103-111 live-in benimar

11/6/01

10:48 AM

Page 1

LIVE-IN TEST REPORT

TOP OF THE CLASS

Benimar Europe Top ST on Fiat Ducato Maxi 2.8JTD

Peter Vaughan selected a Benimar Europe Top, the Spanish

companys flagship model, for his annual pilgrimage to the
Dsseldorf Caravan Salon

New for 2002

All Europes, including the Top, have had a mild facelift for 2002. The update
replaces the slightly angular, stepped roof of the test vehicle with a curved
luton that sweeps back into a gradually drooping roofline. To my eyes, the
new one looks better, but the change is purely cosmetic, so our test vehicle
is identical in terms of living accommodation.
Like other Europes (and indeed, the smaller Anthus range), the Top is
MOTORCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTHLY

available with overcab bed, or a low-profile shape that, ironically, makes

no difference to the overall height. The Aereo low-profile version looks the
same for 2002 as in the previous year and may offer slight advantages in
terms of economy at speed.
Also new for 2002 is a choice of layouts for the Top. The original ST floor
plan (as tested) follows the ever-popular theme of a front dinette, centre
kitchen and bathroom, and a rear U-shaped lounge. New options this year
are a fixed bed in place of the rear lounge (STC) or a high-level fixed bed
over a garage (STX). The C-L and X-L layouts are more distant relatives with
an L-shaped settee up front and fixed single beds on either side at the rear
(again in high or low-level format).

On top, and underneath

At over 7m in length, the Europe Top is a substantial motorhome. Grey skirts
and bold graphics reduce the impression of height and create a modern
overall appearance, but it is in the detailing that the Top begins to impress
- before you even step on board.
Along the right-hand side youll find an external gas point (for your
barbecue) and a cassette toilet-style hatch reveals an outside shower (ideal
for a hose down after a day on the beach). The gas locker, just behind the
cab, is large enough to house two 13kg propane cylinders.
At the rear is the ladder for the roof rack, though the first rung is rather
high (perhaps to discourage youthful explorers, because there is no other
security provided). How often you will use the rooftop storage facility is
open to question in view of the garage-style storage below the rear dinette.
The rear lounge has a raised floor, and top-hinged exterior doors on
either side of the Top allow access to areas below the rear seating and under

If big is beautiful, then this is the best that Benimar can offer. Introduced
for the 2001 model year, the Europe Top is an extension of the existing
Europe range. It gains 0.35m (13.8in) in length, made possible by use of
Fiats relatively new, extra long wheelbase Ducato chassis cab. And therein
lies a slight snag for UK buyers, for the Spanish company is only able to
purchase this version from Fiat in left-hand drive form.
That explains the left-hooker status of this demonstrator from UK sole
importers, RDH of Nottingham. LHD was actually quite a plus on this test,
as we were headed for Europes number one motorhome show at
Dsseldorf. But RDH are also now able to offer the Top with the steering
wheel on the proper side. Benimar simply stretch the standard long
wheelbase Ducato to take the larger body. This results in a hefty premium
of 2400 for those who insist on right-hand drive, but you do get the layout
adjusted to suit with the caravan door on the left. The Top is the only
Benimar in which you pay extra for RHD.
The Europe 6000 is firmly established as Benimars best seller in the UK,
but the Top offers more equipment as well as extra living space. Youll have
to find an extra 2400 for the bigger van, but the LHD version is still under
40 000, so Benimars reputation for value-for-money will remain intact.

DECEMBER 2001 103

103-111 live-in benimar

11/6/01

10:49 AM

Page 2

PILOTE PACIFIC 62 ON FIAT 2.8JTD

Gas locker holds two 13kg cylinders, step is electric, flyscreen door is standard, and
waste bin is convenient on inside of door.

On the right-hand side of the van is the external shower (hot and cold), as well as the gas
barbecue point. Mains hook-up point can also be seen here.

Large top-hinged doors feature on both sides of the van at the rear. Raised rear lounge
floor allows storage across the full width of the vehicle.

Rooftop view shows the roof rack rails, three roof vents, Heki 2 sunroof and, above the
luton, the solar panel that automatically tops up the auxiliary battery.

this false floor. The hatches themselves measure a generous 0.95m by

0.59m (37in by 23in), while the stowage space is lined with very heavy-duty
carpet. Of course, the area stretches across the full width of the vehicle and
a maximum height of 0.68m (26.5in) allowed easy stowage of a Di Blasi
folding bicycle below the rear section of seating. Under the central floor area
storage height is limited to 0.34m (13in), but this is still ideal for long slim
items such as windbreaks. This hugely practical storage area is also heated,
but not illuminated (lighting in here is an option).
The left-hand wall has fewer features of note, though it is home to the
toilet servicing hatch and the lockable fresh water filler. A look underneath
shows that the spare wheel is disappointingly inaccessible, being in a cradle
positioned 1.25m (more than 4ft) from the tail end of the body. Whilst looking
under the rear, youll also spot the twin corner steadies. These work by
remote control, saving you the usual backbreaking duties with a winding
handle (though one is provided for manual winding, should the electrics fail).
Unfortunately, that was exactly the case with the left-hand steady, so we
were not able to enjoy the convenience of the automatic raising of the
steadies as soon as the ignition key is turned. A warning light on the

