Time to Roam Magazine Issue 11 - October/November 2014 | Page 36

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tried + tested motorhome review

Pros
• The Swift comes
standard with a
120w solar panel and
charging system and
for cat lovers - internal
access to the boot
allows kitty access
to ‘facilities’ you
may prefer to keep
separate from your
internal living space.

Cons
• Fresh water storage
is only 100 litres
with grey water at
80 litres but there is
room in the spacious
boot for extra tanks
if you feel the need.

pantry give easy access to things which might otherwise
be hidden away at the back of the cupboard. The sink
is made from a beautifully executed composite material
with a perfect depth, rounded sides and a cutting
board which slots in to extend the bench space.
All the cooking appliances are finished in stainless steel
and include a microwave, hob, grill and oven. The threeway fridge is a generous 150 litres and it is tropical rated so
even up north, it should keep your food stocks chilled.
Following trend, the Swift offers two 4.5kg gas
bottles for easier refills and given the demographic
likely to be buying this van, this is a good decision.

Eternal Shell & Storage
The external shell of the Swift Kontiki 625 is one of the
more stylish designs on the road. Economy of scale
with the European market have allowed Swift to invest
in custom mouldings which give some nice definition to
a traditionally boxy design. The awning for example, is
recessed into the side of the vehicle. This not only looks
great but also helps streamline the vehicle for improved
fuel economy. It’s also less likely to be damaged by
branches and trees during tight parking maneuvers.
The new Swift is half a metre shorter than the
previous model but you will still need a light ridged
(LR) licence upgrade to drive it on Australian roads.

Technology
A central LED touch screen offers information at a glance
including power levels and water consumption.
The hot water unit also doubles as a boiler for internal
heating so not only can you specify the water temperature
and internal living temperatures. For those thinking “up
north” is starting to geta little crowded during the winter
months, the Swift opens up a completely fresh set of travelling
possibilities. Even the coldest of cold conditions will not
trouble you. Thanks to its British heritage, “frost protect”

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settings are standard and will keep all pipes from freezing.
Speaking of winter, the factory fitted, removable carpet
running the full length of the vehicle is a very nice touch, as
is the double glazed windows which, with the -15 degree
rating on the body shell, should keep you toasty wherever
and whenever you travel. During summer, the textured
premium vinyl flooring is very comfortable under bare feet.

Bathroom and Toilet
There is always a stand out area in every motorhome and
it’s beautifully finished with thoughtful cupboards and
even a useable bench. I predict that if you are staying at a
caravan park with full amenities, the Swift bathroom would
still be hard to give up. The mirror is perfectly placed, the
lighting is ideal for make-up and beard trimming and the
shower is a cubical devoted to cleanliness and comfort.

Conclusion
With a huge boot, stunning fit and finish and one of the
finest looking RV bathrooms around, the Swift Kontiki 625
Black Edition is a great package for up-market glampers
looking to take on Australia, rain, hail shine or even snow.
The cabin integration is so sweetly done as to be on par
with A class motor homing comfort yet the Kontiki is a frugal
diesel sipper, using a fraction of the fuel of A class rigs.
For those opting for the B class configuration, fuel
savings are even greater and yet the Swift still manages
to deliver a spare double bed. If the visitors are of the
small cute grandchildren variety, a little one could even
sleep on the double seater lounge leaving the dinette
and swivel driving seats free for a foursome of late
night cards, conversation or even a bit of supper.
For adventurers looking for something a little extra in
their motorhome plus cold climate performance that is hard
to match with locally built motorh