Due to the pandemic, Swift’s 2021 season launch presented only one new motorhome: the Swift Edge 466, in its entry-level range. We tracked one down at Preston Motorhomes.

The 466 is a six-berth overcab with bunk beds at the rear. Our test model was a Black Edition (a £995 option). That means it comes with a black cab, striking black decals and alloy wheels.

Handily, the bottom bunk folds up to provide storage space beneath, with an access door that’s big enough to swallow a bicycle. But that door is one metre off the ground, so those of more advancing years might find it a little tricky to lift heavy kit up and in. You’ll also need to bear in mind that this model has an MTPLM of 3650kg, so you’ll require the C1 category on your licence to drive it.

Gas bottle locker might be a bit too high above the ground for some
Gas bottle locker might be a bit too high above the ground for some

As standard, the Edge comes with a 120 bhp engine. Because of that chassis, and with six on board and crosswinds buffeting the luton, you might want to consider upgrading to the additional power of the 140bhp unit. That costs £1295 (£3495 with Fiat’s nine-speed automatic gearbox).

The vehicle is 7.32m long, and has a rear overhang that we measured at 2.5m. The cab is standard Ducato, and the overcab bed tilts up high so you can easily walk through to the lounge.

Back here are two pairs of travel seats facing each other. There is also a 12V socket on the forward-facing seats, so if they’re equipped with a suitable USB adaptor, your kids should remain content on the road.

There's ample room to seat six in the lounge, although it's a bit of a stretch to reach the table from the settee
There’s ample room to seat six in the lounge, although it’s a bit of a stretch to reach the table from the settee

With the nearside settee in play, there’s easily enough room for six occupants to be seated; although, even with the extension to the table, there’s a bit of a stretch for anybody who is sitting on that settee if they all want to dine.

The lounge feels a touch dark, partly because there is no window in the door and no Heki immediately above. But along with ambient lighting behind the lockers, there are four spotlights.

In the kitchen, there’s a three-burner gas hob a substantial sink and a microwave, too

The nearside kitchen has masses of well-lit workspace once you put up the extension. There is a three-burner hob, a combined oven and grill and a single mains socket; the sink is large and you also get a microwave. The 85-litre fridge could be a bit small for six.

The offside washroom, which is swathed in practical white plastic, betrays the ‘van’s budget price tag a little. The tap in the small basin doubles up as the shower; you also get a heating vent, roof vent, robe hook and toilet roll holder.

Tap doubles as shower head but washroom storage is a bit limited
Tap doubles as shower head but washroom storage is a bit limited

The overcab area is so large that it’s surprising to discover the bed measures 1.90 x 1.35m. The luton features two windows and a reading light, to help keep things bright.

The ladder isn’t usable once you’ve made up the double bed below from the dinette, settee and table, so bedtime might require careful negotiation. The downstairs bed is a good size, at 215cm x 180cm.

The bunks at the back are also a good size – both come in at more than 2m in length – so will be great for growing teenagers.

Bunks at the rear are both more than 2m long, plenty big enough to accommodate growing teenagers
Bunks at the rear are both more than 2m long, plenty big enough to accommodate growing teenagers

As for storage: the area under the side settee is clear, and the slats above stay up even with the base cushion in place. The area under the rear-facing travel seats has some space, but the forward-facing bench is taken up with the water tank. There are three overhead lockers in the lounge, too.

At the rear are two wardrobes, both half-height: the table storage takes up part of one, while the other is partially obscured by the gas bottle locker.

Kitchen storage includes a shelved cupboard underneath the sink
Kitchen storage includes a shelved cupboard underneath the sink

In the kitchen, there’s a pan locker and a cupboard alongside; there’s also a drawer beneath the oven and space below the sink, with a shelf and a cutlery drawer.

Washroom storage, meanwhile, comprises a cupboard under the basin and a shelf.

PRACTICAL MOTORHOME SAYS…

Two pairs of travel seats, and there's a handy 12V socket here
Two pairs of travel seats, and there’s a handy 12V socket here

The compromises made in this budget model are a little obvious, particularly when it comes to the plain materials used for the locker doors, and the back-to-basics washroom. However, if you are after a British-built motorhome that’s suitable for a growing family, and which has a reasonable price tag, the Swift Edge 466 is certainly worth a look.

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