Bailey Cartagena: 2014 Review
BAILEY CARTAGENA
The Cartagena, like all Bailey caravans, is built for British and European conditions but we’ve found it surprisingly suitable for Australian roads and condition as well. In some respects, it’s even better than the traditional Aussie caravan. It has features such as the front stone bra which have been adapted specifically for the Aussie versions, and it has a tough Alu-Tech body construction which is extra strong.
LAYOUT AND KITCHEN
The best thing about all Baileys is the fantastic sideways-facing front lounge. With the huge sky windows, a new feature for 2014, in front, the indoors and the outdoors come together.
The windows provide a spectacular view and have pull-down sun shade and flyscreen protection. The van’s interior has a very open feel about it, especially the bedroom with east-west bed and the full rear ensuite.
The kitchen has reasonable bench space, a 195L three-way fridge/freezer, four burner combo cooktop, and a stylish and large circular sink with mixer tap.
THE CARAVAN WORLD VERDICT
The Bailey Cartagena is primarily a bitumen tourer but, with the right tow vehicle and a bit of sense and care, it will take you to a lot of remote areas safely and comfortably.
It’s been a really pleasant surprise and it’s handled the Aussie conditions extremely well for a full-size van of 20ft 6in. It’s comfortable, it keeps the dust out and it’s priced well at around $65,000 for a luxury caravan.
