by Chris Jefferies
Elddis Caravans has launched a new range for 2013 called the Affinity, with the aim of offering top-end luxury at a more affordable price.
Replacing the outgoing Elddis Odyssey, the Elddis Affinity is set to be one of the lightest touring caravan ranges to offer the premium Alde heating system.
Featuring a similar front profile to the ever popular Elddis Crusader range, the Affinity boasts a large front gas locker finished in striking silver, as well as a three-piece front window.
Elddis has resisted the trend towards sunroofs, as adopted by Swift, Coachman and more recently Bailey, but the result is much more interior storage space in the nose end.
Staying with the interior and the design is very much one of domestic opulence, with subtle purple lining on the scatter cushions and soft furnishings.
Curved overhead lockers with chrome handles and positive catches add to the effect, and it’s clear that this range is a big step up from the Odyssey collection that it replaces.
Top-end kit
The key trend for 2013 has been fitting Alde central heating to lighter weight caravans, and the Elddis Affinity is no exception.
In this range, the heater that has been fitted is the 3KW version with rapid heat-up, and it is adjustable, so you can drop down to 1KW when you don’t need the full blast of central heating.
Combined with Grade III insulation and a GRP underskin, this range promises to be highly comfortable in all seasons. For added safety on the road, Affinity owners will also get BPW’s iDC anti-snaking device.
Other premium kit includes an Avtex TV with DVD and Freeview fitted as standard, which you don’t often see in mid-range caravans.
What’s more, Affinity owners will also get a dual-fuel hob – a feature which comes in handy when you’re hooked up to the mains and don’t want to guzzle through your gas supply.
A built-in cocktail cabinet and 100% interior LED lighting add to the luxury feel, while a built-in CD/Radio with iPod and MP3 connectivity completes the key spec upgrades.
Layouts and weights
At launch, the Elddis Affinity range will come in a choice of four different single-axle layouts, all of which will weigh less than 1,500kg MTPLM.
The Elddis Affinity 540 is the most traditional of the bunch, offering the UK’s most popular layout – a fixed double bed in the centre, a double dinette in the front, a side kitchenette and a full-width washroom.
Moving up the range and the Affinity 530 is a completely new prospect…
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