HOLA EUROPE! Benimar Europe Top ST on Mercedes Sprinter
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107-116 live-in test 9/1/03 2:43 pm Page 1
LIVE-IN TEST REPORT
HOLA EUROPE!
Benimar Europe Top ST on Mercedes Sprinter
Fiat Ducato-based Benimars are becoming a familiar sight, but
Jonathan Lloyd is the first to get his hands on a Sprinter-based
version
Benimar motorcaravans are built in sunny Spain and imported by RDH.
RDH are not based on the Iberian Peninsula, but in sunny Beeston,
Nottingham. They have achieved healthy sales of the marque here in Blighty
and owners now have their own club (see Clubs for Motorcaravanners for
contact details).
Currently, RDH import four ranges of Benimar motorcaravans. The mid-
range Anthus, luxury Europe, and sophisticated Europe Top are all
conventional overcab models. A parallel range called Aereo has a low profile
overcab.
Until now, all Benimars imported to the UK have been Fiat Ducato-
based. Now, at the insistence of RDH, the Europe Top range is available on
the prestigious Mercedes Sprinter chassis cab.
Target market
It's a six-berth motorcaravan with six dedicated travel seats, so parties of
up to (I feel you are ahead of me on this) six can be accommodated. Four
would find it spacious, and two positively indulgent! My guess is that
prospective purchasers are likely to be experienced motorcaravanners Boys night out? Europe Top ST is equipped with belted seats for six.
looking for luxury, comfort, practicality, and value for money. A Mercedes
Europe Top is less likely to appeal to first-time buyers. I'm pretty sure that Prototype to production
it will be the long-time motorcaravanner with a penchant for long-term/long- This is the very first prototype right-hand drive Mercedes-based Benimar,
distance travel who will be beating a path to Beeston to look at this baby. and there are several important differences between this and the
These days, permanent end beds are de rigueur. However, a large specification of future production imports. Firstly, the 316 chassis will be
number of buyers are still unsure over committing such a large proportion standard, complete with its five-cylinder 2.7-litre turbo-diesel engine
of the interior space to such a feature. They might like an end bed area (instead of the 313's 2.2-litre four-cylinder lump). Also, production models
which can be left made up if necessary, but which can also turn back to will have a powered reversible ventilation fan over the rear lounge and
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seating if the need arises. The Europe Top ST is tailor-made for them. remote controlled electrically operated rear corner steadies.
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Merc motoring
What the Sprinter offers is rear-wheel drive (probably better for exiting
muddy campsites), and a softer ride than either the Fiat or Fiat with Al-Ko
combination. Further, there are the options of either the six-speed
Sprintshift transmission (electronically shifted manual gearbox) or the
recently reintroduced traditional automatic gearbox using a torque
converter (my preferred choice).
So, the 2.2-litre power unit will struggle a bit hauling this rolling palace
about? Wrong! In fact, very wrong. This common-rail motor produces a
healthy 129 'horses' and cantered like a thoroughbred. Motorway cruising
at 70mph was achieved with the engine spinning at around 2800 rpm.
Mercedes claim 300Nm worth of heave (torque) anywhere within the 1600-
2400 rpm power band. It all adds up to a very tractable motor.
Power delivery was smooth and progressive with reduced turbo lag -
thanks to the latest variable nozzle turbine (VNT) and electronic engine
management (using integrated CAN-bus networking technology). For the
benefit of non-pointy-heads, the effect should be that the engine monitors
itself all the time, adjusting for maximum efficiency and minimum exhaust
pollutants.
So it was faultless? Not quite, but close. The fascia-mounted gearshift
was slick, the steering via the shirt-button-sized steering wheel was precise, Driving environment of the Sprinter. Standard equipment includes electric windows/mirrors,
CD/radio and cab air-conditioning.
the amount of power assistance seemed well-judged, and the brakes (discs
all round) were powerful, progressive and fade-free. Subjective it may be, but it's still worth noting that we felt the Mercedes
The speedometer was confusingly annotated at 40, 60, 80mph. Surely to be well engineered. No comparative tests of panel thickness were carried
30, 50, 70 would be better for Blighty-bound imports? out, but the cab doors did shut with a satisfying ‘thunk’ rather than a tinny
Also, it was disappointing to discover that the excellent ISRI seats fitted ‘twang’.
to this particular model were not adjustable for height. I've driven loads of Drivers will need category C1 on their licence to take charge of a vehicle
Sprinters (and alter-ego VW LTs) and am pretty sure all of the drivers' seats of this weight.
were adjustable for height. Perhaps it was an anomaly of this prototype.
