2019 Caravan Design Awards

Again struggling to see the aim of these awards. Are they just about a 'pat on the back' for the manufacturers or are they a guide to C&MC members as to which caravans are actually best to buy?

As we have just recently bought a new Knaus Starclass 480, it's good to see that this excellent caravan has won the 'Two Berth' category for the second year running.  But we find the description for the justification for this win very superficial in this month's magazine.  There are many good reasons to buy this caravan that are not mentioned - not least that Insurance Premiums will be lower than for other caravans because the Knaus is apparently made to be more easily repairable.  It is superbly balanced to allow a very safe and stable tow.  It is very solidly built using quality materials and the workmanship in fitting appears to be superb.  And it has an excellent payload, again affecting safety.

But none of these important attributes are mentioned.  Instead the description focusses on internal fittings - useful yes, but crucial, no, imho.

This caravan is not perfect however. There are two niggling design issues for us, such as the bathroom sink, which looks great, but is not deep enough to actually use as your head presses against the mirrored cabinet. At the front there is nowhere to place a coffee cup, unless you have the optional chest of drawers fitted. But these minor 'niggles' are not mentioned either.

So can anyone clarify the aim of these design awards?  Good for manufacturers? Good for members?  Both? Neither?