Swift goes to Rio

What do you get when you combine the versatility of a van-based camper with the luxury of a coachbuilt motorhome?

In the case of UK manufacturer Swift, the answer is the Rio, a coachbuilt motorhome that’s not much wider than a typical van conversion and features a van-style rear tailgate for panoramic views from the rear lounge/bed.

Swift Australia’s Melbourne dealer, the Caravan Super Centre, recently displayed the first, Australian-certified Swift Rio motorhome at the 2015 Victorian Caravan, Camping  & Touring Supershow, just days after it arrived in the country.

Based on the facelifted Fiat Ducato cab-chassis with 2.3-litre turbo-diesel engine, the innovative Rio is 6.4m long and 2.26m wide and has a GVM of 3500kg, including 520kg payload.

It’s available in two- and four-berth layouts, but it’s the four-berth Rio 340 displayed in Melbourne, with seat-belt seating for four passengers and an electric drop-down bed over the rear lounge, that should attract most interest.

Unlike most other motorhomes, bar a couple of German examples, the rear tailgate of the Rio lifts up to deliver an open-air experience, with a removable screen to keep out the bugs.

If it starts to rain, the door is easily closed from the inside with a pull strap and the tail-gate is supported by two gas struts so it shouldn't slam shut unexpectedly. There are also two LEDs built into the door for some extra lighting.

Albeit in a more confined space, the Rio squeezes in all the motorhome essentials, including a good-sized kitchen with four-hob cooker, grille, oven, microwave and small fridge, and a combination shower/toilet.

The rear lounge converts to another double bed, and a fold-up table can be used with either the front or rear seating.

However, with premium finishes such as an acrylic LED splashback and ‘French Oak’ style flooring, the Rio is not really aimed at budget buyers.

“Although it’s compact it’s not targeted at an entry level market,” explained Swift Australia’s Alex Kammerlocher.

“This is more expensive than a van conversion and just as expensive as a larger Swift motorhome, so this is really to cater for those people who come from a bigger motorhome and want something smaller, or from something smaller who want to go bigger.

“The whole purpose of this motorhome is you can use it as an everyday car, it fits in most standard car spots and it suits probably 95 per cent of the population in terms of size.”

The Swift Rio 340 on display, which had central heating, a 94 litre fresh water tank (and 100 litre waste water tank), roll-out awning and air-conditioner, had a‘show special’ price of $116,990 drive-away (normally $124,990). 

The Rio also comes with Swift specialties like timberless construction and an opening panoramic skylight above the driver’s cab.

Also on display at the Swift stand was the latest 2015 ‘Black Edition’ Fiat-based Bolero 714. The striking 7.71m motorhome with its black metallic painted cab, black highlights and black alloy wheels, had an advertised ‘show special’ price of $154,990.

For more about the Rio, check out the 'first look' UK video below...