By Willam Coleman
The brand new 2021 Swift Sprite Major 4 SB has had a complete revamp both inside and out to keep this multi-award-winning touring caravan in the best-seller category once again, but are the changes enough to fight off stiff competition?
This year, Swift brought seven Sprite models to the market, ranging from two- to sixth-berth options based across single and twin-axle vans.
For many years, the Sprite range has been extremely popular, with the sales numbers speaking for themselves. We are looking at Swift’s newest layout, which features a lot of changes and a modern feel that will surely lead to a lot of people opting for this versatile tourer.
Exterior
At first glance, this is unmistakably a Swift caravan. All the trademark signatures are here, with the addition of a new golden decal colour scheme. We were initially torn on the colour choice for the exterior; but when stood next to other leisure vehicles, it sits well without standing out for the wrong reasons.
The 4SB’s exterior length is 7.54m with a width of 2.25m, so it’s not the largest in Swift’s roster, but it is big enough to host four comfortably.
This caravan, like all Swift vans, comes with an AL-KO galvanised chassis with a solid Euro-axle.
Overall, the outside is very ‘by the numbers’ for what Swift produce, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less appealing.
Interior
Onboard is both spacious and practical due to the end washroom and good-sized bedroom with a transverse island bed. The separation of the living room, bedroom and washroom add a vast improvement to the daytime living space.
You’ll find French Oak effect doors and wall panels throughout the entire van – this makes the space feel a lot bigger and brings a warm, comfortable feel. Combined with the light grey fabric on the sofa, you really do have a smart-looking caravan.
The panoramic front sunroof, which features a surround incorporating recessed lights and speakers, lets in a huge amount of natural light, something that will make a big difference on those sunny days.
If you like those smaller touches, you’ll notice there are chrome sockets and switches throughout the van. Details like these make the caravan feel a lot more homely and less like your typical caravan.
Nighttime
Things could not be simpler aboard the 4SB when the sun goes down and bedtime rolls around. The island bed, which measures 185cm x 133cm, is the smaller of the two double beds and is extremely comfortable. The Duvelay Duvalite Apollo Luxe mattress will make the morning lie in an absolute pleasure.
The make-up bed system features solid slats that are retained on tracks, and you’ll need the end table to make the central frame for the mattress. Within a minute or so, you’ll have bed number two built and ready.
Washroom and kitchenette
With a central kitchenette and end washroom, you are presented with a lot more space for food prep and cooking. You tend to find there is a lot less space when the bathroom is directly opposite the cooking area, so this cooking space is great for cooking a full meal or just a light snack.
As you’d expect, you have all the normal kitchen gadgets you’ll need. The Thetford oven/grill combo features a three-ring gas burner hob, but no hotplate ring this time. There is an optional overhead microwave (which we’d advise getting), otherwise you get an extra overhead locker.
Worktop space is lacking somewhat, although the flip-up extension does add a bit more space, but you may feel it is still a tad small.
The washroom is a different story when it comes to size. Due to being at the rear, you benefit from a room that runs the entire width of the caravan.
The toilet, sink and shower cubicle are well spaced and they feel very separate from one another. The shower space is ample for a van this size too, but there is a lack of natural lighting that some may find a tad claustrophobic.
Verdict
With an MTPLM weight of just 1,442kg and a price tag of £19,850, the Swift Sprite Major 4SB will have mass appeal to younger staycationers out there. The combined weight of the van and smaller tow car should come well under the legal weight for towing, thus making it accessible to a lot more newcomers to the world of caravan holidays.
Toward the rear of the van, there is some natural light restriction but overall this is a comfortable and solid caravan.
At this price, you get Truma onboard and other top brands like Thetford, so it is a great van for the money you’ll spend.
When it comes to competition, there are a lot of vans out there that can rival this. However, Swift may just take the lead, offering some of the signature details only found in its range.
