BENIMAR BENIVAN 161

An impressive washroom and fixed single beds are among the many plus points in this smart two-berth, says Peter Baber

- Peter Baber

Benimar’s new Benivan 161 van conversion is the same length as the 144 that we reviewed in issue 283. Both come in at 5.99m long, to make them easier to park.

But while the 144 has a transverse double, the 161 manages to squeeze in two fixed single beds, as well as some intriguing storage options. Does it work? We went to find out at Marquis Leisure’s Lancashire depot.

The cab is standard Ducato, with drinks holders in the middle. Our model came with Fiat’s fairly new nine-speed automatic gearbox.

Coming in at the sliding door, you have to step up to the front lounge, with its two travel seats. There is no sunroof, but you don’t really notice, thanks to the Heki in the roof and the large windows. The window surround above the clip-on table is padded, to add another touch of comfort.

A striplight across the entrance to the cab, an LED in the ceiling and an individually switched striplight under the overhead locker offer extra lighting at night. There is a mains, 12V and TV socket to the left of the locker.

A TV above the bench could easily be seen by both people in the cab seats, but there are no USBs nearby.

The first indication of compromise to fit two single beds lengthways in the back comes in the side kitchen. It only has a one-burner hob, inline with the small sink. But you do get an unusually large amount of workspace, which is well lit with a striplight.