new distributor Apollo Motorhomes.