The term ‘entry-level’ is often applied to motorhome ranges in the same market sector as the Swift Edge. Most of them will be too expensive for many first-time buyers, the majority of whom tend to kick off with a pre-owned model.
In addition, many experienced motorhomers decide to forgo their elderly rolling palace for something that is more tightly focused, is likely to be under 3500kg and arrives with the latest in low-emission engines. For ease of reference, we’ll call these VFM (value for money) offerings.
The previous VFM range from Swift was called Escape and it continues to be popular – we rated the 2022 Swift Escape 640 quite highly when we saw it. However, ‘market drift’ has occurred, which means that every new model year has seen upgrades and additions resulting in it being more of a mid-market inhabitant, thus leaving space for another VFM range.
The Edge was launched for the 2020 model year and initially included five models over three body lengths – all at a driving-licence friendly 3500kg or less. Swift, who you can find out more about in our best motorhome manufacturers guide, made the (sensible) decision to match the provision of travel seats to the number of sleeping-berths, so the former isn’t stated in this feature.
The baby of the range is the 412, a 5.89m forward-lounge two-berth motorhome. Next up is the 6.75m four-berth 464, which featured a permanent European-style longitudinal rear-corner double bed. The remaining three all stretch the tape to 7.32m. The 476 is a six-berth motorhome with permanent easy-access longitudinal single-beds, while the 486 is another six-berth, this time majoring on lounging and dining.
Forward is a double Pullman dinette with an inward-facing settee opposite, and at the rear are two inward-facing two-seat settees.
Finally, there’s the four-berth island bed motorhome, the 494 – USP is that permanent transverse island double bed towards the rear.
During the following year, the 412 was replaced with the 7.32m 464. That was another six berth motorhome, but this time featuring transverse bunk beds at the far rear.
Six-berth variants have a ‘proper’ spacious Luton overcab with a transverse double bed contained within; much better in a family ’van than having a drop-down double over the lounge. Young children will love it ‘up there’ in a world of their own and lounge occupancy won’t be compromised after their bed time.
Now is probably a good time to take a closer look at that Luton overcab moulding. Curvaceous, fluid and contemporary is our judgment.
In the past, VFM motorhomes had boxy slab-sided Lutons, plain back panels and little fluidity to the cab/caravan interface panels or skirts. Here, the Edge sets the bar very high in this market sector. The standard-spec alloy wheels and contemporary graphics tick all the right boxes.
At launch the cabs were white, but the following year a Black Edition was offered (black cab… obviously!). Last year a choice of white or Expedition Grey, and now just Expedition Grey is going forward – contemporary without being garish…
The ‘contemporary without being garish’ vibe continues inside. With the overuse of gloss-white door and locker fronts and white leather so prevalent these days, some motorhome interiors look as though they belong on the set of Footballers’ Wives.
The Edge’s interior colour palette, by contrast, is brilliantly well judged. So, too, is the choice of fixtures and fittings. A Truma Combi unit takes care of water and space heating. In the galley, Thetford provides the hob and combined oven/grill, while Dometic is responsible for the fridge. The Edge comfort stations provide everything most folk would need, including an opening rooflight.
What to look out for in a Swift Edge
Base vehicle
At three years old or less, there shouldn’t be any concerns, but do make sure servicing and warranty checks have been carried out in a timely fashion.
Caution needs to be applied with loading on some models, especially with early six-berth examples on the 3500kg chassis. This will be crucial if there are the full six adults on board – not usually the case, admittedly, but worth watching for. On later, longer models, if the original buyer specified automatic transmission there will have been a compulsory chassis upgrade, which requires drivers to have Group C1 on their licence.
Conversion
Again, at this age there shouldn’t be any issues. There might, though, be signs of wear and tear if it has been lived-in by a family of six full-time. The Edge is a thoughtfully designed range of VFM leisure vehicles, so it would be unreasonable to blame Swift for faults caused by over-occupancy.
Look for written evidence of yearly habitation checks, including for water ingress. I would check water ingress on any ’van of any age, especially around accessories fitted post-production, such as awnings, satellite dishes, solar panels, bike racks and the like.
Take a look at our tips for buying a used motorhome to find out other points to keep your eyes out for.
Our pick
486/466 for medium-to-large families, 476 for permanent single beds and 494 for a permanent double bed. My personal favourite is the 486.
Essentials
- Swift Edge on Fiat Ducato chassis-cab
- Built 2020-present in Cottingham, Hull, UK
- Low-profile and Luton overcab coachbuilts
- Overall length: 5.89m/19’ 4” (Edge 412); 7.32m/24’ 0” (Edge 464/466/476/486/496)
What we like about Swift Edge models
- Appealing exterior and interior vibes
- Synchronicity of berths and travel seats
- Timberless Smart construction bodywork
- Automatic transmission option
- The latest low-emission engines
What we dislike about Swift Edge models
- Slippage on manufacturer’s original aim for “all to be 3500kg or less”
Alternatives to a Swift Edge
On Fiat Ducato: Swift Escape, Auto-Trail Expedition. On Peugeot Boxer: Elddis Autoquest/Compass Avantgarde. On Citroën Relay: Joa Camp (see our review of the Joa Camp 75Q). On Ford Transit: Rimor Kilig.
Other ‘vans that Gentlemen Jack has looked at recently are:
- The Lunar Landstar had carefully thought out layouts, that worked well in style and function.
- The Westfalia Club Joker & Club Joker City ‘vans are quite different types of motorhome, despite their shared moniker.
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