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While the new ‘retro’ exterior is guaranteed to put the GTS Savannah on its own pedestal, it’s still the chassis and running gear that makes it such a superb long term touring van Words and photography by John Rooth When Golf released their first Savannah range nearly five years ago they were hoping a market existed for a top quality caravan with superb road holding qualities that was light enough to be towed easily by a family sedan. Well, it did, big time in fact. The fear that people wouldn’t recognise quality in a lighter package or want to pay the extra for it was proven totally wrong. And superb re-sale values for second hand units further hammered home the point. Then last year the Savannah range evolved again with the new DL model. Keeping the awesome Posi Trak independent suspension – another Golf first – DL’s offered full fibreglass side walls using techniques pioneered with the top of the range Lynwoods. This year Golf have excelled by introducing full fibreglass modular panels all around on the Savannah GTS (Golf Touring Special) range. Apart from the sheer clean lines and quality look, fibreglass walls offer superb sound and heat insulation as well. But by making another brave move to the retro ‘coloured walls’ Golf has once again left the rest of the industry in its wake. It didn’t have to work but given the classic abilities of the company’s master craftsmen – led from the top by owner Hugh Isermann who was brought up and trained in the tradition of Hamburg cabinetmakers – there was little chance of failure. Personally, the moment I saw the new GTS, I was bowled over by the sheer integrity of the design. At last we have a caravan that looks every bit as good as the better tow vehicles on the market. This isn’t a box on wheels, this is a work of art. Strong words, but the Savannah in the flesh is capable of drawing that and more. Even during our shoot we had a queue of onlookers wanting to know more about ‘that fabulous looking van’. Rumour has it that when the new GTS was first unveiled to Golf dealers, chaps who are used to the best as it is, they stood up and applauded. Need I say it? That’s definitely another industry first! While the new ‘retro’ exterior is guaranteed to put the GTS Savannah on its own pedestal, it’s still the chassis and running gear that makes it such a superb long term touring van. Fully integrated A-frame to main chassis member construction guarantees tremendous strength as well as those clean lines. The bumper bar is integrated with both chassis and body, the spare wheel housed underneath in automotive fashion. All that, yet it’s still relatively light weight and easily towed by a mid-sized 4WD or family sedan. People often ask what difference caravan suspension can make when there’s no one riding inside to find out – well, one drive of Golf’s Posi Trak suspension over a variety of roads will give you a variety of answers that are all good. Then there’s the sheer longevity brought about by a combination of superb workmanship riding on such capable suspension. Rather than rattling to bits like a leaf sprung trailer, Golf’s seem to go on touring long after the others have been parked and forgotten. Sure that makes for great resale prices, but the real satisfaction is found every day spent on the road. On The Outside Classic clean fibreglass lines are enhanced even more with exciting new range of external colours. In this case the white isn’t quite white, it’s been mixed with a touch of the creamy orange which makes it even more integral and attractive. It’s part of the gel coat though so don‘t expect it to scratch! Words like ‘simple elegance’ spring to mind, no doubt because I used them last time I described a Golf… The European style oval door, coloured to match the panel change and provides a superbly practical entrance and screen. There’s no step, only that provided by the dip in the floor – a logical development in ease of use when it’s positioned right next to the axle like this. Similarly the Euro style windows are both practical and integral to the look. Hinged on self locking arms, they offer a full range of opening and are as convenient as you can get. Almost as convenient as that excellent Heki ‘Star Gazer’ roof hatch with its blind and screen which gives a sense of space and light not normally associated with a caravan. There are so many things to talk about on this exterior. The front boot, a real one that looks like it’s been designed and not just constructed. The recessed lights – both practical and stylish – or that rear panel that gives the van a final touch of completeness as a unit, that integrity I’m having so much trouble defining but with which this van reeks. But to me one of the highlights is yet another of those Golf firsts that makes living with the van every day just that bit better than the others – the one key fits all locks. In The Kitchen All stainless steel Smev equipment and a level playing field across the sink and stove with their respective lids closed, the GTS’s kitchen area is both compact and quite spacious at the same time. That might sound conflicting but with all that cupboard space flanked by two excellent working spaces (including the dinette table) this is the sort of kitchen where you can really entertain. That is, unless you’re busy watching the slide out flat screen TV. This and a Wineguard antenna are standard, the