Fully authorised Swift dealers Country Caravans are the exclusive New Zealand importers of the Lifestyle range. The company retails the range through their Mt Maunganui yard and the RV Super Centres in Auckland and Christchurch.
The caravan reviewed was supplied by the RV Super Centre, Albany.
Looks & special features
With its aerodynamic front panel and simple crisp styling, the Swift Lifestyle 4 catches the eye. It’s not a large caravan; 4.74m long inside and 6.39m overall puts it into the small caravan category, but for an entry-level product it surprises, as it includes features in its standard specification that are usually listed as optional extras.
These features include: Powertouch Evolution motor-movers, a Lunar Aircamp inflatable porch awning, an exterior LPG connection for a barbecue, a 240V exterior plug, fixing bars on the rear wall making it easy for buyers to retro-fit the optional Thule Elite G2 two cycle rack, an NZMCA Self-Containment standard 40L portable grey water tank, and two exterior hatches to access storage spaces beneath the settee and the double bed.
The aerodynamically shaped front panel has been upgraded from that used previously. In place of the single full width window it now sports a set of three opening windows with a fixed panorama window above. Steps are moulded into the GRP cover over the towing frame to make it easier to reach the panorama window when cleaning.
Sleeping and entertaining
The Swift Lifestyle 4 caravan has a permanent double bed in one corner at the rear with the bathroom alongside. Amidships is the kitchen opposite a wardrobe beside the entry door. At the front, twin seater settees face one another. It is a popular layout as it offers a permanent double bed in a short length caravan.
The bed is 1340mm wide and 1850mm long. To the side is a window and above a ceiling hatch for ventilation and daylight.
The settees convert to an extra double bed. Pre-teenage children would get a comfortable night’s sleep on the settees (1280mm long) but should you need more bed length, making up the double bed is an easy process. As well as being a place to sleep, the tri-purpose lounge is a convivial space for both entertaining and dining, seating four easily.
With windows on three sides and the panorama window and ceiling hatch above, it is very light and bright. To dine, unfold the freestanding table stored upright next to the oven and pop it between the settees. When your guests have gone you can relax, put your feet up and read, or watch the TV that is stored in a cabinet above the oven.
Power and heating
Over the entry door is ‘control central’. There you will find the control panel monitoring the batteries and on/off switches for the water pump and 12V power. Alongside is the Truma heater and hot water control panel as well as the carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) detectors. Alongside the entry door is a large hanging locker with a shallow cupboard beneath.
Having endured recent cold winter weather it’s good to know the Lifestyle 4 achieves the European G3 standard for thermal insulation and heating, meaning the interior warms -15°C to +20°C in less than four hours with the water system remaining fully functional. Swift construct the foam sandwich floors, walls and roofs that keep out the cold by following their SMART Plus technology philosophy; a strong frame using hard, water resistant polyurethane in place of timber. Swift are confident their construction methods are sound. They support them with a six-year Boy Shell warranty.
Kitchen
It is quite a compact kitchen with the appliances above and below the 1350mm long kitchen bench. Below are the black Thetford 3-way 113L fridge and Thetford oven with a separate grill and a bench-top three hob LPG cooktop above. There is an extension flap on the left side of the kitchen bench that will be very useful. A microwave occupies the space between two cupboards above the bench.
There is no range-hood, but the two-speed ceiling fan should suffice for removing steam and cooking odours from the caravan interior. It is an excellent workspace but a bit short on storage. There are two lockers above each settee that will probably be called into service for kitchen storage duty, as will the space under the hanging locker opposite.
Bathroom
At 1070mm by 750mm, the shower/toilet space is quite generous. There is a shower curtain to keep the walls and toilet dry while you shower, but if you don’t like curtains the walls are unimpeded and easy to clean. The new Ecocamel Orbit showerhead with an easy-to-use on/off button produces a powerful shower using less water.
The verdict
The Swift Lifestyle 4 is a compact and complete caravan. Usually ‘entry level’ means fewer frills but not in the case of the Lifestyle 4. Here, comfort and style have not been compromised. It is a delightful caravan.
The Lifestyle 4 as reviewed retails for $52990. For more information, phone 0800 52 00 55.
Pros
- A spacious layout for a small caravan. Room to move about.
- Love the Duvalite mattress.
- The very comprehensive specification.
Cons
- The alarm system housing mounted in the middle of the storage space. Please move it to one side and clear the floor space.