At first glance, the rear overhang looked to be more than 60 per cent of Cook's tour - exterior
the wheelbase length, but in fact it is well within this margin. Despite the fact that the design of their coachbuilt body is unexceptional,
Road manners were impeccable. The handling of any Sprinter-based Benimars are quite easily recognised. The rather boxy coachwork is
motorcaravan is unlikely ever to be as pin-sharp as a Fiat/Al-Ko effectively disguised by clever modern graphics. Grey skirts and bumpers
combination, so don't expect it to be. My partner and I much prefer the ride suggest integration.
offered by the Merc's more compliant suspension. Construction methods include using a GRP-clad bonded sandwich
Capacious (heated) boot can be accessed from gas-assisted side doors, or from the top Exterior panels hide 230V hook-up, 12V/230V/TV aerial socket, external gas supply, and
of the seat boxes. Spare wheel was awkward to retrieve but will stay clean in here. shower.
Tool kit lives in compartment under cab passenger's
footwell. General view forward shows kitchen and entrance door on nearside.
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LIVE-IN TEST REPORT
construction for the walls, crowned by a one-piece GRP roof. Skirts are Cook's tour – interior
made from ABS plastic, which can be brittle but should be relatively Benimar has placed the Pullman-type dinette forward on the offside, with
inexpensive to replace. wardrobe, fridge/freezer and microwave opposite. Amidships is the
The nearside is home to the entrance door. I'll just run that by you again excellent nearside kitchen with washroom opposite. Finally, a U-shaped
- the nearside is home to the entrance door. By special agreement between lounge occupies the (raised floor) rear section.
RDH and Benimar, UK ‘vans have the caravan door on the 'correct' side.
Many importers of supposed top-of-the range ‘super’ motorhomes can't First impressions
achieve this. I first stepped aboard this actual ‘van at the Northern Motorcaravan Show,
Also on the nearside are the large vents/access panels for the and thought, 'this is classy'. It was love at first sight (should that be site?)
fridge/freezer (top marks here), and a cluster of doors that hide the exterior for the dark blue upholstery fabric. Though subsequently it was discovered
shower, gas barbecue point, 12V/230V and TV aerial outlets, and access to be a devil to photograph! Management (Flora) thought the Alder-style
to the cavernous rear boot. The offside is home to another large access cabinetwork to be rich in colour and well made. A full live-in test confirmed
door to the boot, and all the other services. our favourable first impressions.
A substantial roof rack and ladder completes this section of the tour. If dark blue is not for you - choose something else! The swatches
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Details matter; this mirror in a frame shaped as the letter 'B' (for Benimar) appealed.
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Looking rearwards – forward dinette, washroom is opposite kitchen, and at the far rear is a U-shaped seating area.
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My partner loved the rich Alder-style cabinetwork. See also halogen downlighters, and Forward lounge or diner? The choice is yours. Table slides from side to side to aid access
corner of Remis electrically operated rooflight. and egress but has no dedicated storage.
confirmed that RDH offers a wide range of fabric patterns and colours.
Meanwhile, fit and finish of the cabinetwork seemed well above the industry
norm.
Lounging
Swivelling cab seats increased the choice of lounging areas to three. We
chose to use the rear U-shaped seating as the lounge, as the design is ideal
for feet-up sprawling. Windows on three sides made the area light and airy,
and I found them particularly useful for panoramic nosing! (And these are
Rear lounge or diner? Once again the choice is yours. Great billet for nosing!
the latest 'one-touch' windows. All the catches on a particular window are
linked by a bar, so there is no need to operate each catch individually.)
