Bailey Unicorn 2018 Island-Bed Models: Exclusive Launch Special

Caravan gets a sneak preview of the new, luxury island-bed touring caravans in Bailey’s top-selling range

Words by Clare Howcutt-Kelly
Photos by Matty Graham

I’ve towed a lot of caravans and I’ve visited a lot of campsites, but it’s not often that someone pulls over, winds down the window and shouts across the pitch: “Ooh! Is that the new Unicorn then?”

Sound dramatic? I guess it does, but let’s put it like this, this new range is the fourth generation of Unicorn, so like a seasoned gentlemen, it’s refined and a lot more attractive than it was in its youth. It’s like George Clooney. Would he be as dreamy without the grey hair? I don’t think so.

But, enough about that. You’re here for the caravans and that, my esteemed readers, is what I’m going to give you.

First introduced to the market in 2011, the Unicorn range is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most popular series of caravans.

Watch Clare's video review!

Let’s meet the 2018 line up…

The baby of the bunch, the Seville single axle is perfect for two or the solo traveller with an end kitchen and an easy to make up double bed. While the Madrid, still a single axle, accommodates two growns up and a little one.

There are seven four-berths to choose from: Cadiz, Valencia, Vigo, Cabrera, Cartagena, Pamplona and Barcelona – basically, there’s a configuration for everyone.

Three of these are twin-axle vans. When it comes to deciding between single or twin axle, it really is a matter of preference – some state a reduction is tyre pressure is a reason to go with the twin axle, or their perceived better towing manners, but there are also the licence constraints and weights to consider.

Of course, if you really want a super-sized van then the Unicorn’s big daddy is no doubt the Segovia twin axle. This sleeps six and benefits from a central washroom, which will avoid waking up everyone in the night when you go to the loo.

Like its namesake, there’s something magical about the Unicorn that appeals to the masses but will you fall under its spell? Let’s find out about the extremely popular island-bed models.

Flash

 MTPLM and MRO weights below.

Bailey Vigo

We were given exclusive access to the Vigo and I’m glad to be able to tell you about some of its key features for 2018. Let’s take a look at the outside first.

With a super-streamlined look, it’s modern without frightening the horses, as it were. The graphics are simple and understated in russet tones but the real difference lies at the front of the van where Bailey’s ever-popular trademark Skylight has been given an update too. The front opening vertical skylight is made of aerodynamically profiled Polyplastic with the addition of two new black decorative panels for a sleek and symmetrical look.

Get a grip with the grab handles

You’ll also notice that the chrome grab handles are gone and, in their place, you’ll find black handles integrated into the single piece highline bumper. It’s a subtle change from the 2016 Vigo, but it makes a big difference especially when coupled with the rear of the van where you’ll find a full-width black grab handle. And this is where it gets really clever.

Anyone who’s ever needed help manually swinging a caravan round will know only too well how frustrating it is when you are unable to get a good grip on the grab handles. This takes care of that. In fact, with a full-width handle, you could employ a five-a-side football team to move it for you, should you so desire.

And if you need somewhere to dry your towel outside? Well...Bailey doesn’t sell it as a towel rail but for me, it certainly has more than one use.

Bailey responds to customer feedback

While I’ve got you round the back, metaphorically speaking, take a look at the lights which are arranged in smart cluster, it’s a small touch and while it won’t swerve your decision to purchase the van, it gives an even more considered look than its predecessor.

Beauty is one thing, but the Unicorn is big on practicality too – you won’t find any unnecessary fuss. Bailey works continually to respond to customer feedback and some of the changes you see will have been directly influenced by it.

The much maligned gas locker cannot be ignored. Bailey did away with the traditional front gas locker a few years back and rightly so. The space could be awkward to reach and, when loaded with heavy gas bottles, adversely affected noseweights. Today, you’ll be happier with the space-saving, easy access offside gas locker. This keeps all the weight near to the axle, so very neutral, and is concealed from the inside behind the stylish kitchen units.

