SOLDSwift Charisma 545 (2011)

Based on the popular Al-Ko chassis the 545 has an impressive level of kit for Swift’s entry range. It comes with a stabiliser, buttonless handbrake and a receiver for the Al-Ko Secure wheel lock. Inside there are a doormat, concertina flyscreen and, above the door, the easy-to-use digital control panel.

The steadies are easy to reach and the offside waste pipes fit flush to the wall, making fitting your Y-tube straightforward. The heating controls are easy to reach on the nearside wall and below them an extra mains socket.

The rear U-shaped rear lounge, is separated by a curtain. There’s plenty of illumination from three spotlights, a ceiling light and a mini Heki. Storage is also plentiful, with two shelves below the full-length mirror and four more between the overhead lockers. 

 

 The table is supported by a single arm, and also a free-standing table is stowed cleverly in a rack at the bottom of a sofa base. 

The best and most unusual feature here is the TV that drops down from a locker between the two lounges and can be swiveled 180˚ to face either. The wires run into the nearside locker so there are no loose wires to get snagged. 

The front lounge is conventional and has a music system and four spotlights. The sofas have knee rolls, two bolster and two scatter cushions, sprung slats and front access to the bed boxes.

A caravan cook gets all the kit you would expect an oven, grill, hob with three gas burners and an electric hotplate, and Thetford fridge. The expansive, 40cm x 65cm worktop is next to a GRP sink and has no exposed fixing screws to collect dirt.

The drainer is removable, and stows in the cupboard below the sink.

This is one of the best spaces in the van. Lifted from the popular Charisma 550, it is enormous. You get a huge separate shower with a solid one-piece door, a Thetford C-250 toilet with lots of legroom and a lockable door that is good with kids on board. 

It feels domestic, with drop-in carpets, shelves for toiletries and good storage above and below the sink. There is a ring for a hand towel. Overall it is a great space. 

The double beds at both ends of the van are well designed. The front one assembles in the standard way, with pull-put softwood slats. For the rear one you simply drop the table into place and use the back cushions and one infill to complete the mattress.

Storage

 

The large wardrobe has a shelved section on the right-hand side and a big area at the bottom for shoes. Clothes storage is plentiful here and in the three lockers above the rear dinette, two of which have shelves.