DeLuxe Group in Blenheim have a long, happy relationship with Bailey and have been talking for some time about a rear-bedroom Bailey with a full centre bathroom. That day has come with the arrival of the Bailey Unicorn Cabrera, and its larger sibling, the Pamplona.
Both models were first launched in 2010 with the bedroom at the rear and the shower and washroom separated by a corridor. But such is the demand for the centre-washroom, rear bedroom layout that Bailey bucked their usual layout trend to meet demand.
Both the Cabrera and Pamplona offer top specs with a touch of luxury and plenty of practicality. The key difference between the two being that the Cabrera has a single axle while the Pamplona has tandem axles, which translates into extra space in the lounge and bathroom areas as well as a few extras that we’ll explore further below.
Exterior
Both models look sleek, clean, and tidy with the Unicorn ‘Polar White’ body shell. LED lighting over the entrance door offers good lighting and, like other Bailey caravans, both models feature an Alu-Tech Bodyshell—a unique interlocking aluminium external framework with no external fixings (the end result being a much stronger and more rigid shell, which provides greater protection against the elements). And for extra peace of mind, Bailey supplies a 10-year transferable bodyshell warranty.
Lounge and dining
The lounge of the Cabrera offers two chunky two-seater couches. The large curving armrests add a cosy touch and, in the model review, the subtle mauve colour scheme added to the spacious, relaxed atmosphere. They’re certainly comfortable and with high-density filling and a ‘honeycore’ foam construction, they’re made to last.
The lounge in the Pamplona model is slightly longer with around 30cm extra length, which allows comfortable seating for six. The table of the Cabrera is somewhat inconveniently stored under the bed, while in the Pamplona, it’s stored in a slim cupboard near the fridge. Either way, the table is freestanding and easy enough to assemble. The bench on both models has a handy pop-up extension, which acts as an occasional table in the lounge area or as extra bench space.
The couches offer plenty of storage beneath, supplemented by four overhead cabinets, two drawers, and a storage hatch. A couple of clever additions in this area include the shoe locker beside the entrance door, the concealed storage nooks hidden behind the cushions at the end of each lounge, and coat hooks near the front door.
Both models do a great job of keeping their occupants warm and toasty throughout the caravan with Alde heating and hot water systems making them a cosy option for winter travel.
Overall, the lounge area is light and spacious with loads of storage and fabulous full-height front windows to bring the outdoors in.
Kitchen
The kitchen of the Cabrera is well-appointed with an all-in-one Thetford Caprice MKIII oven, a microwave oven above the hob, and a 133-litre three-way fridge/freezer, while the Pamplona goes one better with a generous 190-litre fridge. The kitchen surface in both models offers plenty of space to prepare and cook, with around 1.2m of total bench space including the extra pop-up bench space.
Above the bench are two overhead cabinets and beneath is a drawer and two cabinets with shelving. And for additional storage, there’s also an overhead-locker-style cabinet over the fridge, although extra care needs to be taken when opening to avoid the handle hitting the ceiling.
An additional ‘mini’ cupboard between the bench and overhead cabinets is designed to hold bottles of wine or oils—very handy. The majority of cupboards and drawers in the kitchen (and beyond) are all soft-close, which makes life that little bit quieter (especially if you have grumpy teens onboard). All in all, the kitchen is pleasingly practical with plenty of storage and plenty of bench space with full-size appliances.
Bedroom
At a petite 1.77m, the bed is a little on the small side. I’m around 1.74m tall and found it too small for my liking. But this won’t be an issue for those on the shorter side.
His and hers wardrobes with a cabinet below and overhead lockers provide good storage and a bracket and connection point for the TV are located at the end of the bed. The lounge couches make up to a generous 1.99m bed for extra sleepers, although children and smaller sleepers might be happy enough kipping on the couches as single beds, especially in the Pamplona. Overhead, two skylights add to the light and open ambience and allow for a bit of evening stargazing.
Provided you’re not especially tall, this bedroom offers plenty of practicality and is sure to leave a winning first impression.
Bathroom
As mentioned earlier, both the Cabrera and Pamplona have a centrally located bathroom with the toilet on the far side and the shower opposite. A handy addition is the laundry hamper, which might also double as storage for towels or toilet rolls. Storage is adequate with a cupboard below the sink and additional storage over the hamper.
Again, the Pamplona model offers extra space with a slightly larger bathroom (which makes quite a big difference). Alde finned radiators keep everything warm and dry, and sturdy hooks above the radiator mean your bathrobe or towels will be nice and toasty after your shower. If you’re a fan of centrally located bathrooms, this one ticks all the boxes, and then some.
Stability
Both models offer the full AL-KO safety suite including ATC Trailer-Control, AKS Stabiliser, and Octagon Shock Absorbers. The wheels are also individually laser balanced to ensure even wear and tear on all tyres.
Like all Bailey caravans, both the Cabrera and Pamplona encompass key changes to the design and layout to improve stability, including the Alu-Tech construction system, which results in a high proportion of weight being concentrated in the centre of the vehicle, and placement of heavy items such as the gas bottle locker and battery box nearer to the centre of the caravan.
For more information, contact DeLuxe Group on (03) 578 3310 or visit deluxegroup.co.nz.
Cabrera specifications
Berth: 4
Axles: 1
Overall length: 7.37m
External height: 2.61m
Max width: 2.28m
Payload: 154kg
Tare weight: 1396kg
Price: $68,990
Pamplona specifications
Berth: 4
Axles: 2
Overall length: 7.92m
External height: 2.61m
Max width: 2.28m
Payload: 160kg
Tare weight: 1554kg
Price: $72,990
Pluses
- Lots of space to cook, shower, and relax in both models, more so in the Pamplona
- Handy nooks, hooks, and hampers for storage
- Windows aplenty, making for a light, open atmosphere
Minuses
- The petite bed may put off taller travellers
- Table storage under the bed in the Cabrera is somewhat inconvenient
