Swift, one of the UK’s most popular motorhome manufacturers, has never been slow to upgrade its models, and the 2022 offering looks to be no exception.
The Escape range was introduced in 2009 and soon became a favourite with buyers. This year, Swift has given it a make-over inside and out, while retaining the new Fiat cab.
With a 140bhp engine, the line-up is well catered for in terms of power. Options also include a 160bhp engine plus an auto ‘box if preferred.
Swift’s designers have given the profile a major lift. The GRP sides look good, as you’d expect from one of the first UK manufacturers to use glass fibre sides. Smart graphics add a touch of class, and at the rear there are useful mountings for a bike rack.
All of the main service points are fitted on the nearside, including the mains socket and cassette toilet hatch, so there could be an issue with any awning you fit.
The small rear garage will take bulky items, while the main habitation door is wider, too – handy for loading and unloading. The awning light is offset to the right of the door. There’s no step, but with the lower chassis you don’t really need one. For those who stay at low-facility sites, there’s a 100W solar panel.
The cab features a new dashboard design, including DAB radio with a seven-inch display.
Natural light floods in through the panoramic sunroof, which opens. There are two corner cubby holes, two mains sockets and adjustable reading lights here. You also get a reversing camera and cruise control. Cab blinds are fitted for night-time privacy, and in addition, there’s cab air conditioning and an adjustable steering wheel.
The décor is more contemporary, with gloss-white lockers with a metal inlay effect. Lighter stain-resistant upholstery on the parallel settees adds to the ambience, while more sloping seatbacks increase comfort.
Curatins have been replaced with fabric-clad panels either side of the windows – a style that is becoming the norm in many motorhomes.
There is plenty of room for four to dine, and the adjustable table folds in two, to save space. Overhead lockers offer good storage options, and the integral lighting is excellent.
Both settees contain fold-out travel seats with Isofix fittings. They also come together to make a large double bed, while a drop-down bed can be lowered electronically above this.
The latter is larger than before, and comes with the Duvalay mattress that is exclusive to Swift. The control panel for the electrics and the Trums heating is by the entrance, where there is a strategically placed illuminated grab handle. Truma blown-air heating should keep the 640 warm all year.
The kitchen is a well-designed side unit, curved to form a slight ‘L’ shape. It offers the latest Thetford cooker with a dual-fuel hob and a combined oven and grill. The microwave fits neatly above, with more locker storage.
The large sink is stainless steel, and the charcoal work surface includes a useful extension flap.
Just opposite is a Dometic 133-litre slimline fridge. A roof vent overhead provides good ventilation and light.
The spacious rear washroom takes up the full width of the 640. We like the new handbasin design. Storage is a strong point, with a cupboard below the sink and a wall-mounted locker. A big mirror and good lighting add to the excellent design. The shower is a good size and has a large roof vent.
The wardrobe sits above the garage, so hanging space is limited. But the Escape offers good storage, especially for the belongings of two. Underseat storage is fine, and locker space is ample. The garage is ideal for outdoor chairs.
PRACTICAL MOTORHOME SAYS…
The Escape 640 is a real progression over the previous models. This layout offers touring couples excellent levels of comfort, too. And from the stylish profile to the modern interior, this latest Escape has a hint of Continental flair, but in a UK-built motorhome.
Swift has put a lot of thought into this new version, and it shows. The washroom is a big improvement and the spec is good, too. The Escape’s price has risen, but so has its overall offering. We think this deserves to be a top choice in an ever more crowded market.
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The spacious rear washroom takes up the full width of the 640. We like the new handbasin design. Storage is a strong point
Technical Specifications
| Berth | 4 |
| MiRO | 3061 kg |
| Payload | 439 kg |
| MTPLM | 3500 kg |
| Shipping Length | 6.99 m |
| Width | 2.37 m |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc |
