2011 Bailey Orion Test
Ranger replacement is radical retro styled range with GRP exterior cladding, 400/2 is smallest in five van line up we check its credentials’ .
Bailey have been a tad busy of late launching its new Alu-Tech models, it’s had some hits and a few misses. The Olympus has for the time being anyhow dropped after just 12 months after launch. But when Bailey finished Rangers last year they seemed to neglect the entry level market sector, in fact with the demise of Ranger and Ranger GT Sprite no doubt along with Xplore caught some of the sales. Bailey as Bailey do-reacted by developing a new Alu-Tech range that would be light and also light on the buyers finances. At the February NEC Caravan Show the new Orion range hit the limelight.
2011 Bailey Orion 400/2
£12,550 otr
Berths: 2
Length: 4.38 m
Width: 2.16 m
MIRO: 959 kgs
MTPLM: 1076 kgs
Bailey Caravans
Skoda Octavia Scout 4×4 TDi
£21,365
2.litre diesel CR
140 bhp
MPG 50 on test solo
Towing limit: 1400 kgs
Kerbweight: 1500 kgs
Our thanks to Skoda Press office for the loan of the Octavia Scout Skoda and Bardsea Leisure Nr Ulverston for Bailey Orion and help with this test
Completely a different departure from the Rangers the Orion’s came complete with a retro style caravan design. In fact possibly with more leanings to the Avondale Perles from the late 80’s. One-piece front window and GRP finished panels were also main talking points. Full marks to Bailey on the finish too, don’t forget Swift built Abbeys until around 2007 with GRP sides. It’s durable and doesn’t dent but repairs could be easy to spot after a few years with the GRP fading. In fact that’s another area where the GRP fades and is very hard to get back a shine unlike aluminum.
Built on an Al-Ko chassis with shock absorbers plus AKS hitch stabiliser the 400/2 should tow well and behind our test Skoda Octavia Scout 140 bhp diesel the Orion would have been a breeze to tug around. The Octavia Scout is the 4×4 (£21,365) version being raised for extra height over rough ground. The 2.0litre common rail diesel has plenty of toque and as a tow car it’s an ideal choice for those towing a tourer. The Octavia Scout comes with good standard spec such as cruise control, auto-dip mirror and variable four wheel drive.
The Scout isn’t all about looking like it will go over a few bumps-it will and to a point it will do a job asked of it that only you’re Chelsea tractors could cope with. Its ride and handling combine a car that’s great on the luxury of tarmac (give or take a few potholes) as well as being able to go over a muddy field. So with quality build and top reliability not to mention VW parts the Octavia Scout makes a very versatile and economic tow car and with bags of rear luggage space to suit most antique dealers! For those who still think the badge is a tad off-putting then think again and as your neighbour tells of his Audi A4’s virtues just smile to yourself as you have saved bucket loads of cash for whats basically the same vehicle!
So for towing the Orion 400/2 it’s a car that could pull two of them if need be! So back to the Orion. Its Baileys chance to get to grips into this sector of the market they had neglected for a short while. Bailey wanted also to come into the market with an entry level model with a difference. In a world of increased prices in virtually everything the Orion had to still be affordable and also still well equipped but also it had to attract a new buyer too. So with its quirky profile does the Orion pull it off? The 400/2 is an end washroomed two berth which will appeal to those wanting a lighter tourer to tow and sensibly the width has been kept to 2.16 m making it easy to store on an average driveway.
No front locker is included ( a black mark in our book) although as a token gesture a small nearside locker is available but imposes into the front seat locker. The gas compartment is also on the nearside, the hatch isn’t very large so care will be needed lifting the bottles in and out which could also prove a little awkward. Battery / mains socket locker is also placed here just below the gas locker in fact. Orion graphics look smart enough and the moulded rear light clusters seem to be a better fit and finish too than on the Pegasus and Unicorn ranges.
The rear end curved roof line looks as though headroom will be restricted but that’s only the case if you’re over 6ft tall. However the styling may not be everyone’s cup of tea especially with the small postbox window. If Bailey could have incorporated a window in the curve that would have looked better and let more light in too. The compact shell may give you the impression that the Orion is going to be short on space. However you would be wrong-the interior has a more spacious feel than you could imagine.
The light upholstery design and white walls add to this feel, the wood finish also allows a general airy feel to the Orion along with the one-piece front window. Layout comprises front end dinette, side kitchen and dresser opposite while the washroom is at the rear with built in wardrobe. The soft furnishings are actually far better in quality than you would expect, the seating is comfortable and supportive while the loose fit carpets look to be the same quality as fitted on the more expensive Baileys. Curtains too look and feel of a good quality.
The dinette doesn’t have a chest of drawers, again something some couples will miss, but a clip on table is supplied, plus a free-standing unit stored in the kitchen unit. No underseat access flaps are fitted and the seat bases are plain wood, no beech slats. A sign of keeping costs down and also they don’t have a solid feel to them either. Good under seat storage is a plus especially on the offside of the Orion. Lighting here is taken care of by two spots and a ceiling lamp while small Heki roof vent is also fitted for more natural daytime lighting.
A JVC radio CD is fitted here and also a small front roof locker which is limited on storage, however roof lockers abound and offer shelves too. What Bailey has done if you think the roof locker design is familiar is they have taken the Series 5 Ranger design and used them in the Orion. Bailey have though relented on catches, gone is the cheap plastic clip unit as used on Pageant 7’s and the last Rangers and first Pegasus and gone back to leaving them off. At night two singles can be used or one double bed easily made up using the slatted system.
When it comes to the kitchen area the Bailey gets a decent microwave and a worktop which doesn’t have much work space but its compact, however cupboard storage is limited with only one under the oven/grill unit which incidentally does have spark ignition. Three burner hob is just about large enough to use and looks very continental in its design. Opposite the kitchen a side dresser is placed, here the controls for the Whale heater are positioned. The Whale should keep the Orion warm but if your electrics unfortunately pack up the fan won’t work and neither will the heating unlike the Truma which works without the fan blower.
The side dresser offers more additional work top and a place for the TV with three mains sockets being provided in the 400/2 that should be enough for most users. More storage in roof lockers are placed above the dresser and storage are available in the dresser too. The end washroom should prove fine for most users, it’s not oversized but has enough space in which to shower and dress. The shower unit I found was fine to stand up in but of course it’s not a sealed cubicle unit. It does have shower solid doors on while the sink basin provided is excellent having good depth and large enough to use with comfort. Wardrobe is placed by the wall mounted mirror and electric flush loo, it’s probably got enough hanging storage for most though it’s not very large.
So the Orion 400/2 does what it says on the tin? Well yes it does and in fairness it’s not a bad model. Its lightweight will be a big selling point and the prices too aren’t bad. Its got the spec most users will ever need while the vans interior feels very spacious and pleasing. The lack of a front locker isn’t going to help sales but new caravanners may not be bothered. Quality build isn’t a major strong point, although the exterior certainly feels solid and well finished. The plastic corner covers don’t look very enticing and fall short in places leaving a gap.
However Bailey are back with entry level tourers and were sure they will do well, but the Rangers they replaced were good solid performers and a hard act to beat. The 400/2 should appeal to those on a budget and also want to stay with a smaller tow car. It’s up against the Sprite Alpine 2 and Explore 452 both extremely good tourers at the price but just slightly under on specification so the Orion will win fans in this department.