Want to cook outside? Make use of the Truma external gas barbecue point. It’s simple, discreet and saves dragging another heavy gas bottle along.

Talking about caravan security

Before I take you inside, I want to talk to you about security features. It’s no secret that caravan thefts happen all over the country, so, more than ever, you need that peace of mind that all is well once you lock-up and leave. Bailey has taken this very seriously, and there’s a lot of safety features integrated into Unicorns.

The major additions to this security suite are two trackers – the Tracker Monitor Thatcham Cat 7-approved, stolen vehicle recovery system (which includes three-months subscription fee) and the Tracker PIR intruder alarm with tilt sensor and key fob operation.

As you’d expect, to keep you safe on the road and on the site, there’s a roster of highly-regarded AL-KO products too, including ATC trailer control system, AKS 3004 stabiliser, shock absorbers, caravan jack and that all important wheel-lock.

I’ll park the technical stuff for now and tell you about what the van actually feels like.

Inside the caravan

For starters, they feel really spacious, with a body width of 2.28m (7ft 6in) and internal headroom of 1.96m (6ft 5in).

There’s no better place to do that, than in the lounge, which is where you’ll likely spend most of your waking time.

For years now, I’ve had a bit of a thing with caravan upholstery. I honestly believe it’s an area that can make a good-looking van ugly. Do we want dingy dark patterns? Must everything be brown? Is this the 1970s? No. No. No.

So I’m pleasantly surprised by the fabric choice – oatmeal upholstery with coordinated piping that yields beautifully when you sit on it, it’s neutral yes, but not in a boring way. Instead they are paired with a soft lilac floral pattern which features on the cushions, the curtains and later on, when I show you the bedroom, you’ll find it there too. Bailey has called the range ‘Finsbury’ (the optional upholstery). Alternatively 'Brompton' comes as standard in all the Unicorn vans

More lounging space

The keen-eyed among you will notice that, thanks to the gas bottle being moved, all the space that was once wasted below the front window sill is now usable lounging space. There’s still a decent-sized occasional table, but those longer-limbed caravanners among you will appreciate the extra five per cent legroom for stretched-out, daytime relaxing or sleeping.

This space is filled with glorious daylight and has excellent ventilation on warm days thanks to four good-sized standard windows and Bailey’s spectacular, vertically-arcing front skylight. All this window space also offers great views.

The Unicorn’s overhead lockers curve in slightly at the front, as they follow the contours of the van and make the most of the available space. It’s up here that you’ll find the DAB Radio/MP3 player which can also be connected to your phone via Bluetooth.

But what if your phone runs out of charge? Look closely at the light fittings and you’ll notice something really clever. There are USB charging ports here, too, so you can charge your phone wherever you’re sitting.

A caravan kitchen like no other

If you can drag yourself off the super-comfy seating and want to knock up a meal that’s worthy of five stars then you’re in the right place! This is like NO other caravan kitchen ever. Boasting a Basalt-stone finish, it’s pretty swish with plenty of touches that will really make you feel at home, plus some new innovations, too.

Even in the biggest vans, work surfaces are often confined, which can make preparing meals a faff, but there’s a secret here – the Basalt-stone-effect hob panel, sits on top of the cooker’s glass cover and doubles as an extra work surface. The splash-back is made of tough and stylish Perspex and is Unicorn branded – just in case you’ve forgotten what van you’re in.

You can’t deny there’s a sense of fun about this van and there was one thing in particular that made me smile. Go to the bin on the back of the door and open it. There’s a mini dustpan and brush hidden in the lid!

Night manoeuvres

Enough excitement I know. Once it’s time to turn in for the night, just pull across the concertina door and you’ve got total privacy. During the day, the bed length can be reduced to give more space to walk to and from the bathroom, just remove the fill cushion and drop down the ‘leaf’ at the end. In the evening, just reverse the process.

There’s space for reading material, and you can sit up in bed and lean against the individual headboard-style panels upholstered in the Finsbury fabric and relax. The beauty of the island bed set up is that it’s simple, no making up required.