SPANISH BRAND BENIMAR’S low-profiles, overcabs and van conversions (the latter produced under the Benivan name) are manufacturers at its factory at Peniscola, on the Mediterranean coast.
In the UK, these are sold exclusively by Marquis Leisure, England’s largest motorhome dealer network, with 13 branches across the country.
These coachbuilt motorhomes are split into three categories, mostly low-profiles. The Fiat-based Mileo range, all low-profile, consists of seven models – there are two two-berths and five four-berths, all of which feature a drop-down bed. All Mileos come with a 160bhp engine.
The Tessoro line-up of four-berth low-profiles comprises eight models, including the 413, which provides bunk beds at the back, two models featuring large rear wardrobes, plus the 483, 486 and 487, and to complete the range, one end-kitchen layout, the 481.
The more keenly priced Primero, meanwhile, is based on a Fiat Ducato (140bhp) and very much geared towards families on tour, with three overcab models, including the six-berth 311, and two four-berths – the 331, which has a French bed and a corner washroom at the rear, and the 301, with a transverse bed. There is also the low-profile 202, which features an end kitchen.
All four models in the line-up have the additional advantage of being just 5.9m long, meaning that customers should have no difficulty parking them.
The two-model Benivan van conversion range, meanwhile, is ideal for couples. The 120 is based on the long-wheelbase Fiat Ducato and comes in at 5.99m, while the 122, which is based on the extra-long-wheelbase Fiat, provides an additional 40cm, to give occupants the option of leaving the rear lounge as two single beds when turning in for the night, rather than making up the double bed.
Benimar: A quick history
Peniscola, with its famous castle, midway between Barcelona and Valencia on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, is probably best known as a place some lucky motorcaravanners might choose to spend the winter months to get away from cold Blighty. But it also happens to be where Benimar is based.
The company was founded in 1979, although serial production did not begin until 1986. By 2002, it was a market leader in Spain and big enough to be snapped up by the Trigano Group (which is a parent company of Auto-Sleepers and Marquis Leisure).
Benimar vehicles are now sold in 25 countries worldwide, and the company produces 4000 models a year. In the UK, the brand is sold exclusively by Marquis Leisure.
Click the links to find out more about the new Primero, Tessoro, Benivan and Mileo
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The two-model Benivan van conversion range, is ideal for couples