Hard to beat

Rob McCabe checks out a returning brand that lives up to its name

It’s back! Yes, the Conqueror has returned to Swift’s model line-up after a two year absence. ‘Conqueror’ in this context has always been a byword for style, comfort and quality – but has the new iteration kept up that tradition? Here, we scrutinise the two-berth, end-washroom 480 to bring you the answer.

Build quality – 96%

Swift’s SMART construction system has now been around for 12 years (I know... where does the time go?). The timber-free body frame is polyurethane and GRP – and the sleek, glossy sidewalls both look and feel thump-tastic. You get a 10-year bodyshell warranty if you follow the annual servicing requirements. Indoors, our test example was totally beyond reproach – beautifully presented, with fine attention to detail and high-quality fixtures and fittings.

Towing – 92%

With an MTPLM of 1,459kg, the 480 is no lightweight – nevertheless it’s comparable to other upmarket two-berths, such as Coachman’s VIP 460. As you would expect, a hitch stabiliser and Al-Ko ATC are standard, and all the heavy stuff indoors is clustered on or around the axle for optimum weight distribution. Sensible loading and a good vehicle match should result in a fine towing combination.

Daytime – 95%

Good space in a caravan measuring just over 21ft

Many of us enjoy simply spending time in our caravans – perhaps especially at this time of year, when short days and unfriendly weather make the idea even more appealing. And here’s where the Conqueror truly excels. The very moment you step inside for the first time, the laid-back class of the decor and layout make you feel that this is a great place to be.

The lounge is where you’ll be spending most of your time, and this one ticks all the boxes. The two lengthy sofas offer four excellent corners to lean back into, each with somewhere convenient and secure to put your coffee mug or wine glass.

The upholstery itself is impressively comfy, with subtle kneerolls and good back support. The front bolsters fit snugly against the elegant single-section tabletop – a really nice bit of design. And the pull-out extension here means that you’ll rarely, if ever, need to use the freestanding table.

Abundant storage options should ensure that you can keep the smart interior looking its clutter-free best. Both under-seat lockers are accessible from above or via full-width front hatches, and you can also get at the nearside one from outside. The cupboards under the expanse of dresser on the nearside are huge.

The tech stuff is all state of the art: USB-A and USB-C sockets, a wireless charging pad, a good-quality DAB/Bluetooth stereo, and a 120W solar panel on the roof for a bit of extra off-grid capability or just to keep the leisure battery topped up when the caravan’s having some downtime.

The Alde central heating system can be run on gas, on 1, 2 or 3kW settings on electric, or on both if you want to get the cabin up to temperature quickly.

Night-time – 92%

Both single beds measure over 6ft in length

It’s easy to see the appeal of a fixed-bed layout – a separate bedroom enhances the home-from-home ambience of any caravan. But, as I’ve often argued, it’s also easy to present the case for a well-planned two-berther – which is exactly what we have here.

Firstly, you benefit from a huge lounge in a caravan that’s only just more than a modest 21ft long. Both sofas extend past six feet (considerably so in the case of the nearside one), which gives most folk the option of having single beds. And if you’re only grabbing a cheeky two or three nights away, just haul out the sleeping bags and pillows from the underseat lockers, finish your cocoa, and head for the land of nod.

Alternatively you can make up a huge, supportively comfortable double that outsizes most fixed ones. Yes, it all has to be put away again in the morning – but then you’ve got all that living space at your disposal once more.

Kitchen – 98%

Kitchen contains everything you’ll need

The spec sheet for this facility is basically a wish list of everything you’d want to find in a kitchen. Dual-fuel hob with a quality cast-iron pan support; well-fitted flatbed microwave; separate oven and grill; generously sized tower fridge-freezer; built-in extractor fan; great storage that includes pull-out wire racking; working area that extends to the substantial dresser surface opposite… phew.

There’s even scope for a bit of glamour too, courtesy of bling lighting on the edge of the work surface and at floor level. Exceptional.

Washroom – 93%

Stylish washroom

In keeping with everywhere else on board, the styling in here is spot-on. The trick the designers have pulled off is not to overdo it – it’s all very elegant and subtle, with just the right amount of detailing and lovely lighting. There’s also enough space when you want to use it as a dressing room.

The mirror is big and useful (there’s another one by the entrance door too), while storage provision extends to two decent-sized lockers and some open shelving. You’ll also find the large wardrobe back here. The separate shower cubicle is fully adult-sized and it too has a generous shelf, plus hinged hanging rail that folds flat against the ceiling when not in use. There’s no window, but the decent-sized sunroof lets in plenty of daylight.

Lighting – 95%

You have a multitude of lighting options, dimmable via the colour touchscreen control panel above the entrance door. There’s a plethora of illumination sources to choose from too, including mood lighting in every area – in the lounge, the kitchen, the nearside dresser and even in the washroom, with its impressively backlit shower wall panel.

The four reading lights in the lounge come with USB slots, while two ceiling-mounted pin lights provide reinforcements if needed. The kitchen is positively bathed in light, thanks to an LED strip shining down on the work surface and additional lamps in the neatly integrated extractor hood. Meanwhile, the mix of concealed ambient lighting and downlighters really shows the wonderful washroom at its best.

Verdict– 94%

Nothing’s perfect but, I’ll tell you what – the Conqueror 480 isn’t far away.