Practical Caravan

Coachman Laser 620/4 (2014)

Well built and with a great spec, this is a classy four-berth, says Andrew Jenkinson

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COACHMAN’S LASER WAS launched as a luxury line-up, similar to the VIP but on a twin axle. The range gave the brand a new identity.

The Lasers, all four-berths, offered a full spec. They were introduced for the 1999 season and became a top-selling luxury tourer on the UK market.

We found a great example in this 2014 Laser 620/4. Packed with kit, its condition was very good, especially inside – it had clearly seen very careful use.

The 620/4 has a large front lounge and side kitchen, a side single dinette with fold-up bunk and a separate fridge/freezer. There’s a superb washroom at the rear, and plenty of storage in this spacious interior.

Model history

Launched with just one model, over the years Laser became establishe­d as a brand as more models joined the range.

The 620/4 was introduced for the 2013 season and it quickly proved a popular tourer for couples, with the option of sleeping up to four.

The kitchen on the nearside is opposite the side dinette, and along with the end washroom, offers loads of storage space.

Built on Al-ko twin-axled chassis, the Laser 620 came with Alde heating, a solar panel, heavy-duty corner steadies and a host of other kit, including an on-board water tank.

There were only two models for 2014, including a fixed-bed

layout. But the 620/4 is a very popular choice in the used van market and you shouldn’t have problems finding one.

With so many good examples to choose from, you will need to do your homework before you buy – there’s a wide range of prices, so shop around.

Alternativ­es

You might want to look at two other luxury end-washroom models. For example, check out a Swift Elegance 530 (single-axle) from 2015 for £18,000 to £18,995; this is another well-equipped tourer, with Alde heating and more.

Or you could try a Compass Rallye 530, a single-axle fourberth with an end washroom and a great spec, costing around £15,995 and weighing in at less than 1500kg.

Both of these tourers offer excellent floorplans and a good level of comfort – although we still think the twin-axle Laser really is the tops here!

Price checker

These luxurious twin-axles offer so much to the seasoned caravanner, you’re bound to find a bargain.

Checking the dealership­s’ forecourts, we saw 2014 models from £15,499 to £17,499. But as always, condition is a factor in these cases, as is the amount of stock the dealer has in hand.

We tracked down one private sale with a £15,000 price tag, too!

A This generous interior provides loads of room for two or four, and storage is brilliant, with plenty of cupboards in the kitchen B Side kitchen has great worktop and dual-fuel hob, with sizeable fridge/freezer located opposite

C Cd/radio is fitted in one of the overhead lockers D Side dinette also provides a fold-out bunk bed

E A plus point in the 620/4 is the superb washroom, with double wardrobe, large handbasin and circular shower cubicle, which looked like new

Verdict

The Laser range is a high-spec line-up; they are often used for seasonal pitches because they make a great all-year tourer.

The 620/4 comes with a great rear washroom, and there’s a side fixed bed as an alternativ­e layout. The model we looked at was in fantastic condition and would make a superbly comfortabl­e tourer for two.

One small niggle we should point out is that at the time, Coachman used the Avtex Stick TV aerial, which isn’t brilliant in areas with poor reception. Some owners might have added a Status aerial; if so, check it’s been fitted correctly. But taken all in all, these tourers make an excellent pre-owned choice.

 ??  ?? Condition is generally great, but check there’s no water ingress in the front locker
Exterior wet locker, BBQ point and heavy-duty steadies are all part of the spec
AKS hitch stabiliser plus ATC came as standard; alloys look like new, but check for scuffs
Condition is generally great, but check there’s no water ingress in the front locker Exterior wet locker, BBQ point and heavy-duty steadies are all part of the spec AKS hitch stabiliser plus ATC came as standard; alloys look like new, but check for scuffs
 ??  ?? A B C
A B C
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 ??  ?? Chest of drawers has alarm sensor placed at floor level
The upholstery in this van has lasted well, and the seating is still comfortabl­e
Chest of drawers has alarm sensor placed at floor level The upholstery in this van has lasted well, and the seating is still comfortabl­e
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 ??  ?? D
D
 ??  ?? OR YOU COULD TRY…
2015 Swift Elegance 530 (above); 2015 Compass Rallye 530
OR YOU COULD TRY… 2015 Swift Elegance 530 (above); 2015 Compass Rallye 530
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E

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