It’s a pleasure to be in Christchurch for a visit to Iconic Motorhomes’ busy sales yard in Ferry Road. There’s always a buzz, with people coming and going with new or rental vehicles, and plenty of new stock to peruse.
On the day of my visit, the team have just received the very good news that they have been voted the number one New Zealand motorhome rental company by the popular website Rankers. Kelly Catlow who is in charge of the rental side, was over the moon. We chat about the ranking as we drive towards Victoria Park, where we are hoping to find some gorgeous autumn colours, on what is a truly cracker blue sky day in the city.
Unfortunately for us, when we reach the hilltop park, all the trees showing fiery colours are too far off the well-worn path for photographs, so we ease the Bolero along the narrow roads before turning back towards Cashmere where we had spotted a stunning small park close to the main summit road.
I love the ease with which the Bolero takes the narrow confines of the roads, turns on a dime and accelerates away like a car. I also note the silence. Swift vehicles from the Iconic stable are invariably quiet, with nary a worrying rattle to disturb the equilibrium.
For the purposes of this test, I’ve taken the Bolero 714SB, which is four-berth with twin beds and a rear bathroom. The dinette converts to a double, so there are plenty of options when it comes to having extras aboard. I am taking it that this, like many four-berth motorhomes in New Zealand ownership, will most likely find owners who usually travel as a couple, but appreciate the occasional trip with friends or family.
However, Swift thinks of everything and many of the 2016 Bolero models sport the all-new optional lounge specification. This means that buyers who are only ever likely to require beds for two can opt for two belted seats and a larger lounge.
Of course if twin singles are not your preference, you can also choose from other four-berth Boleros, including the 744PR with east/west double, mid-ships galley and bathroom; and an east/west dinette conversion double. In common with the test model (714SB), the 724FB offers a rear bathroom, but with a north/south French bed; while the 684FB has a north/south French bed and side bathroom.
All are low-line, built on Fiat-base with a multi-jet 2287cc diesel engine. Overall length depends on the model and spans a few sizes between just over seven metres up to a smidgen over eight metres.
Interior design
Well not exactly ‘cream’ (or crème, shall we more correctly say), but ‘oyster grey’ is featured in the all-new interiors in the curved upper locker doors, each offset with a contrasting inset of wood panel effect in Aralie Sen. Nirvana leather-look moulded seating with fabric trim in two tones adds to the classic look and apartment-style feel of this elegant European-style motorhome.
Swift has an elegant and understated approach to interior design, and the luxurious appointment level carries throughout, even to the beds – all of which feature the exclusive Duvalay Duvalite mattress.
I loved the elegant galley which offered space and excellent appointment, together with numerous storage options and a free-flowing interior design which is enhanced by the wood-look flooring and removable carpets. I loved the skylights which drench the interior with natural light and I am always impressed by the window treatments which include blinds, screens and curtains.
Swift Command & other features
Beyond the obvious, is the new Swift Command control system featuring an intelligent power supply unit with LCD control panel. Now, certain functions can be controlled and monitored remotely via the new Swift Command App.
This means – among other nifty techy things – that if you’re just finishing off the après ski mulled wine and thinking about heading home to a cosy motorhome, you can carry the thought through by remotely switching on the heating using your smartphone app.
Also new are the fancy-schmantsy FENIX NTW scratch-resistant bench tops and the updated Dometic CU600 oven, with reduced noise and improved performance. Other new features include a 100-watt solar panel, dimmable LED lighting, and an Ecocamel shower head with on/off water conservation button.
Chasis/cab
New and dramatic is the black metallic cab with new Black Edition graphics. This is really sleek and attractive and it will certainly turn a few heads when on the road. But underneath all that stunning exterior is the enhanced SMART plus construction which assures integrity, rigidity, strength and hail proofing. I can personally testify to the rattle-free construction of the Swift vehicles, especially those from the Iconic stable which owner Mike Parker tells me their team takes an almost obsessive pride in ensuring.
The Fiat Lowline chassis will find favour with many who value ease of access. Of course there is still an automatic retractable step to help you through the Sietz high-specification door with two-point locking, window and integrated fly screen. A new chrome handle and lighting all add up to a thoughtfully designed stairwell.
A larger side locker, and a gas locker which holds two bottles, is also a feature of the new Bolero; along with bike rack fixing points and a heavy-duty rear chassis for those wanting to upgrade to a tow bar.
Bathroom
An outstanding feature of Swift motorhomes is always the bathroom, which is designed to offer a sense of style and space. The shower cubicle in the Swift Bolero is fully lined and it has a bi-fold door, restyled vanity area with swivel taps over the basin and a heated towel rail in both the 714SB and the 724FB. In addition to well-placed LED lights, the skylight with fly-screen floods the room with light.
Behind the scenes is a high-pressure water system and pipes insulated for winter travel.
The verdict
I am always impressed by Swift’s attention to detail and this is always enhanced by the knowledge that the team at Iconic really pays heed to the needs of their customers. On the day of my visit, some repeat customers were in the showroom and they waxed lyrical about their Iconic experience.
Meanwhile, Iconic continues to expand its staff and offerings with two new staff members joining the team in the past months. Soon the team will be able to offer retrofitting of the world-leading 4WD they are currently developing. The lot is burgeoning with different options and I could not resist an extra viewing while there.
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