The five model Vista range from ABI has been upgraded for the current season. Having said that, the facelift is essentially fairly minimal involving new fabric, a fan shaped dining table and stool seating. As a result the company has been able to keep ex works prices to under £20,000.
The static caravan we are reviewing here is the popular 36ft x 12ft two bedroom model with an all-up ex-works price of £19,875* – static caravans are currently 0% VAT rated but that rate will rise to 5% in April 2013. (Read more about static caravan VAT.) Plus, with a low starting price static insurance quotes should be competitive too.
With such a low ex-works price, it is understandable that this is a very basic static caravan. But equally, coming from the ABI stable it can be expected to give many years of service providing it is properly maintained. Externally, it has no features to lift it above similar caravans available from the competition. It has a painted chassis with a pre-galvanised option, and aluminium cladding with no alternative option. In fact the only other structural options are UPVC double glazing and extra insulation.
The main feature in the lounge is the two sets of fixed L shaped seating, one of which is for everyday use and has a pull-out occasional bed; the other, with the fan shaped table forms part of the dining suite. Adjacent to the everyday seating running across the room under the windows is a corner entertainment unit which also incorporates the static caravan’s gas fire.
Although there are dedicated spaces in the kitchen for a microwave and an under-the-counter fridge, in every other respect it is fairly basic. In addition to a single bowl stainless steel sink and drainer, it has a twin cavity electronically ignited oven, a fume extractor being yet another option. On the plus side, we did feel that there was an adequate number of floor and wall cabinets.
Backing onto the kitchen is the shower room. This is a good size room with a rectangular shower unit in one corner, the shower head being thermostatically controlled. Elsewhere there is a pedestal washbasin and a low level toilet. However, bearing in mind the size of the room, we were sorry to note the minimal space for storing toiletries.
Separated from the toilet and the kitchen area by a party wall is the second bedroom. In addition to two single divan beds it does have a wardrobe at the foot of one of the beds and a mirror on the wall at the foot of the other.
The main bedroom spans the width of the static caravan and so is large enough to take a double bed, although sadly, not with under-bed storage. Also here are two built-in double door wardrobes plus an L shaped en suite toilet compartment in the corner of the room. Sadly however, as in the case of the shower room, toiletry storage space is missing.
Verdict
There is nothing about the Vista which makes it stand out from the crowd, but then again, to all intense and purposes it has been built to ensure that its price is its main attraction – and from that standpoint, we think it good value for money.
Ex-works price: £19,875*
*The price quoted is ex-works, includes VAT, but excludes delivery, installation and any other costs as determined by the manufacturer, distributor, dealer or park owner.
For further information: ABI (UK) Ltd., Swinemoor Lane, Beverley, E. Yorks., HU17 0LJ. Tel: 01482 678000. Fax: 01482 887009. Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.abiuk.co.uk/
so as it stands for the price ,which realistically for a basic caravan i would want a bit more for my money,such as the central heating ,& the extra insulation,as it stands would it put up with a stiff winter,as a long standing caravan man i dont think so.
HOW THICK ARE THE EXTERNAL WALL PANELS,AND HOW THICK IS THE INSULATION IN THE WALLS AND FLOOR AND ROOF AREAS,
Great van for the price dg ch