Walking up to a row of new Sahara models—their various murals splashing vibrant colors through a wash of gold and white coaches—was like visiting an old friend. I reviewed the Sahara last year, and was anxious to see just how it had changed for the 2004 model year.
I already knew it looked good on paper; I had previewed the ’04 Sahara in the April/May issue of Safari Adventures and it was obviously headed for good things. Just how good, though, wasn’t apparent until I set foot inside for an in-depth review.
In the April/May sneak peek, I didn’t mention all the details. Sure, I mentioned the 2004 Sahara would receive gel coat fiberglass sidewalls instead of laminated aluminum, a new Burlwood dash, optional Sirius Satellite radio with subscription, a built-in clothes hamper and flexible cockpit map lights, but I didn’t tell you that the entire front cap of the Sahara has been redesigned. It features a new windshield plus stylish headlamps and fog lights. I didn’t mention that power heated remote exterior mirrors have moved from option to standard. Other outside additions include new side docking lights and new baggage doors with single handle latches.
I also didn’t tell you that there is an all-new quad-slide floorplan available, or just how many great new details there are. For example, all cabinetry and slideout fascia has woven cane insets, you may know that, but you probably don’t know that even the new brass hardware is detailed to mirror that theme. Even the drawer knobs are etched in the pattern.
“The solid-surface countertops also got a makeover for 2004 and the color coordinated counter trim adds another layer of aesthetic charm.”
Before we move on I have to rave a bit more about the cabinetry. It’s some of the most unique woodwork I’ve seen in a motorcoach, and the new wood options are fantastic. Alder is still the standard wood choice, but the Regal Cherry and Natural Maple options blew me away. With many coaches trending toward darker woods in recent years, the nearly white maple cabinets were a refreshing and eye-pleasing change.
The solid-surface countertops also got a makeover for 2004 and the color coordinated counter trim adds another layer of aesthetic charm. The new details are also functional, like the improved stain protection on the carpet and soil repellant on virtually all upholstery fabric.
The Sahara underwent major changes last year, with a new RR4R Series Chassis, a paint overhaul and several new floorplans, so you wouldn’t think they could do much more to this coach – but they did.
Again, there is very little carry-over in the floorplans – none are exact replicas of the 2003 offerings. There are six to choose from this year, including three 40-foot triple slides and an all-new 38-foot quad slide. What a difference an extra slide makes in the bedroom, it is truly a room that can accommodate two people at all times. Getting to walk through the different floorplans one after another provided a unique opportunity to see just how much variety is available. From side entry to front entry, enclosed toilet and shower rooms or separate, and choices between counter sizes in the galley, the ’04 Sahara should be able to conform to the widest variety of preferences. Especially considering how many furniture options there are (at last count it was 15). One of my favorite functional elements this year is the large and sturdy computer table and recliner addition to the living room. I was sorry to see the bar/cabinet feature go, it was one of my floorplan highlights last year, but with more kitchen space now available, I don’t think it will be missed too much.
“Floorplan isn’t the only area of change, however. There are scores of new details scattered inside and out.”
Floorplan isn’t the only area of change, however. There are scores of new details scattered inside and out. Starting outside, there are new aluminum wheels (easier to clean, lightweight and more chip resistant), dual air horns, and the wet bay has been redesigned with optional automatic water hose and power cord reels for easier hookups, plus a separate sewer hose storage compartment.
Step inside the Sahara and you’ll actually be standing on a unique new detail: flip-up entry step storage that’s a great place to store tools, muddy shoes or first aid kits. In the cockpit, the dash has been upgraded from carbon fiber to sleek Burlwood and nearly all the switches can be found on the left within easy reach. It’s nice to have the seatbelts integrated into the cockpit seats, allowing those seated in the front to swivel without unbuckling, and the flexible map lights make navigation just that much easier. Overall, I’d give the cockpit area very high marks.
In most of the Sahara floorplans the kitchen seems bigger this year, and that added space is complemented with nice touches like a slide-out wire pantry, a tip-out tray under the sink and a drawer organizer.
In last year’s review, there were only two small areas where I felt the Sahara could be improved: the amount of room for towel storage in the bathroom and the available counter space on each side of the bed. Both areas have seen significant upgrades for 2004; the bedside counters are not much bigger, but there are now two cabinets built into the nightstands on each side. And in every floorplan there is a vast amount of storage space in the bathroom – plenty of towel room for both owners and guests. Speaking of the bathroom, the triple mirror medicine cabinet adds a lot of class and all the space you need for those various bottles and bags that seem to multiply overnight.
“On the whole, as coach owners demand more luxury and utility at lower price points, I’d say the new Sahara is absolutely making the necessary steps in that direction – evolving into a very different coach from year to year.”
My only criticism of the 2004 model is that the kitchen countertop extensions have been deleted. I was enthusiastic last year about the extensions in the Sahara, they were some of the largest I had seen in any coach but they didn’t make it through the redesign. With expanded counter space in most floorplans, their absence will probably go unnoticed by the majority, but I’ve always been fan so I missed them.
As far as the entertainment system goes, it is just about the only aspect of the Sahara that has remained largely the same. There is still a 25-inch television in the living area, a 19-inch television in the bedroom, a VCR (DVD option) digital satellite prep (full system optional) and a dash CD player (10-disc unit option). The dash radio has changed a bit, it’s more user friendly and is compatible with the new Sirius Satellite Radio System, which hooks you up to coast-to-coast radio for a monthly subscription.
On the whole, as coach owners demand more luxury and utility at lower price points, I’d say the new Sahara is absolutely making the necessary steps in that direction – evolving into a very different coach from year to year. Having followed it for some time now, in fact, I think this motorcoach will be the natural selection for a great many customers looking for high luxury at a good value. |
