New layouts and keen prices for these ’vans from Marquis
BENIMAR is a Spanish motorhome brand. Its campervan range, called Benivan, was previously built by Auto-Trail in Grimsby. However, the latest models, unveiled by sole importer, Marquis Leisure, last October come from a Trigano factory in Italy. In fact, all these companies are part of the huge Trigano empire.
Benivan production had fizzled out as Auto-Trail, faced with supply issues from Fiat, struggled to meet demand for its own campervans. But this isn’t just a change of manufacturing site for the Benivan range; gone are are the UK-style rear lounge layouts, replaced by continental-type fixed bed floorplans. Two models now feature; the 144 (seen here) and the longer 161 with lengthways sleeping. In common with many imported campers, they have their sliding door on the offside, despite right-hand drive – it keeps production simpler and few buyers seem to really care.
So, the new Benivans go into a crowded marketplace of very similar products, although their nationwide presence through Marquis will give them an advantage over some rivals. So, too, will keen pricing – the 144 starts at £56,995. But you’ll still want to compare it with other entry-level campers of this ilk from Carado, Dreamer, Etrusco, Joa Camp, Rimor and Sunlight.
The base vehicle here is, of course, the six-metre Fiat Ducato. As standard, it comes with the 140hp engine, six-speed manual gearbox and Expedition White paint. If you want an automatic, the colour switches to Campovolo Grey, the engine remains the same, and the cost rises by a hefty £4,000.
Either way, you get 16in black alloy wheels, a colour-coded front bumper, front fog/cornering lights, stop/start, ESP with Traction Plus and hill descent control, cab seats with twin armrests and Bluetooth/radio controls on the steering wheel. The stereo itself is not included and neither is a spare wheel.
Externally, the Benivan also gets some simple black graphics, a solar panel on the roof, an electric step (and a flyscreen) at the side door and the cheaper, caravan-style windows that sit proud of the bodywork.
Inside, it’s the oft seen floorplan of half-dinette lounge and rear transverse double bed. The most noticeable difference here (apart from the dark wood cabinetwork) is that there’s a full-height walk-through into the cab, rather than the overcab shelf, but, at this price point, you don’t get a Skyview window. There is, however, a large push-up Heki rooflight over the table, which
