Swift Challenger Exclusive 580 2024

Swift’s Exclusive range lives up to its name – it is only available from a select number of dealerships in the UK.

The caravan manufacturer has incorporated many traits from the now defunct Conqueror into these new models, including its elegant profile and graphics. This makes them look incredibly stylish.

There is a good choice of nine caravan layouts, and five are Grande 8ft-wide caravans. The 580 was our winner of the best 4 berth caravan category at the recent Practical Caravan Awards 2024, and offers the hugely popular transverse fixed bed, end-washroom arrangement.

Pitch and set-up

Built on the Al-Ko chassis, the Challenger Exclusive has instant appeal, with its smart modern profile and a GRP front panel that houses a large gas bottle locker finished in elegant gloss black.

The GRP rear panel is another example of superb styling, and it combines with the side panels’ smooth line and smart graphics to make the 580 look very impressive.

Heavy-duty steadies are fitted, as well as ATC and an AKS hitch. There’s more contemporary styling in the black alloys.

Thoughtful design touches include an exterior barbecue point, mains socket and shower point. The Challenger comes with a 100W solar panel, LED road lights and awning light, an external side locker and a Vision Plus TV/radio aerial. You also get an external mains water inlet and a TV point. All service points are on the offside.

Lounge in the Swift Challenger Exclusive 580

The elegant lounge comes complete with the traditional central chest. The settees are similar to those in the Conqueror (see: our review of the 2022 Swift Conqueror 480), so are very comfortable. They are relatively short, at under 6ft, but you can stretch out and there is ample space for four.

The front windows have curtains, but the side ones don’t, and Swift has added padded panels on either side, which tends to make them look smaller than they are.

However, the large sunroof and Heki roof vent allow plenty of natural light to enter.

There is a handy pull-out tabletop in the chest of drawers, as well as a freestanding table. Mains sockets are well-placed in this area, along with the sensor for the alarm system (also fitted as standard).

Lighting throughout is first-class, with LED corner lights and integral illumination, plus three LEDs in the ceiling by the radio speakers. The radio connected to the latter is in the front side overhead locker.

Kitchen in the Swift Challenger Exclusive 580

The offside kitchen comes with excellent spec, including a neatly fitted microwave and the latest Thetford dual-fuel hob and oven. There is an Omnivent extractor fan in the ceiling. Washing up in the 580 won’t be too much of a chore, thanks to the large stainless-steel sink and clip-on drainer.

There is a smart splashback, and an LED striplight under the locker. The mains sockets are located just where you need them. A 98-litre Dometic Series 10 two-way opening fridge stands under the worktop.

Beds in the Swift Challenger Exclusive 580

The generous transverse island bed, with Swift’s exclusive Duvalay mattress, is very comfortable. It slides back to allow easy access around this area during the day.

The lounge can also easily be made up into another comfortable double, by pulling out the slats and dropping the cushions into place.

Washroom in the Swift Challenger Exclusive 580

The design of the washroom is always an important consideration when looking for the best caravans, especially if you often use sites with few facilities.

Rest assured, this rear washroom should be pretty much ideal in that case. A sliding door allows access, and when you step in, the area feels spacious. You get a stylish handbasin, with a mirror above and storage below, and a Thetford cassette toilet.

There’s no window here, though, so for daylight and ventilation, you’ll be relying on the roof vent. There’s no separate roof vent in the shower cubicle, either.

Storage in the Swift Challenger Exclusive 580

The Exclusive 580 has excellent storage throughout, giving you plenty of space for packing items such as a portable washing machine. There are deep overhead lockers in the lounge and access flaps to the areas beneath the settees, plus two wardrobes and more overhead lockers in the bedroom. Elsewhere in the bedroom, there’s a large amount of storage under the bed and a cupboard in the offside corner below open shelving. There is another cupboard by the door, with shelves above.

In the kitchen, you get a large cupboard under the sink and lockers above. The washroom has useful shelves and a cupboard, while the roomy gas bottle locker adds additional storage capacity.

Verdict

With the Exclusive, Swift is, in effect, offering a Conqueror at reduced prices. The 580 is a tourer that couples will find comfortable for weekends or longer trips. Smart looks add to its great appeal.

Particular plus points are comfortable seating and a really excellent spec, which includes Alde heating, 4G Wi-Fi and a host of other goodies. Our only minor niggle is the lack of a window in the washroom and of a roof vent in the shower.

What we like:

• Contemporary exterior styling, good spec, excellent storage

What we don’t like:

• No washroom window or shower cubicle roof vent

Alternatives to the Swift Challenger Exclusive 580

The Coachman Laser Xtra 665 offers plenty of comfort for couples on tour and also provides a great spec. Alternatively, the La Mancelle Liberty 490 SA combines stylish design with excellent build quality. The Bailey Pegasus Grande GT75 Messina is another four-berth tourer which provides caravanners with a spacious interior and plenty of extras.

You can also take a look at another new season release from the brand, the Swift Elegance Grande 860.

Technical spec

• Price: £33,795
• Berths: 4
• MiRO: 1456kg
• Payload: 157kg
• MTPLM: 1613kg
• Interior length: 5.93m
• Shipping length: 7.63m
• Overall width: 2.28m

Spec list

• Alde heating
• Thetford oven
• Dometic fridge/freezer
• Alarm
• Alloys
• Status TV aerial
• Radio
• Barbecue point
• Solar panel
• Heavy-duty steadies
• ATC
• Alde heating
• 4G Wi-Fi
• Swift Command
• Rear double bed: 1.85 x 1.33m
• Front double bed: 2.02 x 1.68m

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