Swift Sprite Grande Quattro EB 2024

in 2019, when Swift’s 8ft-wide twin-axle range had the slightly tongue-twisting title of Sprite Super, the Hull firm brought out the first such model that was a four-berth, rather than a six-berth – the Quattro EB.

Four years on, Sprite Super is now called Sprite Grande, and, after a pause of a year or so, the caravan manufacturer has brought the EB model back. Only this time, it has an inline island bed, rather than a transverse example. I headed to Grantham’s to take a look at the island bed caravan.

Pitch and set-up

This is an 8ft-wide caravan, but it’s towards the budget end of the market, so you don’t get heavy-duty corner steadies or external locker doors. The old EB did have a locker door towards the rear for accessing the space under the island bed, but now the bed has been shunted around 90 degrees, that area can only be accessed from the inside.

This is worth remembering if you use an awning: you’ll need to store it in the car on the trip, or be prepared to lug it out (see: the best caravan awnings if you’re looking for one).

Unlike the old Sprite Super, however, this new model does come with Al-Ko’s ATC stability system, although only as an optional extra.

You get alloy wheels, as well as a spare wheel (housed inside, in that area under the rear bed). Chrome grab handles help to offer quite an upmarket look, too, given that this is an entry-level 4 berth caravan.

Lounge in the Swift Sprite Grande Quattro EB

The Quattro EB’s door is a bit basic, but it has a solid handle inside. The control panel sits above the door, while just to the right, between two small cupboards, are sockets and a bracket for a TV. From this position, it could be seen from most of the seats.

Even for an 8ft-wide tourer, the lounge seems unusually airy, something that can be an important factor when choosing the best caravan. This is thanks to the large Heki and the sunroof, and the oatmeal colouring of the upholstery and carpets.

The silvery curtains – a change from last time, when they were heather brown – reminded us of the finish in Swift’s more upmarket Elegance a couple of seasons ago. They’re possibly not what you’d expect to see in a much more budget-priced van.

There are LEDs, which you can switch off individually, in the sunroof housing, along with speakers for the radio that nestles in one of the overhead lockers.

As this is a budget caravan, the spotlights under the lockers are recessed, so can’t be adjusted and can only be switched on and off in pairs, but should still be fine for reading. There are two USBs on each side, and two more by the mains socket behind the central chest of drawers.

Kitchen in the Swift Sprite Grande Quattro EB

There’s only a half-height fridge, which could be a squeeze for the food of four on a long tour. But you do get a separate oven and grill, underneath a three-burner gas-only hob. The permanent workspace to the left of the sink is adequate, but much improved by a fold-out extension.

Two sockets are placed above on a curved shelf, and there’s a microwave next to the lockers.

Washroom in the Swift Sprite Grande Quattro EB

The nearside shower has been dressed up a bit with marble-effect lining, and there’s a useful shelf and a light. However, there’s no rooflight, only one drainage hole and the wheel arch does intrude.

The main washroom on the offside is more spacious, with a circular toilet, and a square handbasin with a small mirror. This space can be closed off to create a dressing area.

Beds in the Swift Sprite Grande Quattro EB

The bed rolls back to form a comfortable day bed, with individual spotlights above the headboard and two more USBs. Sockets for a second TV are in the offside corner, with a further socket at the side of the bed and a shelf between the wardrobes and the lower cupboards on each side. There are no window curtains, just cassette blinds.

The lounge settees would work as single beds for smaller people, but they come together very easily to make up a huge double – with platforms, rather than slats. That is unusual in this price range. You will need an infill cushion, though.

Storage in the Swift Sprite Grande Quattro EB

The underseat areas might not have external access, but large flaps inside let you reach most of the space without having to raise the seats. The nearside is clear. The offside holds the heater, but it is tucked well away.

The wardrobe houses the table, with a cavernous area beneath it. Overhead lockers and wardrobes in the bedroom are a good size, and there is reasonable space under the bed, although the spare wheel is stored there as well.

Kitchen storage includes two overhead lockers with racks, a large cupboard with a basket shelf and a shallow locker under the oven. There is shelving and a cupboard in the main washroom.

Alternatives to consider

The Elddis Affinity 550 has a good spec, won’t need a huge car to tow it and provides both style and comfort to caravanners. Another option to consider is the Bailey Pegasus Grande GT75 Ancona – it comes with an extra berth, a hugely impressive kitchen and provides plenty of storage.

Technical spec of the Swift Sprite Grande Quattro EB

• Price: £30,595
• Berths: 4
• MiRO: 1530kg
• Payload: 160kg
• MTPLM: 1690kg
• Interior length: 6.27m
• Shipping length: 7.98m
• Overall width: 2.46m

Spec includes

• AKS 3004 stabiliser
• Chrome grab handles
• Alloys
• Steel spare wheel
• Separate oven and grill
• Three-burner gas hob
• Microwave
• 98-litre fridge, 12-litre freezer compartment
• Ecocamel Jetstream shower
• Four mains sockets, eight USBs
• FM/DAB radio
• Status 570 aerial
• Smoke alarm
• Carbon monoxide alarm
• Rear double: 1.91 x 1.43m
• Front singles: 1.63 x 0.73m, 1.80 x 0.73m
• Front double: 2.25 x 1.63m

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