In the evenings we both read avidly and enjoy listening to the radio,
rather than watching the goggle box. The Benimar provided bright (but
glare-free) artificial light, and the reproduction of speech and classical
music from the four-speaker CD/radio was marvellous - really clear and
true.
Televisual adherents have a dedicated cupboard with slide-out plinth
Close up of high-level kitchen storage. There are no dedicated crockery or glass for the haunted fish tank (an omni-directional aerial and amplifier is included
cupboards. in the price). More on that cupboard later!
MMM correspondent loses last remaining brain cell in Chef's delight. Top equipment plus plenty of varied ...the two-door AES (Automatic Energy Selection)
clash with TV cabinet! storage. In the background of this shot is... fridge/freezer with a 230V microwave above.
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It was originally thought that a week away on the Lincolnshire coast in a steel-framed backrest nor a metal anti-submarine frame and/or braces
the late autumn would be a good proving ground for the central heating on the squabs.
system. Only it wasn't. It was so uncharacteristically mild that the space
heating was never required. However, I have used similar Alde 'wet' central Read all about it!
heating systems in temperatures of minus 13 degrees Celsius, and can Shock horror. ‘Calorifically challenged (porky) MMM correspondent loses
confirm that (providing they have been installed correctly) they are very last remaining brain cell in clash with TV cabinet. Editor describes his
good. brainless condition as satisfactory.’ Seriously though, it did hurt!
Instead of using blown-air outlets to distribute the warmth, 'wet' systems
rely on a network of pipes and radiators. This should make it easier to Catering and eating
balance the system, and so help to prevent steep temperature gradients 'The way to your partner's heart is through their stomach.' True words
inside the ‘van. In deep winter, our own coachbuilt motorcaravan is rather indeed - and probably attributed to a Benimar Europe Top ST owner.
bracing in the uninsulated cab area, whilst the kitchen (at the back) is always Because these Benimars are big in the kitchen department -no scrappy little
over warm. Usually, it is thought that motorcaravans fitted with 'wet' heating two-burner hob without a grill or oven here.
systems don't suffer from this phenomenon to anything like the same Nope, chef has the full Monty: a slot-in domestic-style cooker with three
extent. And, while I remember, Alde systems do not have to be drained fast burners and one simmer-stat burner, an efficient grill, and a gas-fired
down in the winter. oven capable of taking a fair sized casserole. The impatient have a powerful
My partner feels that the air is less dry when heated by 'wet' systems 1200W mains-powered microwave, and those challenged at the retail
rather than via blown warm air. (It's always unwise of me to disagree about environment/client interface (those who loathe shopping) could squirrel
anything.) Personally, I combat any decrease in humidity in our own ‘van away enough food for a long trip in the capacious two-door fridge/freezer.
with a glass of 'liquid sunshine' taken internally at regular intervals. And there's more. A large stainless steel sink with natty joystick-style tap
The forward lounge and cab seats will hold four comfortably, six if some and double-sided chopping/preparation board; sufficient worktop; and an
are racing snakes. Residents can experience the outside via a large embarrassment of riches in the cupboard and locker stakes (slide-out
panoramic rooflight. Standard specification includes a Heki over the front storage trays, a ginormous saucepan store - in addition to the one under the
lounge, but this prototype had been fitted with an extra-cost option of an cooker, drawers, lockers, and open shelves with fiddle rails).
electrically-operated Remis equivalent. It's a bit smaller than the Heki, but Particularly appreciated was the amount of natural light and ventilation
many will find the electrical operation (controlled by a remotely mounted from the adjacent opening window, and artificial from downlighters and the
rocker switch) is so much easier than stretching up and/or wobbling about fan-driven extraction system. There is no dedicated crockery cupboard, but
on the toolbox/step/beer crate/obstructive adolescent. as most of the plastic inserts used only hold four of everything, their
Speaking of adolescents, this layout is appropriate for families as there usefulness would have been limited in a six-berth ‘van.
