Swift Conqueror 480 2022

Swift’s Conqueror is back, and many caravaners will be happy to see this popular line-up returning after a year’s absence. Will this version live up to its strong reputation?

The smart new look, inside and out, of the 2022 Conqueror is bound to impress. But there are some cracking tourers to choose from in this competitive sector, so the Swift has its work cut out to make the grade.

We viewed the 480, a sleek and elegant end-washroom tourer for two that was the winner of the best 2-berth caravan category at the Practical Caravan Awards, as well as making it onto our best caravan round-up.

Pitch and set-up

Based on an Al-Ko chassis with heavy-duty corner steadies, the 480 also has ATC, an AKS hitch stabiliser, GRP sidewalls and roof, and full-height moulded panels front and back.

The sizeable front locker is finished in dark grey, with neatly inset grab handles. You also get a sunroof, an exterior side locker, and a gas barbecue point and exterior mains socket. All service points are placed on the offside.

Striking graphics add to the good looks; the Conqueror name on our 480 wasn’t the 3D version that will grace production models.

Also fitted as standard are bike rack fixings at the rear, while Swift has added a 30-litre on-board water tank, too.

A 100W solar panel is standard kit, ideal for caravaners who like to stay off-grid or trickle-charge the battery while parked up. An Al-Ko wheel lock is fitted and there’s a glazed one-piece entrance door.

Lounge

After a day spent exploring, you want to come back to a comfortable lounge, and that is what you get with the 480. Two long settees offer plenty of relaxation, easily seating up to six. Triple front windows (which all open) and a large sunroof and midi Heki roof vent provide a huge amount of natural light.

The side windows don’t have curtains – Swift has added a decorative panel either side instead. This looks very smart, although some might prefer proper drapes.

The seating is comfortable and supportive, and you get four large scatter cushions. But the front corners don’t have wraparound bolsters, just loose-fit straight bolsters.

Integral and corner LED spots offer good illumination, and the radio speakers are tucked away in the ceiling. Deep overhead lockers provide plenty of storage space; and the underseat areas have large access flaps.

Kitchen

The side kitchen offers excellent storage in cupboards and overhead lockers. A Dometic microwave also fits snugly here. There’s a fair amount of work surface, helped out by an extension flap. The illuminated splashback complements the LED under the overhead locker and there are two mains sockets.

There is a sizeable sink and you also get the latest Thetford dual-fuel hob and oven, and a Dometic slimline fridge/freezer.

Our test van had no Omnivent, although one will be included on production models. Opposite the kitchen is a large side dresser, which offers more storage and worktop.

There’s also a drinks cabinet and TV connections, here, and the movable clip-on shelf slides along the dresser to offer some flexibility. Just above the door is the Alde heating panel and Swift’s Command system.

Beds in the Swift Conqueror 480

The settees are long enough to be used as single beds, but if you wish, you can make up a a large double with pull-out slats and the seat cushions. This is fine, although we would have preferred to see the quicker pull-out frames, rather than slats.

Washroom

In this end washroom, you won’t want for space. There’s a smart new handbasin with a large mirror and downlighters, a Thetford cassette toilet with a radiator close by and shelving located above.

There’s no window here, however, just a roof vent – we would have expected to see a window in a caravan at this price point.

A large wardrobe and the cupboard below the handbasin mean that a couple shouldn’t be short of storage, even on longer trips.

Storage in the Swift Conqueror 480

The front lounge offers six overhead roof lockers, four of which are a good size while two are corner units. Underseat storage is fair, too, and we particularly like the large access flaps in the seat bases, which save you having to disturb the cushions to access any items kept here. The kitchen can’t be faulted for cupboard storage, although there is only one large drawer.

The dresser opposite also comes with cupboards, drawers and shelves, plus overhead lockers. The weight is mainly over the axle line, too. The washroom has a wardrobe with good hanging space and shelving, and twin cupboards under the handbasin.

Verdict

The new Conqueror is much more than just another range with some new bits added on. It has a fantastic contemporary interior and an airy feel. The chic exterior styling will look good on the road and on site.

The generous kitchen will make cooking a pleasure, while the shelving area is also spacious and accommodating. The smart washroom is very practical in design, although the lack of a window, and of a roof vent in the shower, might be a minus point for some buyers.

• See how the Swift Conqueror 480 got on when we compared it to the Sprite Compact

Specification list

Spare wheel • Alde gas/electric heating • Fridge • Shower • AKS hitch • ATC Alarm • Alloy wheels • Thetford toilet • Al-Ko chassis • Separate oven and grill • Battery charger • Loose-fit carpets • Status TV aerial • Door fly screen • LED awning light • Microwave • BBQ and exterior mains socket • Exterior side locker • On-board water tank • Solar panel

• Thumbs up: Build quality, kitchen area, storage, interior decor
• Thumbs down: No window in washroom or roof vent in shower, and only a one-piece door

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