Swift Escape 612 - Practical Motorhome

Looking for a true couples 'van that offers a great specification without busting the bank? This new for 2019 Escape model might be the one for you.

Verdict

The Escape range has long been a favourite of the buying public, and this little ‘van – which allows you to buy a new Escape with an end kitchen – is likely to prove just as popular. It was shortlisted for our recent Motorhome of the Year awards, and deservedly so: it’s a very impressive small coachbuilt.

Pros

None

Cons

None

Swift’s Escape range is almost 10 years old now, and this budget range of motorhome has proved wildly popular since then. The line-up received a fairly major overhaul in 2017, so changes – the launch of a new Compact sub-brand aside (we tested one model in the December 2018 issue) – remain fairly limited for the 2019 season.

However, there is a new arrival to the Escape range: the 612, tested here. It’s an end-kitchen two-berth that sits at less than six metres in length. So it has a tried-and-tested layout, but how does it fare for two on tour?

This 'van was shortlisted for our recent Motorhome of the Year awards, and deservedly so: it's a very impressive small coachbuilt

Living

It’s the lounge that’s the star of this ‘van, and very comfortable it is too. The ‘Nova’ soft-furnishing scheme looks very smart, and the Swift’s AirWave foam in the seats and backrests here makes for a really comfortable seating surface.

Both of the cab seats swivel, allowing two additional occupants to be seated in comfort, and everyone can dine at the table. Despite the ‘van’s short length, the sofas here are a really good size, allowing you to stretch out in comfort.

Kitchen

End kitchens tend to suit British requirements, as they often offer a good amount of working space – and this is no exception. The worktop is now in an attractive ‘Fero’ dark grey complimenting the ‘Aralie Sen’ woodgrain.

The level of kit in the kitchen is impressive: it includes a Dometic AES 85-litre fridge, a three-burner gas hob and oven/grill, a microwave, a decent amount of storage space and a rooflight above. If you require more work surface, the unit behind, opposite the washroom, makes the perfect place for dishing up.

Washroom

As for that washroom: it’s not the biggest we’ve seen, and there’s no separate shower cubicle, but it is a good size and fully lined. In addition to the swivel-bowl cassette toilet, there’s also a deep basin, a large mirror and a cupboard for storing all of your toiletries.

The Ecocamel Orbit shower head will also help the user to use less water, and the Micro-Heki rooflight above keeps things bright.

Storage

A three-quarter-height wardrobe sits just forwards of the washroom. It’s a great size considering that you’ll only have the clothing of two occupants in this ‘van; in here you’ll also find dedicated spots for both the freestanding dining table, and the drainer unit that can sit alongside the kitchen sink while you’re washing up.