are two distinct daytime areas. This allows different activities for different The slot-in cooker worked brilliantly on site, but by jingo was it noisy on
age groups to be undertaken without folks getting under one another's feet. the road. 'Cacophonous' I've noted on my test sheet. Even the usual
Even emotionally scarred veterans of family holiday squabbles should enjoy deployment of tea towels and lumps of foam failed to effectively dampen
motorcaravanning in this ‘van. the percussion accompaniment. Come on Spinflo, this is an excellent unit
The brochure claims that all rear travel seats are built to exceed current on site, but it does need further development before it is suitable for use in
European legislation. We all found them comfortable. The two face-forward motorhomes.
seats have three-point belts; the two rearward-facing seats have lap belts. The waste bin (previously under the worktop) has morphed into a
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All seats benefit from head restraints, but I was concerned that none have general-purpose utility store and migrated to the inside of the entrance door.
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Forward dinette converts into a wide single bed, or a double if the extensions are used. Rear bed can be left made up. I wished for a fill-in board to take care of the gap.
All mod cons for the overcab bed occupants. What you cannot see is the fact that this Overcab bed is of a slatted design and came with a full-height safety net.
area is heated, that there is an opening rooflight above, and a window at t'other end.
We tended to keep the forward seating area for dining, and the rear area possible to effectively isolate it from the rest of the interior. Even doing this
as a lounge, although both are pleasant places for consuming meals. The still left the dinette and the two cab seats for relaxing and dining. If more
hefty rear table can be slid from side to side to ease access and egress. lounge was required, or if we were away for shorter periods, the permanent
We thought it better for three diners than four - though as an elbows-out bed could be quickly returned to a rear U-shaped seating area again. The
eater, I am renowned for taking up more than my fair share of space. best of both worlds? Well, we thought so!
Theoretically, the free-standing rear table could have been used outside The dinette bed make up proved challenging for me, as I couldn't see
when dining alfresco, but in practice we found it heavy and cumbersome. how to stop the cushions on the extension from falling through. It transpires
If this ‘van were ours, I think I'd put some free-standing legs on the much that there was a supporting rod clipped to the back of the wardrobe door.
lighter forward dinette table, and use that outside. It was during this head-scratching when I would have appreciated a
handbook for the conversion (and for the base vehicle). Both were absent.
Sleeping That said, it was incredibly dim of me not to realise what the rod was for. A
Advertised as a six-berth, this ‘van does have six proper adult-sized 'senior moment' I'm afraid!
sleeping berths! However, there is no option for a single bed anywhere if Overcab beds and yours truly are not particularly compatible, but I was
there are six occupants, so somnolent sharers will have to be compatible! more comfortable in this one than in most I've tried. There was a reasonable
The forward dinette bed can be made as a wide single, but then, of course, amount of headroom, a brace of shelves and reading lights, a rooflight and
there will only be five available sleeping berths. a window. This area is heated, so occupants are pampered. The ladder was
The rear double was massive, really comfortable and was separated rather unkind to my bare feet though (sensitive soles supporting my
from the rest of the ‘van by a dividing curtain. I would have liked a fill-in considerable bulk?).
board as the dropped table isn't as deep as the aisle it has to fill. When away
for a long time we would have left this bed made up, especially as it was Washroom
Well it was all there, as anyone glancing in from the outside through the clear
glazed window would have been able to tell you! Six people's toiletries can
easily be stowed in either the high-level cupboard with trendy tambour door,
or in the undersink one.
There are two distinct areas in the washroom, and the swivel-bowl
electric-flush loo sits on the dividing line. Nearest the door is the washing
area with a vanity sink and monobloc mixer tap, above which is a massive
mirror. The adjacent window and halogen downlighters provided plenty of
light for the precision application of make-up, and for accident-free shaving.
We both liked the fact that there was plenty of dumping surface around the
basin, and also a clever moulded soap tray that actually anchored the soap
when motoring - many don't!
The second area is the separate walk-in shower. It was roomy enough,
and once again had plenty of places to rest the bottle of shower gel or
shampoo. This time there are open shelves with fiddle rails.
The showerhead was mounted on a riser rail, so adjustment of the
shower spray angle and height could be undertaken with military precision.
The separate monobloc mixer tap was easy to use. Unfortunately, the
shower curtain was missing on this test ‘van, so it wasn't possible to judge
whether it was clingy or not!
