Words Joan Green, pics Ellen Dewar
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Windsor’s fully revised range for 2006 will have a complete public airing at the Sydney Supershow (April 22 to 30), but some of the updated or completely new models have been seen already by those who were lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. 
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CW was one of the first to view Windsor’s all-new entry-level Genesis models late last year at a special preview arranged by Windsor’s general manager, Brendan Murphy, when he announced the company’s plans to overhaul its complete product range.
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Now almost fully disclosed, the new Windsor line-up including the new Sunwagon camper, entry level and luxury models accompanied by the unique Rapid, offers something for every buyer from young beginners to cashed-up connoisseurs.
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Windsor’s former Seaview and Streamline models have been replaced by the entirely new Genesis range of caravans and pop-tops, and the company is also reintroducing its once-famous Sunwagon wind-up style camper trailer to a new generation of users.
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The Rapid (the model with pull-out bed ends) is still one of Windsor’s most popular models, and is virtually unchanged apart from a few interior cosmetics. Only the top-of-the-range luxury Royale remains a close secret until the Sydney Supershow. 
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RTV packs for offroad travel are available as an option across the entire Windsor range of vans, pop-tops and campers.
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The new Genesis range of full height vans and pop-tops, as well as being colourful and smart, is well built and comprehensively equipped. 
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The 16ft (5.34m) GP532 model ‘pop-up’ unit CW looked at comes with everything necessary for comfortable on-road travel, including an innerspring mattress, the latest Smev brushed alloy four-burner cooktop with grill, a Samsung microwave, an RM250 Dometic three-way fridge, pull-out storage baskets, excellent 12V halogen lighting, a good quality radio/CD player, an Explorer coaxial TV plug and even a rollout awning. 
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Custom building is not available in this range, but you can replace the fridge with a larger capacity Dometic model, and one of the overhead cupboards with a Heron air-conditioner.
You can also add a pull-out pantry or a doona cover that matches the upholstery. 
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Like the caravan versions, the Genesis pop-tops have their boots already wired for an optional battery, but buyers who want to venture along less trodden roads are advised to choose the RTV pack, which includes a heavy duty chassis, offroad wheels and wiring for solar power.
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Clear bright colours
Take a look at the clean lines and bright new colours inside the Genesis. The zingy blue cushions and curtains in CW’s GP532 model pop-top are selected from a large colour range of fabrics, all of them fresh and cheerful.
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The materials are good quality and the seat cushions are attached with Velcro for easy removal. 
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Windsor has also given the benchtops radius corners, and replaced the usual rolled edges with completely flat timber-look sides – easy to clean while adding to the interior’s open look.
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Genesis pop-tops come in three sizes with an external body length of 16ft 1in (4.89m), 17ft 6in (5.34m) and 19ft (5.79m), and incorporate a total of eight floorplans, two of which are designed for young families. 
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The 17ft 6in (5.34m) GP532 is a two-person model with a double bed, but the same size GP531 and GP533 offer twin single beds and a double bed/two-bunk family setup respectively, while the 17ft 3in (5.25m) trio – the GP 581, 582 and 583 – have similar layouts.
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The Genesis range was created with families and their budgets in mind, so parents with three or more children will certainly find something suitable in either the Sunwagon or Windsor’s other caravan offerings.
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CW’s medium sized GP532 pop-top model is ideal for a couple who wish to tour in comfort without the major expense of a large caravan and possibly a new towing vehicle. A unit of this size and weight can be towed with one of the better known six-cylinder family sedans.
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The floorplan is a perennial favourite – a front kitchen with an L-extension to the offside, a central L-shaped dinette opposite a two-seater lounge and an island double bed at the rear flanked by combined wardrobe/dressing table units.
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It’s hard to go wrong with this layout, and Windsor’s well-proportioned furniture makes the most of it. 
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For a couple with modest requirements there’s quite enough of everything – bench space, seating, storage and room to move comfortably. 
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Little design details that are not immediately evident often prove to be the icing on the cake, and this is the case with the Genesis pop-top. The bed has a hinged lift-up base with gas struts for easy access to storage underneath, with a cupboard for a portable toilet.
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The seats, too, have lift-up lids under the cushions. The bed becomes even more convenient with the addition of a handy bookshelf and downlights for reading.
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The neat slimline radio/CD unit fitted above the lounge is accompanied by a small compartment that’s just right for CDs. 
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This compartment appears in a different position on the official floorplan supplied to us, but as the optional Heron air-conditioner might be located more or less anywhere in the overhead cabinet assembly, it’s apparent that there’s a fair amount of design flexibility.
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The overhead cupboards are separated by dividing walls to prevent their contents from sliding and being jumbled together.
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Windsor has gone against the trend by not putting mirrors on the wardrobe doors, saying that they serve little practical purpose in that position. 
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Instead, a long mirror has been placed on the nearside wall near the foot of the bed – a good position for that final full length check before you go out.
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In the kitchen the slide-out baskets under the stove deserve a special mention. These are excellent for pots and pans but the lower one could also be used for storing fresh vegetables.
Then there’s the little clock fitted into one of the upper cupboard doors – this special touch is found in every one of Windsor’s units from the bottom to the top of its range.
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Other things CW liked included the cut-out top section in the corner of the kitchen bench. Complete with a finger hole, this provides easy access to cupboard space that is otherwise quite hard to reach .
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There’s also Windsor’s unique fibreglass spice rack that is specially designed to conceal the air vent at the top of the refrigerator. 
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Finally, the modern and practical alloy cupboard handles, combined with push-button catches, look good as well as promising efficient performance and long life.
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The bottom line
It may be at the budget level of the Windsor range but the Genesis is far removed from those old time, entry-level models that were pared down to the barest essentials. 
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Priced at around $26,990 (not including dealer delivery and on-road costs), the Genesis offers excellent value for money.
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For dealer locations call (03) 9305 1777 or visit www.windsorcaravans.com.au
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We liked:
• The bright, light and well designed interior that makes this model seem larger than it is
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We would have liked:
• A small shelf behind the seat next to the mirror on which to place make-up items
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WINDSOR GENESIS POP-TOP GP532

Internal length: 15ft 8in (4.8m)

Body length: 17ft 6in (5.3m)

Overall length: 22ft 6in (6.9m)

Internal width: 7ft 2in (2.2m)

Overall width: 7ft 10in (2.4m)

Internal height: 6ft 7in (2m)

External (towing) height: 7ft 2in (2.2m)

Tare weight: 1183kg

Ball weight: 112kg

GVM: 1372kg

ATM: 1483kg

Chassis: DuraGal 

Suspension: Solid axle leaf spring

No. of berths: Two

Price: $26,990 (excl. dealer delivery and on-road costs) 
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Windsor Genesis Pop-Top GP532

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