If you’re after a motorhome that won’t tower over country lanes but still offers proper four-berth accommodation, the 2010 Swift Escape 664 might catch your eye. This low-profile model promises the best of both worlds, manageable dimensions for nervous drivers and a fixed French bed for those who’ve had enough of converting dinettes every night.
What makes the Escape 664 particularly appealing is its sensible approach to layout. Rather than cramming in features for the sake of it, Swift has focused on the essentials that actually matter for touring. You get four proper travelling seats, four sleeping berths, and a kitchen that won’t leave you cursing every time you try to cook dinner. The 640kg payload should handle most couples’ gear without drama, though you’ll need to pack thoughtfully if you’re planning extended trips.
Swift Escape 664 Dimensions and Manoeuvrability
At 6.72 metres long and 2.24 metres wide, the Escape 664 sits in that sweet spot where you can still navigate most UK roads without breaking into a cold sweat. The 2.8-metre height keeps you under most barriers, though you’ll still need to check before diving under that tempting-looking bridge in the Cotswolds.
The low-profile design means you won’t be wrestling with excessive wind resistance on motorway journeys, and parking shouldn’t be the nightmare it becomes with larger ‘vans. You’d likely find supermarket car parks manageable, and even some National Trust properties might accommodate you without requiring a degree in spatial awareness.
Driving the Swift Escape 664
The Fiat Ducato 2.2 JTD engine with 100 brake horsepower provides adequate motivation for a 3.5-tonne motorhome, though you won’t be winning any traffic light grands prix. What you will get is proven reliability – the Ducato base has been the backbone of European motorhoming for decades, and parts availability shouldn’t be an issue.
The high-speed gearbox suggests Swift specced this one for comfortable cruising rather than urban crawling. You’d probably find it happiest maintaining steady speeds on A-roads and motorways, with the driver airbag and electric windows adding a touch of comfort that wasn’t always standard in 2010.
Living Space in the Escape 664
The half dinette arrangement at the front creates a proper social area without completely dominating the interior. You’ll find two forward-facing seats with belts plus a single bench seat, all arranged around what’s described as a “big table”, useful when you want to spread out maps or simply enjoy a proper meal rather than balancing plates on your knees.
Storage cupboards above the seating area should handle the usual touring detritus, while the storage above the cab provides additional space for lighter items. The fireplace positioned centrally would create a focal point for evening relaxation, assuming it’s the blown-air heating system rather than an actual log burner.
Escape 664 Sleeping Arrangements
The French bed at the rear represents the Escape 664’s main selling point for many buyers. Fixed beds eliminate the nightly ritual of converting dinettes, and you’d likely appreciate this convenience after a long day exploring. The bed should comfortably accommodate two adults without the compromises often found in converted seating areas.
When you need the full four-berth capacity, the front lounge converts to a double bed. While this arrangement works for occasional use or when accommodating children, you might find the conversion process becomes tedious if you’re regularly sleeping four adults. The privacy curtain for the bedroom ensures the rear occupants can maintain some separation from the main living area.
Kitchen Facilities in the Swift Escape 664
The kitchen specification suggests Swift took cooking seriously in the Escape 664. The 80-litre fridge provides decent storage for a motorhome this size, while the three-burner hob gives you proper cooking flexibility. You’ll find an oven and grill too, meaning you’re not limited to single-pot meals or constant reliance on microwaves.
The sink positioning and twin 240-volt sockets indicate thoughtful design, though you’d need to see the actual layout to judge counter space and storage. At this length, compromises are inevitable, but the specification suggests the basics are well covered.
Escape 664 Bathroom Layout
The large corner bathroom represents another strength of the Escape 664’s design. Corner layouts often provide more elbow room than narrow side bathrooms, and you’d likely appreciate the extra space when showering or getting dressed. The combination of shower, cassette toilet, and bathroom sink covers all the essentials.
The 70-litre fresh water tank and 68-litre waste tank provide reasonable capacity for a motorhome this size, though you’d probably find yourself seeking water points every few days if you’re showering regularly.
Swift Escape 664 Systems and Storage
The control panel above the door suggests a centralised approach to monitoring your various systems, always helpful when you’re trying to work out why something isn’t functioning as expected. The big wardrobe mentioned in the specification indicates Swift recognised that clothes storage often gets overlooked in compact motorhomes.
Silver screens for creating darkness show attention to practical details that matter when you’re trying to sleep in a layby or dealing with early summer sunrises. These small touches often separate well-thought-out motorhomes from those designed purely on paper.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Swift Escape 664 appeals but you want to explore alternatives, the Swift Sundance 580 PR Review: A Different Take on Compact Touring Layouts offers a different approach to compact touring with potentially different layout priorities.
The Elddis Autoquest 175 Review: Smart Space Efficiency from Elddis represents another manufacturer’s take on efficient space usage, while the Bailey Approach 625 SE Review: Compact Motorhoming with Alternative Priorities might offer different compromises in the compact motorhome sector.
Final Thoughts
The 2010 Swift Escape 664 appears to offer a sensible balance of features for couples who occasionally need four berths but don’t want to live with a massive motorhome year-round. The French bed eliminates daily conversion hassles, while the compact dimensions keep you out of trouble on UK roads.
At fourteen years old, you’d want to inspect any example carefully for signs of damp or wear, but the fundamental layout and specification suggest this could serve well as either a weekend escape vehicle or a stepping stone into motorhoming. The 640kg payload provides reasonable flexibility, though you’d need to weigh your actual requirements against the available capacity.
For buyers seeking proven reliability with practical touring dimensions, the Escape 664 merits serious consideration – just ensure any example you view has been properly maintained and shows no signs of the damp issues that can plague older motorhomes.
Do you have a motorhome to sell? Call us on 01283 240237 or simply enter your reg number here to sell your motorhome!
