WE’VE PULLED OUT all the stops to get you inside some of the best new motorhomes as manufacturers from across the UK and Europe start to pull the covers off their brand new models. You really do not want to miss our brand new TV show on The Motorhome Channel, in association with Motorhome Depot, where we’ve got exclusive access to some of the most exciting new motorhomes of 2015 – tune in on Sky 192, Freesat 402 or watch online.
And we kick things off with a very striking ‘van. Practical Motorhome’s Editor Niall Hampton is casting his expert eye over the brand new for 2015 Swift Bolero Black Edition 684 FB. Based on the new Fiat cab, this snazzy looking motorhome has metallic black bodywork, smart, dark alloy wheels and is powered by a 130bhp engine. There’s also a wind-out canopy awning, a panoramic sunroof and, inside, a very comfortable fixed double bed, a good corner washroom, dimmable ambient lighting, an illuminated splashback and more. It’s a very slick option. Like what you see? Read our full review of 2015’s new Swift motorhomes here.
But the most exciting new ‘van featured in this edition of our TV show, only on The Motorhome Channel, in association with Motorhome Depot, is another Swift – the brand new Rio 340. In fact, it’s so new and so exclusive that we had to go the extra mile to convince Swift to let us film it.
The Rio is a new, compact, coachbuilt range of Swift motorhomes that’s the same width as a panel van. And, like a panel van, you can enter this Swift Rio 340 through the rear, in this case, via a rather smart tailgate, which is supported by gas struts and features LED lighting. This allows for a rear lounge and the chance to enjoy inside-outside living, while this impressive four-berth also has an electrically operated dropdown bed. You’ll have to tune in on Sky 192 or Freesat 402, or get a computer, laptop or tablet and watch live online for our full, exclusive review of this 2015 Swift.
And we’re not done there. We have another 2015 motorhome, this time from Hymer. Based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the new-for-2015 Hymer ML-T580 is, as you’d expect, a very well kitted out motorhome. The Hymer ML-T580 is reviewed by Practical Motorhome’s Editor Niall, who was particularly pleased by the fuel efficiency of the 2.2-litre Mercedes-Benz engine, mated with an automatic gearbox. Granted the ‘van was unladen, but his initial fuel economy figure, after driving it in a range of different traffic conditions, is a rather impressive 35.36mpg. Watch our new TV show on The Motorhome Channel to make your own mind up.
As well as getting inside 2015’s newest motorhomes, we’ve a feature on safety in our new TV show, as John Wickersham talks about crash testing motorhomes. Plus, Practical Motorhome’s Bryony Symes has been out on the road, touring the lovely Cotswolds in a Swift Lifestyle 664 Marquis dealer special, taking in the Gloucester Docks, vintage shops in Stroud and more.
Our TV programmes are joint productions from Practical Motorhome’s editorial team and Information TV. The shows are broadcast only on The Motorhome Channel, which you will find on Sky 192 and Freesat 402. Don’t have these channels? Fear not, you can watch live online as the shows are being shown on TV, on The Motorhome Channel website.
This episode, packed full of brand new motorhomes, will be shown on The Motorhome Channel between Monday 4 August 2014 and Sunday 17 August 2014 on these days, at these times:
- Monday at 8.30pm
- Wednesday at 5.30pm
- Thursday at 6am
- Saturday at 11am
- Sunday at 11am
So turn on, tune in and enjoy the shows!
And remember you can catch up with previous episodes of our TV show on the Practical Motorhome YouTube channel – subscribe and you’ll never miss a thing. Enjoy!