Caravan manufacturer Swift Group has announced that it plans to upgrade one of its models for 2006.

The firm is set to give the Cameo a makeover with new features and a layout alteration with the aim of giving customers more for their money.

While caravanners often enjoy getting outdoors and exploring the countryside on their breaks, many will know that sometimes the weather can make staying in their mobile home more appealing.

The new combined DVD/CD/MP3 player and radio will not only allow buyers to relax inside their caravan, it will also save space by eradicating the need for separate units for audio and visual entertainment.

Those who enjoy having meals inside their mobile home will be able to listen to their favourite music while making use of the larger fridges installed in the vehicles.

Most models will come with a 107-litre refrigeration unit, while the 625GL will benefit from a 147-litre installation with 25-litre freezer.

In other news, Swift Group recently revealed that its Sprite range is set to be updated for 2006 and will include its first ever twin-axle vehicle.

After a successful 2005 relaunch, Swift has decided to add two new models to its Sprite range, doubling its size.

The additions will include a twin-axle model for the first time, which will give buyers extra room to enjoy their holidays.

Featuring six berths, the Quattro will also have fixed bunk beds, long front seats and a large washroom, making it superior to others in the range.

Meanwhile, the single-axle Major 6 gives users the choice of opting for a mobile home with a large front sleeping and seating area.

It also features convertible rear bunks and a dinette which can be transformed into the fifth and sixth beds at night.

Targeted at young families and couples, the budget range is said to include all the essentials for a successful caravan break.

Spaceframe technology on seats and lockers helps to save space by incorporating reading lights and cable runs into the overhead lockers, while still allowing plenty of storage.

Meanwhile, Swift Group recently revealed that it is also set to upgrade its Cameo range for 2006.

Brits seeking out a new caravan that does not cost an arm and a leg may be interested to hear that one manufacturer is set to reduce its prices.

Swift Group’s Sterling Eccles and Elite models have not only had their costs cut; they have also been updated for 2006.

The mobile homes have been discounted by £250 and £400 respectively, despite the fact they offer more features.

Upgraded soft furnishings will be complemented by a bigger free-standing table, allowing users to relax while they enjoy a meal or use the radio/CD/MP3 player that now comes as standard.

Security will be increased with an alarm system, while the AL-KO AKS 3004 stabiliser will help prevent “snaking” while being towed.

Those who enjoy cooking outdoors could make use of the AL-KO side-mounted jack, wet locker and barbeque point, while spaceframe technology inside helps create more storage room.

Swift Group also recently announced upgrades and new additions to its Sprite and Cameo ranges.

Caravan enthusiasts planning to purchase a Swift Challenger or Conqueror model in 2006 should expect them to be very different from this year’s models.

The firm has given the mobile homes a “radical” overhaul in an effort to make them the UK’s most popular tourers.

New features include 15-inch alloy wheels, an AL-KO Secure portable wheel lock and Status 530 directional aerial.

Both caravan ranges include new layouts with fixed single beds, enhanced interior design and upgraded specification.

Updated upholstery is combined with a new Tanganica Walnut wood colour, redesigned overhead lockers and spaceframe technology to provide extra storage and more pleasant living conditions.

A new 107-litre digitally controlled fridge will be the centre point of an upgraded kitchen featuring a built-in microwave, sink and storage rack.

Meanwhile, owners can relax with their favourite tunes playing on the radio/CD/MP3 player, which comes as standard.

The upgrades to the Challenger and Conqueror models are part of a wider overhaul of many of Swift Group’s products, including the Sprite and Cameo.

Swift Group is celebrating after one of its products was named the best fixed-bed twin-axle model of 2006.

The Practical Caravan 2006 Big Caravan Test, published in the November issue of the magazine, showed the Ace Supreme Twinstar to be the top vehicle in its class.

Priced at £16,285, the award-winning tourer is £1,500 less expensive than its predecessor and £1,000 cheaper than the Compass Rallye 634 – a rival it beat to scoop the gong.

Features which helped to sway the judges’ decision included the ease of pitching and setting up, storage, kitchens, washroom and bedrooms.

They praised all of the above and said the caravan offers a combination of comfort and practicality that is difficult to beat.

Swift decided to cut the price of the Ace Supreme in order to bring it back to its traditional roots, which were as a more affordable model.

Buyers can expect an improved kitchen, repositioned TV socket and upgraded styling and storage.

