BUDGET BRAND ESCAPE is Swift Group’s biggest-selling range and has been a huge success for the Hull-based manufacturer. Since 2010, Escape has offered a cost-effective way into the pastime for price-conscious buyers who want a reliable motorhome with a good specification.
And the build quality stands up, too. In the Practical Motorhome Owner Satisfaction Awards 2014, in association with specialist insurer Coast, Escape was the highest-placed British brand, polling a hugely impressive 95% – great news for Swift motorhomes.
Changes to Escape for the 2014 season were fairly minimal, incorporating routine Swift Group spec bumps. That’s all changed for 2015, where the double whammy of a facelifted Fiat cab and the introduction of timber-free SMART bodyshell construction to all Swift coachbuilts has permitted a root and branch rethink. Swift claims the changes made to the Escape for 2015 have “re-energised” the range, thanks to the adoption of a specification based on last season’s successful Esprit and Bessacarr 400 coachbuilts.
The 2015 range has been trimmed to five models, following the deletion of the 662 – there are now four high-lines and one low-line.
New and improved
So in comes an exterior makeover that sees the previous anthracite body finish replaced with brilliant white plus the addition of new graphics. There are also new gloss white corner cappings and side skirts. The whole package combines well with the new front end, which thanks to the automotive-inspired Fiat facelift, looks sharp and contemporary.
Inside the ’vans, the new ‘Aralie Sen’ woodwork has been introduced and following dealer feedback, lockers now benefit from push-button catches. The Comfort Pack has been extended to offer a Status 550 TV aerial.
Reflecting Swift Group-wide changes, Escape gets new cab chairs with integrated headrests, wider backrests and better side support. The improved instrument panel includes a rather handy gearshift indicator, and USB and Bluetooth connectivity make an appearance as standard kit. A central holder unit, mounted on the floor under the dashboard, will store two mugs or bottles safely.
The soft furnishings scheme in these Swift motorhomes stays with the same colours as 2014, but has been upgraded. Other improvements see new deeper lockers in the kitchen to cater for an optional microwave oven, and higher-specification lighting. Chrome plug sockets and new-style taps help the range transcend its budget status, and all fixed-bed Escape models continue to sport Duvalay Duvalite mattresses – exclusive to Swift.
Truma Combi 4 or Combi 6 (model specific) heating and water heating systems cement Escape’s Grade 3 insulation standard. The optional Comfort pack (cab-air-conditioning, cruise control, passenger airbag, electric entrance step, concertina door flyscreen and pleated windscreen blind) now adds waste water tank heaters, under-floor pipe insulation and a fridge vent cover, courtesy of the included Winter pack – new for 2015.
All Escape models are powered by the Fiat Ducato 2.3-litre 130bhp engine, with a six-speed manual gearbox. Fiat’s Comfort-Matic automatic transmission is available as a cost option. Tracker Retrieve tracking systems are fitted as standard, and Swift Group’s 10-year bodyshell integrity warranty adds further value. Escape prices will increase by 6% for 2015, taking the current 624 model’s price from £35,730 to £37,874.
2015 Swift Escape range
Swift Escape 624
Five berths, three travel seats. End kitchen, front dinette. High-line roof profile.
Swift Escape 644
Four berths, three travel seats. Rear lounge, front dinette. High-line roof profile.
Swift Escape 664
Four berths, three travel seats. Rear fixed bed, front dinette. High-line roof profile.
Swift Escape 686
Six berths, four travel seats. End lounge, front dinette. High-line roof profile.
Swift Escape 696
Six berths, four travel seats. Rear bunks, front dinette. High-line roof profile.
For details of the full 2015 Swift motorhomes range, please click here.
For full details of the new 2015 Swift Esprit range, please click here.
For full details of the new 2015 Bessacarr range, please click here.
For full details of the new 2015 Swift Rio range, please click here.
For full details of the new 2015 Swift Bolero range, please click here.
For full details of the new 2015 Swift Kon-tiki range, please click here.
For full details of the new 2015 Autocruise range, please click here.