Amidships washroom has two distinct areas. An electric-flush swivel-bowl loo sits over Particularly worthy of mention were the soft-feel non-slip floor mats,
the division. which were safe and kind to the feet.
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Some of the sealant on the wall-to-ceiling joints had been haphazardly shoe cupboard adjacent to the entrance door. My partner found reaching
applied (but I hope this will be corrected by RDH when they undertake the the contents of some of the high-level cupboards a bit of a stretch, but at
PDI). What RDH will not be able to address very easily is the very high 1.60m (5ft 3in) tall, she may well now be considered to be of below average
washroom door threshold. Fine for us at the moment, but not so clever for height.
those with reduced mobility. We loved the mixture of conventional cupboards, drawers, slide-out
What else? Well there was an opening window and rooflight, and a large baskets, high-level lockers (some with tambour doors), and open shelves
vent that will supply hot air in winter. with fiddle rails. The large rear boot is heated and will hold loads of clobber,
a couple of folding bikes, or whatever.
Storage Do take care removing the very heavy spare wheel from its central
The Lloyd dynasty all agreed that there was plenty of general storage. position in the boot. It had to be up-ended before it could be lifted over the
Overall it was more than sufficient for six occupants. However, six jackets restraints, and this was quite a struggle. I'd store it to one side, I think. The
would have filled the wardrobe, and we would have liked to have seen a hydraulic jack and tool kit can be found under an access flap in the
Typical Mercedes thoughtfulness. The warning triangle and emergency light is behind the …and a first aid kit is behind the driver's door panel.
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nearside cab door lower trim panel…
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Electrically operated release valve on waste water tank should mean an end to grovelling
about underneath at emptying time.
passenger’s cab footwell. The supplied wrench failed to undo the wheel (thankfully) not the mozzies. Other gizmos include an awning light, solar
fixings - the handle was not long enough to gain sufficient mechanical panel and charge management system, exterior barbecue point, exterior
advantage as a lever to overcome the tight wheel nuts. Do carry a decent hot and cold shower, and exterior 12V, 230V, and TV aerial sockets. On
'spider'. Even the popular wrench with an extending handle is unlikely to the water front, you will come to appreciate that the waste water tank
be of much help, due to the fact that the rear wheels are set quite inboard is insulated, heated and has an electrically operated discharge valve. No
of the bodywork. more grubbing about underneath for the mud-encrusted manual
Mercedes’ new Sprinter fascia is now not so new, but it is still bang up- version.
to-date - and offered lots of storage for all those motoring essentials. In fact, listing all the standard features would take forever, so best just
The gas cylinder locker is on the nearside. It was very well executed, to describe the equipment level as comprehensive. Finally in this section,
sealed from the interior, vented to the exterior, and with cylinder restraints. there is something that Benimar has resolutely refused to supply lots of -
It will hold two 13kg propane cylinders, or similar. keys! There is just one key for everything Benimar. Recently, a coachbuilt
motorcaravan on test was found to require nine keys (all similar in
Gizmos and gadgets appearance) for the conversion. Some locker doors had two locks, each
All Benimar Europe Tops have a list of standard fixtures and fittings that with a different key! If Benimar can manage to solve the problem, why can't
would add thousands to the price of many competitors' products. others?
(Assuming that the other manufacturers would be willing to fit them. I know
from bitter experience that a lot will not.) Motorcaravanning for all
On the motoring front, all Mercedes-based models arrive with cab air- Motorcaravans are the vehicle and residence of choice for many physically
conditioning, a rear passenger heater matrix, a four-speaker CD/radio with disabled travellers. Benimar offers a factory-fitted wide entrance door and
remote control, electric windows and mirrors, and central locking. access aids, and Mercedes will offer automatic transmission. RDH can
On the residential front, a flyscreen door lets the fresh air in, but advise on VAT exemption and the best layout.
The rather boxy coachwork is effectively disguised by clever modern graphics.
