Andy Jenkinson, AKA the Caravan Industry Expert, reviews the 2019 Swift Sprite Alpine 4  

The Sprite range by Swift is one of the UK’s best-selling ranges, with names such as Major and Alpine having been around for decades. Swift offers great value for money with the Sprite, and used, they are a shrewd purchase!

Sprite Alpine 4 Specification
Berths:	4
Length:	4.74 m
Width:	2.24 m
MIRO:	1099 kg
MTPLM:	1244 kg

Spec included; Truma heating, fridge, oven/grill, 3 gas burner hob, spot lamps, alloys, AKS hitch stabiliser, Status TV aerial, Thetford cassette loo, microwave, radio/CD player.

Exterior Design

This 2019 Alpine, although 5 years old, was in really nice condition, GRP side walls help to give the Sprite a durable finish. The alloys look good and undamaged on this example. Al-Ko chassis comes with AKS hitch stabiliser and helps keep the Sprite stable on tow. The Sprite comes with Swift-manufactured GRP front and rear moulded panels which are both stylish and of a good quality. There is a sunroof of course, though non-opening, there is a midi Heki roof vent over the lounge area.

Interior Layout

The Sprite Alpine 4 is a model that sleeps up to four as the name suggests. However, this tourer is more than likely to be used as a couple's van. This is due to the fact that the Alpine 4 comes with a fixed double bed. The layout configures to a front lounge area with short front seats, while the kitchen is centrally placed on the offside. Opposite is the wardrobe, then you walk into the rear bedroom with an offside fixed bed and a corner shower/loo room – the handbasin being placed opposite the fixed bed. It’s a layout that has been around a long time now and it's still currently used in the latest Sprite Alpine 4’s.

Comfort and Convenience

he Alpine 4 offers excellent space and comfort for two, with four it could feel a little cramped but a family of say three would find this a tourer that would be perfectly practical. The interior has been changed very little since this 2019 model and still feels very fresh inside. The front end offers just a fold-up table allowing for more legroom than fitting a chest of drawers. The seating is thick and supportive, and shows little signs of wear.

The kitchen comes with all the essentials including a microwave plus a worktop extension flap. Plenty of LED lighting throughout the Alpine means no one will be left in a dark area at night. Heki roof vent allows in light and ventilation while the sunroof offers plenty of natural light to flood in. The side fixed bed is comfortable with the Duvalay mattress which showed little use. Plenty of storage especially in the wardrobe is provided which is where the Status TV aerial is fitted.

Kitchen and Dining

Although the front lounge area is compact, four can use it with relative ease. The fold-up front table as mentioned is ideal for a few cups to be placed, but for main meal times, a free-standing folding table is supplied and put into position. On cool evenings the Truma blown heating system will keep the Alpine warm and for lounge occupants, there is a blown outlet in the seat base.

The kitchen comes with an oven/combined grill as well as a three-burner gas hob. Dometic fridge / freezer is also part of the kitchen specification, and a large sink with clip-on drainer is a practical feature. The kitchen was in excellent condition, showing few signs of usage. Decent cupboard and overhead locker storage offer users enough areas for placing items.

Bathroom and Sanitation

If you’re a fan of an end washroom then the Alpine 4 will disappoint in this department. Having said that the washroom is still practical and allows enough space to shower comfortably. It's combined with the loo so that could be annoying at times. But condition-wise wise this was as new and looked unused we would say. The hand basin is in the main bedroom area, a common feature on this layout. It comes with storage beneath, and a large mirror too. It's all practical to use and again looked as though the previous owners hadn’t used it.

Performance and Towing

he Alpine 4 will be easy to tow, and one good thing is you don’t need a big car to tow it either. Its relatively light in weight, and its aerodynamic profile allows it to be less wind resistant too. Al – Ko chassis has the excellent AKS hitch stabiliser and this offers a further aid to towing stability.

Pros and Cons

Things I like:

• Big on value
• Great as a couples van
• Large wardrobe
• Truma blown heating
• Well equipped
• GRP side walls
• Fixed bed

Things I don't like:

• No glazed entrance door  
• No mover fitted
• No full width end washroom

User Experience

For those wanting a great value tourer that’s solid and also easy to sell back on, the Sprite Alpine 4 is a great buy. Yes, some may miss the end full-width washroom of other offerings such as the Bailey Discovery D-4. But if you're like me and you tend to use site facilities, this won't bother you at all. There’s enough space for four at a pinch, and three would find the Alpine 4 easy to live with. Do look out for squealing brakes, a problem with Al KO chassis at that time so ask about this has it been rectified – most were.

Conclusion

The Alpine 4 can be towed easily by a 1.6 Kia Sportage or a Golf 2-litre diesel so you don’t need a big car, a big bonus for some buyers. The Alpine 4 was in nice condition and would be snapped up quick. In fact, a few days later I was told a buyer had been found! So good used Sprites of most ages sell well, and also means buyers know the brand well for value and light weight and great layouts.

Check Andy's YouTube Channel HERE for more caravan reviews.