2011 Bailey Unicorn Seville

Unicorn is the third range of Bailey caravans to use the unique Alu-Tech construction system. This sees the caravan built of five main structural components – two sides, a rear panel, floor and a one-piece roof and front panel. The whole structure is held together with adhesive and bolted joints. The system has been around since late 2009 and while the looks divide opinion, the ten-year body warranty does not. The bold exterior graphics and white gas locker door soften the clean exterior appearance of other models.

In typical Bailey fashion, the Seville has a heap of Al-Ko safety and security kit as standard. The Secure wheel lock, ATC system and side-lift jack are all included. Along with a stabiliser and button-free handbrake. The Tracker system completes the set of security kit and the combination of all this ensures the Unicorn will be one of the cheapest vans in its class to insure.

The main 12V controls are grouped inside the door and within easy reach. The Alde heating controller is directly above it. Poor viewing angles of the Alde screen may make it tricky for shorter customers to use comfortably.

The full-length bench seats are supremely comfortably, and come with shaped armrests at either end. The centre chest is standard.

Lighting is very good, with under locker LED strips, four LED spotlamps and 12V lights mounted in the locker corners. Roof mounted lights complete the generous package. A large Heki rooflight over the lounge and large windows on all sides ensure that there is plenty of natural light too. The deep-pile carpets are split into three sections, with parts for the lounge, kitchen and washroom.

An AVTEX television and TV aerial points at either end of the lounge ensure it is a comfortable and welcoming place. A satellite connector should be included in this class of van however.

Equipment levels in the kitchen are expectedly excellent. Separate oven and grill, four burner gas hob and a Daewoo digital control microwave (mounted below roof level) are great, while the large Dometic fridge is plenty big enough for a couple.

Storage in the kitchen area is not a problem. The provision of Alde heating means there is no convector fire front to accommodate and this means lots of cupboard space. It’s flexible storage too, with a combination of drawers and cupboards. The smaller, shallower lockers over the kitchen worktop don’t accommodate a huge amount of crockery, but a drinks cabinet in the centre is a nice touch of old school glamour, even if the acrylic liner is very contemporary.

Lighting for the kitchen is pretty good. Four LED downlighters at roof level, two under the lockers and a roof-mounted light mean there is little to complain about. Extra daylight provided by a Mini-Heki in lieu of an Omnivent is welcome too.

The move to a single shower cubicle rather than the impressive but greedy double unit means the Seville is practical and packed with storage.

Lighting is good without resorting to floodlighting the space. LED downlighters add subtle but effective lighting. A separate light in the shower is nice to see and daylight through the Mini-Heki stops the dark wood from making it feel closed in.

Two wardrobes, drawers and shelves all combine to ensure that even the most pampered caravanner will find room for everything they need.

Just two gripes. We’d much prefer an opaque window. Yes it is high up, but privacy is priceless. And rivals fit a small, door operated light inside the wardrobes. New owners may do the same to make sorting though the contents easier.

Like the sister Pegasus range, the bed make-up is fabulously straight forward. Simple pull out the seat bases from either sides, drop the cushions flat and you have a bed for the night. The seat cushions are very supportive but the large number of small cushions making up the bed may seek fussier sleepers to buy a mattress topper. Night-time lighting options are easily to hand, and there is plenty of space to stow a cuppa or a reading book, whichever side of the bed you get.

There really isn’t much to complain about. Storage throughout the Seville is plentiful and the biggest issue for many caravanners will be packing light enough with all those inviting lockers, nooks and crannies to store things in.