32 replies to this topic

[TimBanham]

As some of you will know my caravan was stolen and looking around the closes replacement is the Swift Challenger Sport 636.

Anyone know if they are any good?  - Not really got a question about the layout as this is very similar to my stolen van but more about the quality etc.

Thanks

Tim

[Steve&Tracy]

We have a special edition Swift Challenger Sport Expression 514  and are pleased with the product the build quality seems ok  and Swift must be confident in the structure as they have put there own in house 10 year warranty on it.
We had a problem with the alarm but a phone call to the alarm manufacturer Sargent resulted in a new unit being sent for next day delivery so the service is good from them.
And the drawer bases in the front chest were flimsy but there is a modification out for them.

[tubbs]

I have Just brought one and i am very pleased with it

[GaryB]

I have a 2010 Swift and so far quality seems good, everything fits and I can't recall anything falling off!

[MalH]

I've got the 2012 Challenger Sport 442 and so far so good. The build quality isn't quite as solid as the Coachman we had before but I can't see where the extra £5000 for the lastest equivilent Coachman model is represented in equipment or VFM.

[bi6als]

When I bought my second hand Swift Challenger I also looked at a new Charisma......they were roughly the same money

Whilst we were looking around the Charisma 2 bits broke, a cupboard door and the drop down television holder. That put me off. To be fair its the only Charisma ive ever been in but most of it looked flimsy compared to the Challenger.

I believe the Challenger Sport replaces the Charisma........I hope its better made

[penny5]

You should check out the Charisma......apart from the fact that it has won several awards, the 570 offers ample space and comfort for a group of six, with both families and large groups well catered for. With a double bunk in the rear, a convertible twin bed layout in the front and further sleeping space in the middle, the 570 is a highly flexible caravan to accommodate your clan. During your evenings in, everyone can be easily entertained thanks to the radio/CD/MP3 player with iPod connection port, the Status 530 directional digital and analogue TV aerial, and the aerial point in the battery box for setting up your own satellite dish.
Kitchen features stainless steel look appliances with a built in microwave oven, digital control fridge, Thetford oven and dual fuel hob, unique granite-look moulded sink and handy twin electric socket.

[TimBanham]

Charisma 570 too small as its a single axle - dont want to replace my isabella awning! - plus as I have new for old would prefer a new van as a replacement.

The challenger sport we are considering (assuming the insurance pays up) is the 636 model as the only van that is the exact same layout as what we had and is still made is the Coachman and it is too heavy for my tow car - plus I dont like the fact that the toilet cassette is on the awning side and the rear exit waste pipes.  We need a big van as two adults two kids and two dogs makes for a cramped space if it is raining and is a single axle.

To be fair I have to actually go and see one in person before I decide but am holding off on that until insurance is sorted as dont want to be disappointed.

Thanks for all your comments on the Challenger sport.

[robsonalan]

We picked up a new swift challenger sport 636 kudos special edition at the weekend. We haven't been away in it yet but it looks like it is going to be a great caravan.

[GaryB]

 bi6als, on 19 March 2012 - 04:11 PM, said:

Whilst we were looking around the Charisma 2 bits broke, a cupboard door and the drop down television holder.

The drop-down TV holder was a joke on models up to 2010 but a modification/recall was done which improved it a bit, still not perfect though.

[TimBanham]

 robsonalan, on 22 March 2012 - 07:19 PM, said:

We picked up a new swift challenger sport 636 kudos special edition at the weekend. We haven't been away in it yet but it looks like it is going to be a great caravan.

Be great to hear what you think of it prior to me ordering one!

[robsonalan]

We are planning to go away with it for the Easter break. I will provide an update when I return.

[Robbie]

I have just ordered a Swift Challenger Sport 524.  I'm a Swift fan so it was a no brainer.  This will be my seventh new Swift product, and all have been perfect.

[GaryB]

We came oh-so close to buying a new Swift Challenger Sport from Lowdhams today (well, their own version called the Challenger Hi-Style 554), an extra £500 on the trade in would have secured it but the salesman was more stubborn than my ex-wife, so I left with my wallet still in my pocket.  The HiStyle comes with a lot of extras over the factory Sport.

The build quality was good, I particularly liked the new roof that caps the awning rails, but the one inch narrower body is noticeable, the plus side of that is a reduction in weights (the new version of our 2010 model is about 65kgs lighter).

[bi6als]

 GaryB, on 15 April 2012 - 07:54 PM, said:

We came oh-so close to buying a new Swift Challenger Sport from Lowdhams today (well, their own version called the Challenger Hi-Style 554), an extra £500 on the trade in would have secured it but the salesman was more stubborn than my ex-wife, so I left with my wallet still in my pocket.  The HiStyle comes with a lot of extras over the factory Sport.

The build quality was good, I particularly liked the new roof that caps the awning rails, but the one inch narrower body is noticeable, the plus side of that is a reduction in weights (the new version of our 2010 model is about 65kgs lighter).

I found Lowdhams a bit stubborn. They had what I wanted but the upholstery needed some work (it was secondhand but not old). I asked them to either reduce the price or fix the problem, they wouldnt. So I went to Robinsons in Worksop who offered a much better deal on a very clean van.