Sprite Major 4 (2013)
This comfortable four-berth makes a good starter van, says Andrew Jenkinson
THE SPRITE BRAND is well known and has been for decades – 2020 sees the name become 70 years young!
Over such a long period of time, it’s almost inevitably had some ups and downs. But under the aegis of the Swift Group since 1994, Sprite continues to be a top-seller in the UK.
Although the brand left the UK market after 1997, it was still built for export.
After Bailey’s Ranger became another strong seller, with lots of value-added kit, Swift then responded by reintroducing the Sprite brand for 2005. It took a while, but after a few seasons, it was fending off the Ranger.
Old model names, such as Alpine, Musketeer and Major, were brought back into use and then in 2012, the new-look Sprite came into being.
The Sprite also became the basis for one of the best-selling dealer specials on the market. By 2013, the line-up also offered an excellent choice of layouts.
Model history
All told, the Sprite Major name has been around since 1951, and despite plenty of changes along the way, it’s a model that’s well known and popular.
Back in 2013, the Major was available in a choice of three different layouts: one fixed-bed end-washroom model, one six-berth with fixed bunks, and the model we are looking at here, the Major 4.
This four-berth came with a front lounge, side kitchen,
nearside lounge and full-width end washroom.
The Sprite also underwent a major bodyshell change for 2012, which provided a more aerodynamic profile.
As in all Sprites over recent years, a Diamond upgrade pack could be added, and plenty of buyers took advantage of the useful improvements to the spec that this offered.
The Diamond pack added alloys, AKS hitch, Cd/radio, spare wheel and a sunroof.
These 2013 Sprites were excellent value, in keeping with the rest of the brand’s offering over the years.
Providing a good spread of models, from the Alpine 2 to the Quattro twin-axle, the Sprite offered the ideal choice for couples and families alike – lightweight, quality-built tourers at a reasonable price.
Alternatives
You might like to check out a couple of other models – first, take a look at the ultralightweight Venus 490/4 from 2013, with a side fixed bed and an end washroom. You could find one of these tourers for around £9000, depending on extras.
Otherwise, consider Bailey’s 2012 Orion 440. This is basically the same layout as the Sprite Major 4, which makes a good alternative to the Sprite with its quirky profile. Around £9500 will bag you an Orion 440, and it comes with a good spec, too.
Price checker
On other dealer forecourts, we found a 2013 Major 4 at the same price as our example here, at £9995, and one at £10,295. Buying privately, you could probably look at paying £9495.
Verdict
Sprites are very plentiful on the forecourts, but they are snapped up fast. Particularly popular are dealer specials, with extras such as upgraded soft furnishings, which add to the Sprite’s already excellent comfort levels.
The interiors wear well, but you do need to make the usual checks. The Major 4’s good layout and spec mean that for less than £10,000, you get a lot of tourer for your cash.