The end-kitchen Benimar Primero 202 dropped out of the budget-oriented Primero range for a while, but it’s back for 2025. Not surprising, really, when you consider how many other manufacturers are jumping on the ‘end kitchen with drop-down bed’ bandwagon these days.

But Benimar is on to something, because in its new format, the Fiat Ducato-based 202 impressed the Practical Motorhome judges enough for it to be highly commended in our ‘Best motorhome for families’ category this year.

I think the 202 certainly looks proficient as you approach it. There’s a locker by the door where you can stash boots before entering, and I was pleased to see the water inlet and the toilet cassette on the offside, away from any awning.

The locker by the door
Stash your boots in the handy locker by the door before entering the ’van

But it’s when you step inside that you begin to see why this ’van should appeal so much to families.

The lounge in the Benimar Primero 202

The front lounge, with swivelled cab seats, L-shaped dinette with two travel seats and a huge side sofa, all centred on a large square table, is enormous. I reckon you could quite possibly seat nine here.

Thanks to the mostly off-white upholstery, I found it felt wonderfully airy, even with the drop-down bed above, especially when you consider that with a length of 5.95m, it’s a fairly small motorhome. The big, openable sunroof and large windows also help here.

The lounge of the Primero 202
Off-white upholstery helps to make the spacious lounge feel bright and airy

The pedestal table slides out of the way when not needed, leaving a clear passageway through to the captain’s seats in the standard Ducato cab.

The Ducato cab
Standard Fiat Ducato cab, with captain’s chairs that swivel to form the lounge

There is a mains socket, a USB and a USB-C in the bulkhead immediately behind the driver – just about within reach of the travel seats on a journey. The TV sockets are on the panel behind the travel seats, but there is plenty of space for a party of four to spread out around the lounge and watch the best 12V smart TV for a motorhome together.

The kitchen in the Benimar Primero 202

The kitchen runs from the habitation door right to the back of the ’van on the nearside, with masses of worktop, even if most of it is tucked away in the corner beyond the circular sink.

The kitchen
Generous workspace in the kitchen, but no microwave fitted as standard

Also in the kitchen you’ll find a combined oven and grill, a three-burner dual-fuel hob, and the same fridge with separate freezer that you see in many Benimars. There’s no microwave as standard, but because there are no fewer than three mains sockets near the workspace, it should be possible to take one with you, or even to fit one in an overhead locker.

The washroom in the Benimar Primero 202

The washroom opposite is, if anything, even more impressive. Although there is a step up to it, the enormous shower cubicle comes with two drain holes, a large shelf and a clothes-drying rail.

There’s a circular handbasin in front of a large window that lets in loads of light, and you still get a rooflight as well. Two mug holders and a towel rail complete the set-up.

Sleeping in the Benimar Primero 202

I found the lower bed was easy to make up. You just lower the table electronically (you have to lift the cushions a little), then fold over a flap from the side seat. Only one infill cushion, stored in the garage, is needed to make a big double.

The double bed in the lounge
Generous double is made up by lowering the table and folding down the side seat

The drop-down bed lowers easily and doesn’t really obscure the door. Accessed via a ladder, it gets a reading light, but no separate storage space.

Storage in the Primero 202

A conventional family-oriented ’van would have a large garage at the back, but due to its end kitchen motorhome layout, the 202 doesn’t provide this. Halfway down the offside, there is an externally accessible cupboard with hanging space – somewhere you could stash a folding bike. It comes with lighting, and 12V and mains sockets, too.

Given the drop-down bed, there is not a lot of opportunity for more storage in the lounge, but the designers have still managed to include a large area under the side settee.

Kitchen storage is very generous, with three overhead lockers and some open shelving above. There’s a large locker, with more open space over it, above the fridge. In the main base
unit, you have two large drawers and a locker under the oven.

Kitchen storage
Overhead lockers and open shelving offer ample storage in the kitchen

The washroom includes a double cupboard behind the mirror, and a smaller cupboard under the basin.

Alternatives to consider

The Elnagh Baron 560 offers a superb washroom and a good sleeping setup – for a supposed entry-level motorhome, the Peugeot Boxer-based ‘van looks good. Alternatively, there is the Benimar Tessoro 840 comes on the Ford Transit and is a three-berth that could suit couples, coming with a bright and airy lounge, an impressive washroom and a good garage.

Technical specification

  • Price: £68,995
  • Sleeps: 4
  • Belts: 4
  • Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
  • Engine: 2.2-litre, 140bhp turbodiesel with six-speed manual as standard
  • Length/width/height: 5.95/2.30/2.89m (19’5”/7’5”/9’5”)
  • MTPLM: 3500kg
  • MiRO: 2879kg 
  • Payload: 621kg
  • Water (fresh/waste): 100/105 litres
  • Leisure battery: 100Ah
  • Gas: 2 x 6kg
  • Web: marquisleisure.co.uk

After buying your ‘van you’ll be all set to head to your chosen campsites – make sure you know how to level a motorhome to ensure you enjoy a flat pitch.

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