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This pre-release 2022 prototype features a number of cosmetic changes along with some useful functional upgrades which we will explore. The Road Owl starts as an entry level, family van that can be stepped up with two bundled option packages. I had a chat with Darren Swenson, General Manager Sales and Marketing who explained New Age has seen an increase in demand for all categories of caravans but particularly family vans. Families that may have otherwise gone to Bali or alike are now buying caravans. The Road Owl is designed to open up the caravan lifestyle to more people.

While the review is on the highest spec Adventurer Pack variant, it is worth quickly running through the ‘hierarchy’ of the other two packages and some of the key differences to the van tested.

The base model (listed $50,190) has lower spec running gear — a regular chassis and leaf spring suspension instead of a more beefed up chassis with independent suspension and 15in tyres and wheels instead of 16in rollers — other economies include one 110L water tank instead of two, and one 9kg gas bottle instead of two. You also do without an air-conditioner, solar panel, external speakers, TV and picnic table. The Comfort Pack (listed at $54,990) also features the same base level running gear