Swift dropped the popular Sterling Europa brand for 2012, to streamline its ranges.
The Sterling shared the same bodyshell as regular models from the caravan manufacturer, but the interiors were different.
Modern interiors were a key feature of the Sterling brand, which was originally launched by Caravans International.
Swift, took on the brand in 1994, positioning it as a good alternative for buyers of its more traditional Charisma. The Europa mirrored the Charisma line-up, with a good spec, robust build and a wide selection of caravan layouts.
Model history
The Europa provided a good choice of floorplans, and the 550, with a side fixed bed and end washroom, was a popular model. In 2010, a new layout, based on the 550 and named the 545, was launched. This came with a U-shaped dinette instead of the side fixed bed.
The 545 four berth caravan was the final model added to the range, although these days, the Europa badge can still be found on a number of dealer specials.
The best used caravans always come with an excellent spec. While the 545 was in production for just two years, the Europa range certainly ticks this box, including a Status TV aerial, oven, dual-fuel hob, fridge, microwave, blown-air heating, alloy wheels and an AKS hitch stabiliser.
The 2011 Sterling Europa 545 model that we recently saw on the forecourts benefited from the addition of a few extras, such as a gas barbecue point and a Truma awning warmer outlet – the first we’ve seen fitted to a Swift tourer.
One-piece sides and stylish design, all in a medium price band, mean the Sterling Europa range still attracts buyers.
Price checker
Shopping around, we found several 545s for sale, ranging in price from as low as £10,500 to the £11,995 for the model we’re reviewing here.
Among the private sales, we found one for just £9995, so it could definitely pay to do some research before you buy. Always check for those valuable extras, too, such as a caravan motor mover.
For the rest of the Europa range, you can expect to pay:
- 390 £8995-£9995
- 460 £9195-£10,995
- 470 £10,995-£11,195
- 520 £12,495-£12,995
- 550 £12,995-£13,995
- 565 £13,495-£14,295
- 570 £13,595-£14,495
What to check for:
- Poor repairs to dents in the side panels
- Fading in the front gas locker and front panel
- Damp in rear washroom
- Working Thetford fridge
- Damage to tyres and alloys
- Loss of comfort and support in upholstery
Alternatives
If you’re looking elsewhere, you could check out the Europa’s stablemate, the Swift Charisma 545, from that year, with the same layout. The interior here is rather more subdued and traditional. You’d be paying around £10,600 for a Charisma, depending on the condition.
Otherwise, take a look at the Bailey Olympus 530-4. The 530 has a side fixed bed and end washroom; if you go for a 2012 model, you’ll be in the Olympus Mk2 version, which could be priced at around the £12,495 to £12,995 mark.
See what I made of another Sterling caravan too, the 2013 Sterling Eccles Sport SR 564, a lightweight and well-appointed tourer.
Verdict on the Sterling Europa 545
The Europa retains its appeal on the forecourts. The large choice of models means there is a layout to suit most buyers. Plus points include generous storage and a large gas locker.
Do the usual checks and you won’t go far wrong with this line-up. The 545 we viewed here was in really good condition and had clearly been cared for by its owners over the years.
If you want to know more about the various tourer options that are out there, take a look at our guide to the different types of caravan.
Technical spec
- Berths: 4
- MiRO: 1322kg
- Payload: 164kg
- MTPLM: 1486kg
- Internal length: 5.60m
- Width: 2.29m
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