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I liked: Location of light switches
Base vehicle (with option of One key for everything Benimar SPECIFICATION
auto transmission) The vehicle
Comprehensive specification I would have liked: Base vehicle & engine type: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313 CDI long
Beautifully-finished cabinetwork Handbook for base vehicle and wheelbase chassis cab. Four-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled diesel
and deep blue upholstery conversion (not supplied with engine with common-rail direct-injection and exhaust gas catalytic
fabric (choice of fabrics test vehicle) converter, mounted longitudinally
(Note: All future official imports through RDH will be built on the Sprinter
offered) Trimmed cab seat boxes 316 chassis cab fitted with the 2.7-litre five-cylinder common-rail turbo-
Option of factory-fitted Cab seats adjustable for diesel engine. Italicised figures in brackets refer to 2.7-litre engine.)
wheelchair-friendly wide squab height Output: 95kW (129bhp) at 3800 rpm
entrance door In-fill board for rear bed (115kW [156 bhp] @ 3800rpm)
Entrance door on 'correct' Quieter cooker (on the road) Max torque: 300Nm (221 lb/ft) at 1600- 2400 rpm
side for UK (330Nm [243 lb/ft] at 1400-2000 rpm)
To take a hatchet to that Compression ratio: 19:1
Exterior points for gas barbecue, TV cupboard! Gearbox & drive: Five-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox driving the
shower, 12V, 230V and TV rear wheels, fascia-mounted gear lever
Locking cupboard doors I disliked: Brakes: Servo-assisted dual-circuit hydraulic operation, discs all round
Two-door fridge/freezer with No metal frame to backrest or (ventilated at front), floating callipers, hand-operated parking brake
large exterior access panels seat squab in rear travel seats operates on separate rear drums
Large slide-out saucepan store Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion, 3.33 turns lock-to-lock, 385mm
Not having a fire extinguisher, (15in) diameter soft-feel steering wheel with two-button centre-boss horn
Big waste tank with electrically fire blanket, and smoke alarm push
operated waste valve fitted as standard Suspension: Front - Fully independent McPherson struts with transverse
leaf springs, shock absorbers, and anti-roll stabiliser. Rear - Parabolic leaf
Hasta la vista springs, shock absorbers, and anti-roll stabiliser
Often in split-lounge motorcaravan interiors, either the washroom or the Tyres fitted: Michelin X (XCA) 7-ply 225/70 R15C
kitchen (or both) is compromised. Neither was a loser in Benimar's Spare wheel position: In rear compartment
interpretation of the genre. We thought this to be an example of intelligent Fuel tank capacity/type of fuel: 75 litres (16.5 gallons), diesel
Instruments: Speedometer, odometer, trip, engine rpm, engine coolant
interior design. temperature, fuel level, digital clock, digital outside temperature
So here we have a grand base vehicle, luxurious and practical Warning lamps: In instrument nacelle: ABS/ASR, ignition on/no charge,
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conversion, and (in my opinion) good value for money. Bueno Benimar!
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low engine oil pressure/low engine oil level, handbrake applied, excessive four speakers; external shower; external barbecue point; insulated and
pad wear/low brake fluid, engine pre-heaters on, direction indicators, low heated waste water tank; solar panel; TV aerial and amplifier; external
windscreen washer fluid level, rear fog lamp on, main headlamp beam 230V/12V/TV aerial point; cutlery drawer; TV cupboard with extending
selected. In switch: hazard flashers, air recirculation option selected, plinth
central locking on cab doors unlocked. Caravan step extended
Windscreen wiper controls: Stalk on right-hand side of steering wheel. Dimensions
Down for intermittent wipe, up for slow/fast wipe. Press button on end of (* denotes figure supplied by base vehicle manufacturer or converter)
