Driving a Bargain
Auto enthusiasts New Age bundles 3-years servicing and a <80k start price on this beautiful full-height, twin-axle MY24 Manta Ray ESCAPE
When New Age Caravans adopted automotive production techniques in-house, the evolutionary impact was enduring. By introducing clay models and prototypes to the pipeline in 2019 parent company Walkinshaw essentially empowered New Age to radically reshape their entire line-up systematically within five years. A second-generation Walkinshaw-engineered, robotically-built chassis now underpins all New Age caravans and camper trailers reducing weight while increasing strength with greater consistency. What’s more, team New Age knows they work not just through CAD modelling but also via a test rig that simulates 20,000km of travel as well as on the tracks courtesy of Walkinshaw’s proving ground.
Demonstrated here is a limited edition competitively-priced MY24 Manta Ray ESCAPE, a tandem-axle, full-height 19ft couples van that delivers on ‘deal makers’ like an island bed, air-conditioning and full-width rear bathroom starting from under 80K.
New Roof Design
With geometrics sorted, New Age has since taken their well-earned motoring smarts to finesse the MY24 Manta Ray interiors and body–seen here on the ESCAPE. What’s really smart is the new domed single-piece composite roof connected to a unique alloy body top to improve water runoff in poor conditions.
New Age Caravans have always successfully created stylish minimalist interiors; inside the MY2
4 Manta Ray that tradition continues, with soft lighting above the bench tops and overhead lockers that open with European door hardware and close on soft-close hinges. Therestyled cafe-style dinette gets footrests that conceal storage. You’ll find wireless charging points within alcoves either side of the bed. Plus, the generous size separate shower, toilet and large mirror, basin and cabinetry at the rear.
Load Sharing Smarts
Well-balanced by design, the MY24 Manta Ray ESCAPE tows confidently on tarmac and well-groomed dirt using the AL-KO rocker roller six-leaf spring suspension. This uncomplicated system is hardy and has a very useful trick, load sharing capabilities for better traction and a lower centre of gravity. It’s all teamed with the BMPRO SwayControl and an extended a-frame promising easier reversing and towing.
Off-gridding capabilities include a 110L freshwater tank, 110L in grey water storage, a 200W solar panel, 100Ah battery storage controlled with the BMPRO BatteryPlus35-II-HA and Trek3 + display that wirelessly connects to your phone via the Odyssey Link connection.
Outdoors, I like the full-width tunnel boot, the grab handle with bug lighting and the cool drop-down table teamed with dish buckets that boost this space’s overall usability.
Final Word
Starting at under 80K for a limited time, the MY24 Manta Ray ESCAPE puts comfortable caravanning within easier reach for newbie nomads or families with swagging teens–especially when teamed with three years servicing, three years roadside assist and $500 free fuel on new MY24 Manta Ray orders till January 31, 2024. Why not check it out? 