Meanwhile, Swift recently revealed that it has given the Abbey range a new look for 2006, as well as reducing prices on a number of models.

The launch of the new Swift Challenger earlier this month has seen the manufacturer enjoy record sales of the model.

Caravan enthusiasts snapped up the vehicles in their droves, with Swift taking more than £2.5 million worth of bookings at the Earls Court Show.

The figures represent double the takings of last year’s event and are the highest in the Challenger’s 21-year history.

It makes the vehicle the most popular single touring caravan range in the UK and has led Swift to hike up production levels, with particular focus on the popular 480 and 530 models.

“New product launches are vitally important for the company and therefore we are highly delighted that the new Challenger has quite clearly hit the spot,” explained sales and marketing director Richard White.

He added that the record sales were the perfect way to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the first Challenger.

Earlier this year, Swift celebrated success in the 2006 Big Caravan Test from Practical Magazine in which the Ace Supreme Twinstar was awarded the gong for being the best fixed-bed twin-axle van.

Caravan enthusiasts in the market for a new model could be interested to hear that the Swift Group has made a number of changes to its Abbey portfolio.

As well as reducing prices on the GTS and Spectrum ranges, the firm has recruited designers to give the entire series a new look.

The upgrades affect both the interior and exterior of the caravans and are aimed at increasing the value for money.

New soft furnishings and spaceframe technology make the GTS Vogue, Spectrum and Aventura models more comfortable and practical.

The latter two have also been given new 107-litre fridges with freezer compartments, while the Spectrum now benefits from having a microwave oven as standard.

A radio/CD/MP3 player now come as standard in the Spectrum and GTS Vogue ranges, while wiring is available for those who wish to add a DVD player.

Both also now feature increased security equipment, including an AL-KO Secure portable wheel lock and alarm system.

In other news, the Swift Group has reduced the prices of its 2006 Ace models to bring them back to their affordable roots.

Those looking for a new caravan could be interested to learn that the Swift Group has moved to make one of its ranges even more affordable.

The firm has cut the price of its Ace range for 2006 in addition to making a number of upgrades to the vehicles.

Buyers will see the biggest savings in the Supreme range, which has been reduced by £1,500, while the Award and Jubilee series have seen price cuts of £400 and £1,050 respectively.

According to the group, the decision was taken to position Ace below its Abbey, Sterling and Swift offerings.

A total of 20 models are available in the UK and those investing in one can add up to 16 optional extras.

“The Award and Supreme ranges both enjoy a whole new look for 2006 with modern furniture and fittings, contemporary new soft furnishings schemes and a new front window design,” the firm revealed.

In other news, the Swift Group’s Cameo range has been given new features and a twin-axle layout for 2006.

Two caravan models from the Swift Group have undergone a number of changes for the 2006 season.

The firm has given the Bessacarr E700 series the new name of Elegance and added a clutch of new features worth more than £3,000.

An integrated awning, central locking, reversing camera and a directional Status TV aerial are just some of the new additions.

Others include a new Automatic Energy Selection fridge, pleated blinds and a revamped interior.

Meanwhile, the Bessacarr E400 has been upgraded with £1,000 worth of new equipment, including ABS brakes, which now come as standard.

The interior has also been redesigned with updated soft furnishings, new speakers for the radio/CD player and a pivoting washroom design.

However, despite the valuable additions, customers will only be asked to pay a small increase on last year’s prices.

In other news, the Swift Group has also given all Ace models new Fiat ABS as standard in an upgrade worth £1,000

Those in the market for a quality caravan could be swayed by a gong handed to the Swift Caravans for one of its new models.

The Challenger 530 was awarded the prize for being the best four-berth vehicle in the recent Practical Caravan contest.

Billed as being ideal for couples and young families, the 530 features a number of common sense changes, including the repositioning of light switches and circuit breakers to more convenient places.

However, the positives do not end there, with “excellent” storage, a microwave, MP3/CD/DVD player, 107-litre fridge and a Status directional aerial as standard.

Slightly longer than last year’s model, the caravan was commended for its high specification, practical design, showroom appeal and value for money.

The award-winning model is priced at just £350 more than its predecessor, meaning Brits needn’t break the bank to invest in the latest edition.

In other news, Swift recently launched a new fixed-bed layout for its Challenger 540 caravan.