stalk for electric screenwash plus three wipes. Overall length: 7.30m (23ft 11.5in)*
Immobiliser/alarm: Transponder engine immobiliser. No alarm Overall width (excl mirrors): 2.25m (7ft 4.5in)
Other features: Multi-vent fan-assisted heating and ventilation system with Overall width (incl mirrors): 2.61m (8ft 7in)
air recirculation option; glovebox with moulded cup holders on the Overall height: 2.95m (9ft 8in)*
underside of lid; moulded door bins; dash cubbyholes; pen holder; note Length of wheelbase: 4.025m (13ft 2.5in)
clip; slide-out mini-shelf with ashtray and canned drink holder; cigar lighter; Length of rear overhang: 2.23m (7ft 4in) - 55.4 per cent of wheelbase
remote adjustment for headlamp beam height; electrically-operated Turning circle (kerb to kerb): 13.3m (43ft 8in)*
external mirror adjustment; electric cab windows; key-operated central Driver’s max leg length: 1.10m (3ft 7in)
locking; dashboard security switch to double lock cab doors; cab seats Step-up height to caravan: 250mm then 270mm then 190 mm (10in then
trimmed to match the caravan with two adjustable armrests each; 10.5in then 7.5in)
passenger seat swivel; Mercedes first aid kit and warning triangles in Door aperture: 1850mm x 500mm (6ft 1in x 1ft 8in), door catch keep
dedicated cab door compartments; auxiliary engine-powered rear intrudes
passenger heater; cab air-conditioning Interior length from dash: 5.85m (19ft 2in)
Interior length behind cab: 4.94m (16ft 2.5in)
Performance & economy Interior width at waist height: 2.15m (7ft 1in)
Achieved 30 - 50 mph acceleration time: 9.8 seconds (3rd gear) Interior height: 2.30m/1.83m (7ft 6.5in/6ft 0in)
Fuel consumption during test: 12.5 litres/100km (22.7mpg) Work surface height: 970mm (3ft 2in)
Tabletop dimensions: Forward: 780mm x 620mm (2ft 7in x 2ft 0.5in) plus
The caravan radiused edging. Rear: 740mm x 625mm (2ft 5in x 2ft 0.5in) plus radiused
Body type & construction: Overcab coachbuilt. GRP clad sandwich edging
sidewalls, one-piece GRP roof, ABS skirts
Insulation: 32mm polyfoam in walls, ply/closed-cell foam/ply sandwich Bed dimensions:
floor (1) Overcab
Conversion NCC approved: No mattress length: 1.93m (6ft 4in)
Warranty: Mercedes-Benz three years, Benimar two years, extendable via mattress width: 1.34m (4ft 5in)
an insurance-based scheme mattress depth: 70mm (3in)
Number of keys required: One Benimar, one Mercedes available headroom: 490mm/675mm (1ft 7in/2ft 2.5in)
Windows & doors: One-piece entrance door on nearside with flyscreen
inner door. Seitz tinted double-glazed acrylic top-hung windows with (2) Dinette
'one-touch' locks mattress length: 1.97m (6ft 5in)
Additional ventilation: Three Omnistor wind-up roof vents, Remis mattress width: 1.18m (3ft 10.5in)
electrically operated panoramic rooflight mattress depth: 125mm (5in) average
Blinds/curtains: All opening windows have cassette blinds and flyscreens.
Lounge and dining area windows have linen voile privacy curtains plus (3) Rear lounge
unlined drapes with matching tiebacks. All rooflights have flyscreens and mattress length: 2.04m (6ft 8in)
night blinds mattress width: 1.26m (4ft 1.5in)
230V AC system: Hook-up. Two British 13A unswitched sockets, external mattress depth: 130mm (5in)
Continental socket. Consumer unit with RCD and two MCBs, and feeds to
central heating boiler, fridge/freezer and leisure battery charger Shower compartment: 1480mm W x 910mm D (4ft 10in x 3ft 0in)
12V DC system: Leisure battery, MCBs plus fuses for individual circuits, Wardrobe: 495mm D x 730mm W x 1550mm H average (1ft 7.5in D x
alternator charging of leisure battery, solar panel with charge management 2ft 5n W x 5ft 1in H average), drop from rail 1270mm (4ft 2in)
unit, control panel with digital readouts, two unswitched sockets Gas locker: 675mm W x 710mm H x 330mm D (2ft 2.5in W x 2ft 4in H x
Capacity of caravan battery: 90 amp hr 1ft 1in D)
Lighting: Main salon: nine 10W halogen downlighters, two 11W fluorescent Gas locker door aperture: 400mm W x 565mm H (1ft 4in W x 1ft 10in H)
