Andy's choice for 2001
A look back at the 2001 season of new tourers
First time buyers / best value up to £10,000
Since Bailey set the pace with its ground breaking value for money Rangers, its
hasn't taken long for the competition to chase what has been a very lucrative
market. For those who are buying a tourer for the first time or are seasoned
caravanners wanting a well specified tourer but at a reasonable cost, then this
sector is ideal for those wanting to own a new tourer, rather than buy used.
1st Choice / Worth considering though are; Adria Unica's / Lunars Solar Eclipse
/ Elddis Avant'e
Baileys Rangers
Still there at the top, are the incredible Bailey Rangers, given the Bailey
family look for 2000 the Ranger still beats off the competition. From the neat
and compact end kitchen 380/2 model to the big 510/4 the Rangers offer a
remarkable package. Quality finish is both inside and out, with all mouldings
being particularly of good finish. Inside the light woodwork looks expensive and
has a solid feel about it. Good storage is provided by deep roof lockers, and
all Rangers have good-sized wardrobes to boot.
Design
Kitchen workspace isn't the best in some models but it comes complete with
77-litre fridge freezer and domestic styled oven. Washrooms are large by most
manufacturers standards and although not over lavish they do provide manual
cassette loo and shower plus blown heating. General living with the Rangers is
comfortable, with soft furnishings taking on a more modern look for 2001.
General Verdict
Well equipped the Rangers are still the ones to beat, although when it comes to
overall interior design perhaps the Ranger is due for a slight and I do mean
slight interior facelift. Making them a tad more modern will keep the Rangers
ahead of the competition, they still make an excellent buy though.
Priced from £ 8,798 to £9,840 / My choice model; 500/5
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Bailey's Rangers offer smart looks for its class; this is the super 510/4-end washroom model. |
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Interior of Rangers maybe conservative, but quality and spec just cant be beaten at this price level. This is the fixed bed model. |
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2nd Choice / Worth considering though are; Bailey Discovery's / Lunar Chateau's A.B.I Sprinters
ABI Sprinter
Due to all the re-shuffle at A.B.I the company is now back on course for serious
contenders in the UK market and abroad too. Descendants from the Monza, the
Sprinter took this budget title on back in 94. Often over-looked these vans make
an excellent budget buy. Sure they are not over spilled with spec, but they do
carry the basic essentials. General good finish and light weight tourers
Sprinter makes a healthy alternative to buying a four or five year old used van.
Design
Being slightly narrower than conventional tourers, the three model Sprinter
line-up still maintains enough living space for family and couples. Kitchens are
lacking in workspace, and only come with a fridge. No oven either is included
but space is provided for one to be fitted. Washrooms are nicely finished off,
with good quality mouldings being used.
Not over generous in size (especially the 400D) they do provide the opportunity
to shower, also unusual on a budget van, a window is provided for extra light
and ventilation. Although narrower, the large one-piece window helps to overcome
a feeling of being cramped, and the light finished furniture and modern
upholstery give the range an almost continental feel.
General Verdict
Stylish both inside and out, the Sprinter may lack flyscreens/blinds/blown
heating and a front locker, but it does still represent a fine able tourer.
Storage in all Sprinters is half-decent. They tow well and are easy to
manoeuvre, and if a narrow driveway is your storage site then the Sprinter will
fit the bill. Often overlooked by new caravanners I say take a look.
Priced from £7,595 to £7,799 / My choice model; 400D
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Plain looks give budget Sprinter game away-but it's a smart looker all the same. Pictured here is the 450ct |
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Bright interiors are a plus and also basic spec will please most, good general finish they shout value for money. Kitchen unit in 400D |
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Above £10,000 to £13,000
middle price bracket
1ST Choice / Worth considering though are; Sterling Europa's / A.B.I Manhattan's
/ Abbey GTS Vogues
Swift's Charisma's
Swift have decided to drop all those "ette" sounding model names and
gone onto boring old numbers, while at the same time dropping Classic. However,
with wiping the slate completely clean the Swift Group has seemingly come up
trumps. The Charisma's offer style and value in a competitive sector, offering
those with a few more pennies to spend a well-equipped package.
Design
Always well designed Swift the Charisma shows that the design boys at the groups
headquarters in Cottingham have done there sums and come up with a range that is
a real challenge. Kitchen areas offer oven and fridge freezer and general work
surfaces, which don't overflow with room. Washrooms lack for little, and detail
to end bathroom models is excellent. Slatted sprung bed bases are solid
(original Sprite idea) and those swish designed roof lockers are very up market,
and an idea carried through to other Swift Group models too. General storage
isn't bad, and most will find the Charisma's are no worse than most.
General Verdict
Up-market looking tourer both inside and out, Swift's Charisma sets a new
precedence in this market. Quality interiors are some of the best to come from
the Swift factory yet. Well equipped with all the things we've come to expect on
a tourer of this ilk, the Swift is very good value. It's just a shame about the
old names taking a back seat, but maybe I am just too sentimental!