upgraded radio and DVD player are an optional package. Also standard are those fabulous new cupboard door catch sets. Offering a superb locking action they’re the latest thing to come from Europe and they’re as stylish as they are safe. As someone with, err, I’d rather call it an impressive girth thank you dear, that’s prone to catch on intrusive knobs, the new latches offer a slip past option that almost had me feeling svelte. I said ‘almost’… While past Savannahs opted for the unique airliner style curved cupboard doors – another Golf first, are you getting tired of reading that line yet? – the new GTS has gone back to a more traditional looking style. But the craftsmanship and finish is still the same – superb both inside and out. At The Dinette ‘Perfectly positioned’ is the obvious comment any experienced caravanner would make about the dinette. It is right next to the main entrance and there’s enough room for three and possibly four at a squeeze. Add some camp chairs – there’s plenty of space – and you’ve got a poker game with the fridge easily accessed. The cushioning is high density comfortable, the squabs plain and simple – elegant is another word – and there’s none of the frilly bits that won’t last for the next twenty years. In the real world of caravan touring you don’t want a doll’s house, you want practical comfort and good looks. Naturally the upholstery is superb – longevity guaranteed. In The Bedroom My first impression on viewing the bedroom was to ask whether or not the van was legal width! It’s a bit of an optical illusion, created by clever cabinet and shelf locations and the lack of overhead lockers on the side walls because the GTS is a conventional width. Also there’s no wardrobes limiting space, they’re at the rear in the ‘dressing room’. But that is a full queen sized bed and there’s definitely enough room down each side to allow easy access for two people without the need for midnight gymnastics. Once again, bold touches of colour and subtle yet usefully positioned lights all create a feeling of elegance. Ventilation on three sides (plus the air conditioning unit directly above) and the potential for massive views through the side windows – that bit’s up to you – help maintain the feeling of space. My plumber mate just dropped in, took one look at the GTS’s bedroom photo on my desk, and said ‘Wow, talk about living in the lap of luxury.’ He’s right, that pretty much sums it up. And by the time he’s sorted our studio bathroom he’ll probably be able to afford a Golf too… Keeping Clean Some caravan bathrooms are for emergency use only, some are designed to be used. With the GTS Golf has taken the latter concept one step further with a brilliant design stroke, and yes, another first for the industry By combining the wardroom/cupboard space with the ensuite and placing the lot across the back of the van, Golf have created caravanning’s first bathroom/dressing room. The big rear window above a slimline sink and the slight recess of the shower cubicle into the kitchen area – unnoticed except on the floor plan – means this is all useable space and it feels like it too. No bending over and squeezing in, no acrobatics to attend to basic functions and as if to certify that this is a bathroom of almost household proportions, there’s even a place for books on the shelf above the window. How good is it? This one has to be seen to be believed. There’s also a Dometic vacuum toilet (on the tandem axle units only) and everything is easily accessed through a discreet hatch at the rear – roadside side of course! Nice touches include the full sized mirror above the toilet, completing the dressing room concept, and the way the plexiglass shower door opens to allow easy access without pinning you to a wall as some tend to do. I particularly like the way that the sliding ensuite door can be left open – catching any breeze from the rear and extending the internal space – and all that can be seen is the sink and rear window. Worth Buying? This question has probably been answered already, if not it should have been! The tandem 20’ GTS tested here is priced at a third more than a van of similar length and specifications from a ‘run of the mill’ manufacturer. To me that seems like exceptional value for money. Why? Because like some other top flight caravans you’re buying a construction standard well in excess of the bottom line and you’re getting genuine touring independent suspension on a solid yet streamlined chassis. Those two factors alone mean that this Golf will be a pleasure to own and use now yet it’ll last for a lifetime of serious touring. And that means a great resale value too, something that some serious accounting would no doubt prove is more investment than splurge. This isn’t speculation – Golf resale values are a proven thing. It’s not unusual to see near new prices on well kept units with a few years on the clock. Finally, what’s the price of elegance and purity of design? What’s the price of daily convenience of one key fits all locks or the lit to operate switches? What’s the price for owning something as unique and beautiful to look at as this? Some caravans are industry milestones. The GTS Savannah has taken integral design to another level and should be recognised as such. But at the end of the day this is one milestone that’s built to cover a whole swag of miles! Fact File Caravan built by
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