When ABI stopped making tourers back in 2001, Swift seized the chance to take on some of the best names in caravans. Several were very well known, such as Ace and Award. But some were saved for later: it wasn’t until 2014 that the Elegance reappeared as Swift’s distinctly upmarket range, boasting the firm’s new timber-free SMART construction system.

Elegance has become a good seller, and a couple of years ago, the 8ft-wide Grande models were added to the line-up. 

Eventually, though, the interior needed a bit of a revamp and for 2023, Swift has gone for a complete redesign – which has included making all models Grande. 

We checked out the 845, a spacious twin-axle caravan which features an end washroom and a transverse fixed bed.

Pitch and set-up

With its smart new alloys and understated grey and white GRP sides highlighted by bold graphics, the 845 is a good-looking tourer. The new front and rear GRP panels also enhance the superb styling. 

There is a GRP roof to help resist hail damage, and two awning lights are fitted, one nearside, the other offside. Heavy-duty corner steadies, restyled LED road lights and ATC are all part of the spec. 

A gas BBQ point, exterior mains socket and exterior shower point with shower head are included, as well as the Truma waterfeed tap connection. A 100W solar panel is also new for 2023. 

The Elegance has a 30-litre fresh-water tank with external pump for filling, and a Status TV aerial also comes as standard (you can also take a look at our caravan TV aerial guide for further inspiration).

Lounge in the Swift Elegance Grande 845

The lounge offers ample space and comfort, with deep upholstery and opulent scatter cushions, and the large front window and sunroof allow in plenty of natural light. 

There is a bright new lighting scheme, with front pillar corner lights, integral lighting and corner spotlights. 

The large central chest has a slide-out tabletop, with a phone charger and two mains sockets handily placed nearby. 

Parallel seating and huge windows in lounge
Huge sunroof and front windows allow natural daylight to flood in

Curtains are fitted on the front windows and the side window in the rear bedroom; the side windows at the front have been supplied with padded panels instead.  

Speakers for the DAB radio are neatly installed in the ceiling, while the attractive drinks cabinet is located beside the glazed one-piece entrance door. 

Kitchen in the Swift Elegance Grande 845

The side kitchen is well planned, with plenty of cupboards and drawers, overhead lockers and a sensibly placed microwave. You also get the latest Thetford oven and dual-fuel hob, with an extractor fan and a rooflight up above.

The large sink has an easily lifted bowl, and LED lighting offers good night-time illumination. The already generous worktop is enhanced with a large extension flap. The 177-litre Dometic fridge freezer is ideal for longer tours.

Beds in the Swift Elegance Grande 845

This is a luxurious van for couples, but this is a four berth caravan. When you have guests, the lounge seating makes up into a superb double bed with slatted extensions that slide out from the bases. Alternatively, you could use the settees as two single beds for children. 

Interior shot of caravan showing kitchen and bed
Contemporary interior décor helps to make the 845 feel even more spacious and open

The rear transverse island bed, with Duvalay mattress, slides back a little when you need more space. Above it, Swift has fitted an electric Heki roof vent. 

There is a large wardrobe in each corner  of the bedroom, with the unit on the left housing a dressing table with well-placed mains sockets and a mirror.

Washroom in the Swift Elegance Grande 845

The end washroom comes with a modern handbasin and LED-illuminated mirror. There’s a shaving point, an Alde radiator and a Thetford cassette toilet. It’s just a shame that there’s no window here. 

Storage in the Swift Elegance Grande 845

There is ample storage for two, while even four people should find room for all they might need, ideal if you like to have space for plenty of luxury caravan accessories. Overhead storage in the lounge is excellent, with four stylish main units and two corner lockers. There’s also the central chest of drawers and a cupboard by the door. The seat bases have access flaps – they just don’t have handles. 

In the bedroom, there’s storage under the bed, in the overhead lockers and in two bedside cabinets. One of the two wardrobes has plenty of hanging space.

The kitchen has good cupboard and drawer storage, with more cupboards above and below the fridge.  

The washroom has excellent storage, with shelving, wall-mounted cupboards and cupboards below the handbasin.

If that’s not enough capacity, there’s also a large gas locker up at the front, which could possibly house light kit. There are impressive levels of storage on offer in this tourer, one of the features which impressed us enough to put it in our best 8ft-wide caravan guide.

Verdict

The latest Elegance is a big step forward. Couples looking for a luxury caravan with plenty of comfort will find this model appealing. Apart from minor gripes (no washroom window, no roof vent in the shower), the 845 is definitely one for your shortlist. 

If you’re looking for a 2 berth Swift model, why not take a look at our review of the Swift Challenger 480 SE? It’s a tourer that we thought had been superbly revamped for the new season.

What we like:

  • Stylish exterior and interior, spacious lounge, excellent storage, great spec

What we don’t like:

  • No washroom window, no roof vent in shower, one-piece door

Technical spec

  • Price: £44,995
  • Berths: 4
  • MTPLM: 2051kg
  • MiRO: 1850kg
  • Payload: 201kg
  • Shipping length: 7.98m
  • Interior length: 6.36m
  • Overall width: 2.45m

Spec list

  • Alde heating
  • Thetford oven
  • Dometic fridge
  • Alarm
  • Alloy wheels
  • Status TV aerial
  • BBQ point
  • Exterior mains socket
  • Awning light
  • Exterior shower
  • Solar panel
  • Onboard water tank
  • Shaver point
  • Al-Ko jack
  • ATC
  • Heki roof vent in bedroom
  • Heavy-duty corner steadies
  • Rear bike-rack mountings
  • Swift Command
  • DAB radio
  • Drinks cabinet
  • Front double bed: 2.18 x 1.26m
  • Front singles: 1.53 x 0.7m
  • Rear fixed double: 1.92 x 1.33m

Or you could try…

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