Verdict
This new range has been specified for the British market, so not only are these motorhomes right-hand drive, but the gas locker is on the UK nearside, as is the habitation door, giving the Benimar a big advantage over other import brands.
In fact, the Practical Motorhome reviewers think that the Benimar Mileo 201 has a terrific specification for the price as well as an impressive finish – Marquis Motorhomes could have a real hit on its hands with this exciting import.
Pros
It represents great value for money
It’s less than 6m long and 3500kg in weight
There’s a handy and flexible garage
Cons
The toilet is in the shower tray in this compact washroom
Now here’s a name you may soon see more often on UK roads and campsites – Benimar. Marquis Motorhomes, Britain’s biggest dealer group, has signed an exclusive deal to bring a range of Spanish-built Mileo low-profiles into the UK.
Benimar is part of the mighty Trigano group, parent company of leading European brands like Chausson, Roller Team and Auto-Trail, and builds 3000 ’vans a year – from A-classes to van conversions – at its base in the Castellon region.
Marquis will initially import five Mileo models; each layout sports a fixed bed for comfort and convenience. Built to British specification with right-hand drive and the habitation door on the UK nearside, all models are under 3500kg, so they can be driven by anyone with an ordinary car licence.
We grabbed a sneak peek at the Mileo 201, which has a height-adjustable transverse rear bed over a spacious garage. It is crammed with kit and priced from £39,995 on the road.
We like this motorhome's simple step-up solution for accessing the fixed bed
Living
The lounge of the Benimar Mileo 201 is pretty cosy. Comfortable two-tone leather seating was fitted to our test ’van. It references the dark woods and light worktops and makes for a pleasant interior.
Kitchen
The Benimar Mileo 201’s generous kitchen specification includes two gas burners, a 90-litre fridge, a sink and a microwave oven.
Washroom
The midships washroom is compact but well laid out, with all the essentials. The shower has double drain holes and storage is good.
Beds
The transverse rear bed measures 2m x 1.4m. There are windows on both sides of the ’van, plus mirrors under the overhead lockers.
Storage
It’s always a bonus if you have a garage in your motorhome and this one is really flexible. When on site, lower the bed for ease of use. In transit, you can raise the bed height to give more headroom in the rear garage.
In the rear bedroom we like this motorhome’s simple step-up solution for accessing the fixed bed. It pulls out easily and is more comfortable to use than a ladder.
Technical Specifications
Payload | 596 kg |
MTPLM | 3500 kg |
Shipping Length | 5.99 m |
Width | 2.3 m |