Prices from a tad under £10k to £11,120 / My choice model; 560
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Swift Charisma has more than a hint of the Challenger about it, stylish exterior is a winner. For Swifts starter range it's a whole new image. Model shown is the 560/4 |
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Fresh look inside too for the Charisma, excellent styling and well equipped-build is the best to come from Swift yet. Interior is the 560/4 |
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2nd Choice / Worth considering
though are; Compass's Omega's / Abbey's Aventura's / Stirling Eccles
Bailey's Pageant's
This was a close second choice-mainly due to the recent re-launched Compass
Omega range. It's a cracker, and is only just beaten here on price with the
Pageants stealing the show. So hard luck Compass, should that be watch out
Bailey? Anyway Pageant stretches back since early 80's and is a real excellent
buy-but why?
Design
Exterior shares all the Bailey family looks and the new rear back moulded panel
looks like it belongs to a motorhome. Inside the Pageant has some much niceties
as all round spot lamps and Remi sun roof, not to mention the Omnivent 3 speed
extractor fan roof vent. Some features and fittings are carried over from the
Rangers such as the washrooms, but better quality and smart furniture finish
shows this is a dearer tourer. Two berth models are very popular and the fixed
bed Bordeaux has proved a massive hit. L shaped kitchens in the two berths are
spacious and provide ample room for meal preparation.
General verdict
Bailey do the honours again, just a fraction behind the Swift Charisma's they
deserve the following they receive. Re-sale is good to, and most Baileys used
don't stop long on forecourts. I reckon the Pageants provide excellent value,
but Compass has got a Bailey chaser with its smart looking Omega range. My
advice to Bailey here is watch your backs!
Prices from £9,800 to £10,790 - My choice model; Pageant Imperial
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Bailey Pageant gains my approval with its exterior profile and excellent build. Compass Omega though is chasing fast. Model is Champagne 4 berth. |
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Interior boasts excellent spec and carries on Baileys quality, L shaped saloon is that of the Moselle model. |
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Up-market luxury tourers £14,000 to £22,000
1st Choice / Worth considering though are; Vanroyces / Buccaneers / Bessacarrs
& Carlight if you really have a large bank balance!
Vanmaster
It's a close one this too, although small niche this market is just as
competitive as that in the lower price bracket. Vanmaster, Vanroyce, Bessacarr,
Buccaneer are all contenders. Vanmaster being the only independent maker amongst
them, which shows in the detail and personal service they give. Not in Carlight
territory (that's a specialist make in itself) the Vanmasters take some beating.
Design
Top quality G.R.P mouldings front and back and for the roof, make the Vanmaster
exterior very distinctive. Vanmaster also use new ideas such as the interior
cloth ceiling, pull-out spare wheel side locker, adjustable seat backs, and
occasional pull-out side single dinette on the big two berths. Most now copied
by other makers. Large kitchens and excellent bathrooms are all part of the make
up of the Vanmaster tourer. Large dinettes, and super quality is all part of the
course, storage and cupboard space abounds and the whole range feels extremely
well put together.
General verdict
At this price a tourer should be damned good-and the Vanmaster is, also don't
forget the company will also do individual layouts to suit customer
requirements. Ex-Vanroyce founders, the Vanmaster team keeps close contact with
market trends and have over 70 years experience between them. Down sides are
these vans are heavy, but then if you can afford one of these then a large tow
vehicle will not be a problem.
Prices from; £19,985 to £24,500-My choice model; Vanmaster Ovation
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Vanmaster are not cheap-but what quality and check out that distinctive exterior. Model shown is the Ovation. |
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Super interiors of Vanmaster show craftsmanship and superb spec and detail-interior is Ovation. |
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2nd Choice / Worth considering though are;
Swift Corniches / Fleetwood's Heritage's / Avondale's Clubmans / Lunars Clubmans
ABI Award's
Under the old A.B.I banner the Awards always were a popular tourer range. They
had smart exterior styling and inside they were well finished off and had loads
of kit. Hence for buying a used Award theirs always a good selection on display
at dealers and private sales. A.B.I UK has given the 2001 Awards a major shake
up with a brand new body shell and interior.
Design
Selling almost on looks alone, this has got to be one of the best looking ranges
in Europe, let alone the UK. Slippery exterior mouldings give distinctive
appearance and excellent towing characteristics. Inside its modern and
traditional décor. Deep rich wood with quality workmanship makes for luxury
feel. CD player is housed in special smoked glass cabinet while soft furnishings
blend well together. Storage is a strong point and most will find the Awards
kitchens a dream to use, with large fridge freezer, oven and generous worktops.
In some models walk-in wardrobes are featured almost the size of a small
washroom. Talking of washrooms the Awards also excel in this department, with
spacious well finished units.
General Verdict
Awards for 2001 are a real winner, demand is high for these vans, and production
is allocated to back orders. Dealer demonstrator deliveries are just filtering
through but most are being snapped up by buyers. I think these must be the best
Awards yet to come out of the reformed A.B.I plant. At this level there are some
good tourers around, and the Awards will have to keep ahead to top my choice.
Its good to see A.B.I have made a strong comeback.
Prices from; £13,995 to £16,595-My choice model; Award Spiritosa
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Stunning exterior of Awards just cant be topped, best looking van on the market. Spiritosa is model here. |
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Awards interiors are also modern but retain clubman appeal, good spec and build are other selling points. Spiritosa is interior shot. |
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Note
ABI stopped producing tourers on June 1st 2001. Production of some models was taken over by the Swift Leisure Group