First look: Bailey Unicorn Vigo Carefully considered design updates will prolong the popularity of this attractive tourer
Price From £27,799 Berths 4 MIRO 1430kg MTPLM 1600kg We’re first to test this smart four berth, which has received carefully considered design updates
THE UNICORN VIGO has been a stalwart of the range since its second generation, as a single-axle with a transverse island bed and end washroom. That layout has always proved popular, but how is the Vigo shaping up in the line-up’s fifth generation?
Pitch and set-up
A new curved front profile and jazzy graphics make the Vigo look sleeker on the road than before. Al-ko’s trailer control system, still fitted as standard, promises a smooth ride.
Life onsite should be easier, too, as all new Unicorns now come with the hook-up on the offside. And you won’t be stumbling about in the dark to find the connection – along with an awning light, fifth-generation models also have a thoughtfully positioned service light.
Lounge
The lounge is even sunnier, thanks to a 50% larger window, which now has more seamless integration with the Alu-tech shell. The Light Oak furniture adds to the sense of warmth, as does the standard Chiswick upholstery, with its neutral tones.
Some who like this area to be really open might mourn the loss of the shelving that used to sit in the front corners, but having lockers that run all the way up to the front is perhaps more practical.
There’s been some re-engineering lower down, too, with the seating backrests now
curving at the front. This makes a difference, because these settees are not the longest in the range, so the new backrests mean those sitting here shouldn’t feel squashed in.
They also make an ideal spot for reclining if it’s just two of you watching the TV, which you can position on the sideboard to the right of the door. Best of all, the settees are entirely sprung and extremely comfortable.
There are two spotlights up front, both with USBS, and night-time lighting is amply provided by LEDS and ambient lighting.
Kitchen
The branded splashback might seem a bit blingy in the otherwise restrained, quality furnishings, but the work surface in front is generous, especially with the extension.
The Alde heating controls and two mains sockets are right where you need them, and the whole area is well lit. You get a separate oven and grill here, and the turntable-free microwave (see p59) is a brilliant addition, as is the four-bottle wine rack nearby. Across the aisle is a two-way Series 10 Dometic fridge.
Washroom
Marble-effect panelling, Light Oak woodwork and good lighting make this rear washroom brighter than you might expect.
There is a great shower cubicle at the far end, with only one drainage hole, but with a shelf, a hanging rail and a roof vent.
The Belfast-style sink immediately outside is graced with a well-lit mirror. There are two robe hooks and a toilet roll holder, too. Perhaps the only downside here is that
Bailey is staying with clear windows.
Beds
The bed in the new Vigo is noticeably larger and more comfortable. To achieve this, Bailey has introduced wardrobes that curve around the bed edge.
A couple of spotlights with integrated USBS make night-time reading easy. There is another set of sockets in the ceiling if you want to place a second
TV on the dresser unit. This also has a mains socket, so you won’t need to keep swapping the plugs around if you come on tour with a hairdryer.
The settees up front are possibly too small to provide single beds, at least for adults who are more than average-sized. But they do come together easily enough with pull-out slats, to make up a large double bed.
Storage
To the left of the door is an internal-access flap for the nearside underseat storage. This area has a waterproof floor, so would make an ideal boot locker. There is also a full internal-access flap to the offside underseat area, but lifting up the slats to reach in here might be harder than usual – sprung cushions are comfier, but they are also heavier.
Another thoughtful design tweak is the extension of the overhead lockers, which now run right up to the front of the caravan. These come with single handles, not the push-knobs that Bailey used to fit.
The curved wardrobes in the bedroom might take some getting used to, but they are enough for two.
You also get a huge externally accessible space under the bed. The kitchen is graced with a pair of medium-sized drawers and a huge pan locker underneath the sink. There’s a smaller pan locker below the oven and grill, and a couple of overhead lockers, one with a crockery rack. Another locker can be found above the fridge. There are two capacious cupboards in the washroom, and a handy set of cubbyholes.
Verdict
The Vigo has had a very carefully considered makeover. With the possible exception of the pre-wiring for Wi-fi, there’s nothing majorly new here, as in the fourth generation. But this smart upgrade should keep the Unicorn going strong for many years to come.
Thumbs up
Huge front window, larger fixed bed Thumbs down
Still a clear window in the washroom