Swift launches new Fiat Ducato-based Merlin campervan range

Swift is bringing out a new range of campervans known as Merlin, with a similar line-up to Ace but a slightly improved spec.

Coming on the Fiat Ducato base vehicle, which is among the best vans for a camper conversion, the Merlin range has primarily been launched to service existing Swift dealers who missed out on the new Ace range which launched earlier this year because it was only offered to new dealers.

There are nine models in the new Merlin range – five two-berths with a fixed roof (the 112, 122, 144 and 164, 174) and four four-berths with a double bed in the pop-top roof (the 212, 244, 264, 274).

The Merlin 264 with its roof raised — Three models in the Merlin line-up come with a pop-top roof, including the 264 shown here

The smallest models in the line-up are the 112 (from £64,685) and the 212 (from £70,185), which are both 5.41m long.

The 122 (from £64,190), 144 (from £66,190) and 244 (£71,690) are all six metres long. The longest models in the line-up, which can all be driven on a standard licence, are the 6.36m 164 (from £66,190), 174 (from £67,190 ), 264 (from £71,690) and 274 (from £72,690).

The Swift Merlin 174 is one of four 6.36m campervans, but all models in the line-up can be driven on a standard licence

The Fiat-based Merlin models also have a slightly higher spec than their Ace equivalents. For example you get a 10-inch multimedia screen in the cab, rather than the 7-inch version in the Ace, and you get a leather steering wheel with controls. Automatic transmission is an option too.

The front lounge (left) and fixed single beds at the back of the Merlin 174 — The front lounge (left) and fixed beds at the back of the Merlin 174

The camper vans will also feature Whale underfloor 6KW heating and a 100Ah lithium leisure battery, while the ‘vans come with an 80-litre compressor fridge, except for the 112 and 122, which both have a 50-litre compressor fridge.

The kitchen (left) and washroom (right) in the Merlin 144 — Inside the Merlin 144

The campervans feature a combination Dometic two-burner stainless steel hob and sink, a built-in flatbed microwave oven, and an extension for the worktop too.

The washroom in the 264 (left) and the storage area beneath the bed (right)

Each model has a washroom with a foldaway washbasin, a Thetford cassette toilet with electric flush, and an Ecocamel Jetstorm shower head, as well as a shower tray.

Swift has also been sharing its plans for its motorhome line-ups for the new season. This has seen the brand stop producing the overcabs in its Ford-based Voyager line-up while it has also given its Fiat-based Kon-tiki range a facelift.

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Peter Byrne

Peter is the Content Editor for Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome. With over half a decade of experience as a digital editor, Peter’s expertise spans from interiors and homes to food and design. Writing for the website – and occasionally the magazine – Peter oversees the online buying guides, features and news. His career to-date has seen him do everything from launching websites to giving a speech to 250 people at the Tower of London with less than 24 hours notice.