units. Kitchen: four 10W halogen downlighters. Shower room: two 10W Max authorised weight: 3850kg* (3850kg or 4200kg with Sprinter 316
downlighters. Entrance: interior downlighter and exterior awning light chassis, depending on options selected)
Cooking facilities: Smev stainless steel domestic-style cooker - with four- Unladen mass: 3035kg*
burner hob, grill, oven and saucepan store. All gas-fired cooking facilities Load capacity: 815kg*
have flame-failure devices and electronic ignition. 230V 1200W microwave
oven Price (all prices include VAT)
Extractor fan/cooker hood: Twin intake single-speed fan Standard model: £43 800 on the road including Sprinter 316 chassis
Refrigerator: Dometic (Electrolux) RM6505 Automatic Energy Selection upgrade and five-cylinder 156bhp engine
gas/12V/230V two-door fridge/freezer. Capacity: 135 litres As tested: £44 035 (based on Sprinter 316; Sprinter 313 as tested will not
Sink & drainer: Stainless steel sink, joystick monobloc mixer tap. be imported)
No draining surface On the road charges: All RDH motorhome prices are quoted including
Water system: Pumped hot and cold water to kitchen sink, shower room vehicle registration fee, 12 months Road Fund Licence, delivery costs,
vanity sink, internal shower, and external shower approved dealer PDI, residential equipment check by Benimar and CORGI
Central heating: Alde 3000 compact boiler feeding a 'wet' central heating trained engineers, number plates, gas regulator, and personal
system providing space heating via radiators, plus stored hot water demonstration
Fresh water tank: Internally located under rearward-facing forward dinette
seat. Capacity: 125 litres (27.5 gallons) Optional extras (*denotes item fitted to test vehicle)
Fresh water level gauge: Digital read-out as a percentage on control Base vehicle options: Six-speed Sprintshift auto-manual gearbox (£1705),
panel. Flashes when level is low front fog lamps (£228), wheel trims (£176), towbar (£467)
Caravan options: 4-metre awning (£540), rear view camera (£846),
Waste water tank: Mounted externally underfloor between axles on
generator (£2700), upgrade to Remis rooflight (£235)*, air-conditioning
nearside. Capacity: 100 litres (22 gallons)
(£1250), fire extinguisher (£25), additional leisure battery (£72), Van Bitz
Waste water level gauge: Digital percentage read-out on control panel
security system (from £525), ‘Comfort pack’ of removable carpets, Warranty
Gas locker: Located forward on nearside. Exterior-access, sealed from
Holdings Five-Star third and fourth year warranty, 'his and hers' Isotex
interior, vented to exterior, moulded lining with cylinder restraints. Capacity:
jackets, and fire extinguisher (£999)
Two 13 kg propane cylinders or similar
Shower compartment: Located amidships on offside. Features include
vanity basin with monobloc mixer tap, moulded cupboards, towel hooks,
toilet tissue roll holder, shelves with fiddle rails. Separate walk-in shower
compartment with monobloc mixer tap, showerhead on riser rail, and
curtain. Moulded mats. Opening (clear glazed) window, rooflight. Blown-air
heating outlet. Large mirror
Seating: Four-seater Pullman dinette forward on offside, rear U-shaped
lounge, two swivel cab seats
Table(s)/storage: One free-standing at rear with dedicated anchoring slots
in bed boxes. One wall-mounted dinette table without dedicated storage
Berths: Six. Three double beds - overcab, converted dinette, and
converted rear lounge
Rear restraints: Two three-point forward-facing, two lap belts rearward-
facing Benimar Europe Top ST kindly supplied for evaluation by:
Wardrobe: Located forward on nearside RDH Motorhomes, 2 Castle View, Lilac Grove, Beeston,
Flooring: Vinyl floor covering Nottingham NG9 1PF (tel: 0870 758 5050; fax: 0870 758 3030;
Additional features: Electric auto-retract step; electric corner steadies with e-mail: sales@rdh.co.uk; web site: www.rdh.co.uk)
remote control; flyscreen door; electric valve on waste tank; CD/radio with E&OE
116 FEBRUARY 2003 MOTORCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTHLYYou can also read