dashboard extinguishes as soon as the steadies and the caravan step have
retracted.
Lovers of gadgets will also applaud the waste water emptying. This is
achieved via a large diameter pipe under the body, about halfway along the
left flank. However, Europe Top owners can sit back and watch while their
campsite contemporaries fiddle underneath and struggle to release grimecovered taps. The Benimar has a switch on its control panel to electrically
open the waste valve, once you are parked over a suitable drain. The speed
with which the tank empties should ensure that nothing remains behind to
cause unpleasant smells.
Being a left-hooker, this example had its caravan door on the right. The
one-piece door has an electric external step, as well as an internal step, so
alighting is easy. A flyscreen door is standard, and the waste bin is also
conveniently sited on the inside of the door. A light switch just inside
illuminates the doorway, and theres an awning light above the door. Less
impressive was the drenching received when using the caravan door after
heavy rain and the annoying metallic dripping noise of rainwater falling onto
the external step. (When youre half-asleep, you dont think of retracting
the step.) The new roofline for 2002 models should solve this problem, as
the shape will stop water collecting on the roof.
Unusually, amongst European motorhome manufacturers, Benimar offer
the option of a wide caravan door to suit disabled customers.

Cab accoutrements

The test vehicle was a left-hooker, but RHD is available, albeit at a premium. CD player,
electric windows, cab central locking and map holder (alongside drivers seat) are all
standard.
104

DECEMBER 2001

As you would doubtless predict with a large European motorhome, the base
vehicle for the Europe Top is a Fiat Ducato Maxi with the 2.8JTD commonrail turbo-diesel engine. Standard specification includes electric cab
windows and central door locking, though regrettably the latter does not
include the caravan door. Electric heated door mirrors are also now
standard, although they were not fitted to the test vehicle.
A more unusual standard feature is that of cab air-conditioning. On the
home market, this is sure to be considered essential and any British owner
intending to head south for some summer sun will welcome it. Prior to
heading to Germany we enjoyed an August Bank Holiday heatwave in Le
Touquet and, as temperatures reached 37 degrees Celsius, driving was
made tolerable only by use of the air-con and the fan on speed two (of four).
The Ducato cab will, of course, be more than familiar to most MMM
readers, but Benimar do (like most converters) add their own details. The
front seats are re-trimmed to match the caravan upholstery, though
unusually only the top surfaces are cloth. This treatment looks both
practical and aesthetically appealing.
MOTORCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTHLY

103-111 live-in benimar

11/6/01

10:51 AM

Page 3

LIVE-IN TEST REPORT

Europe in Europe
The Benimar demonstrator arrived with a little over 700 miles on the clock,
to which we would add almost another 1200. A few days of testing and
photography in northern France were followed by the motorway dash to
Dsseldorf and then our return to the UK using Norfolk Lines Dover to
Dunkirk service. The majority of the test motoring was, therefore, by
motorway, but some French secondary roads and a return route through
London enabled us to sample all types of driving.
Powered by the latest common-rail turbo-diesel engine, the Top seemed
to lack the top end performance of other (admittedly lower and smaller)
JTD-engined motorhomes that we have tried. The Benimar would cruise at
65-75mph on the level, dropping back to 60mph (still usually in fifth) on the
hills. RDH report that their Benimar hire vehicles with 10 000 or more
recorded miles offer greatly improved performance and economy over
newer and tighter examples. This one will, hopefully, loosen up as time goes
on, but the big luton and larger body will never allow it to be the quickest
Fiat-based motorhome.
Nevertheless, the Top climbed hills easily, thanks to the huge reserves of
torque afforded by this power unit. The vehicle never seemed underpowered. It also handled well, with that very long wheelbase endowing an
extra level of stability. Initially, we felt that the rear suspension seemed
excessively hard and, as a result, the tail end seemed less surefooted. A
simple adjustment of the rear air bags (reducing the pressure to 2.4 bar from
over 3) solved the problem. The adjustable air cushions are another addition
MOTORCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTHLY

by Benimar (standard for all Europe models) and should be set at between
2 and 4 bar, according to the load on board. Increased pressure is achieved
by using any garage airline. A pressure gauge is fitted on the base of the
drivers seat, clearly visible on opening the cab door.
With the suspension suitably adjusted, the big Benimar was pleasant to
drive and handled crosswinds and twisty roads in commendable fashion for
its size. The large door mirrors and big rear window gave good visibility for
this type of motorhome, though acute junctions need caution due to the
position of the wardrobe just behind the cab.
A lot of motorway miles with a very new vehicle is never a recipe for
frugality, and headwinds further helped oil company profits. Nevertheless,
we were disappointed to calculate an overall miles per gallon figure of below
twenty. Our Europe 6000 test vehicle last year averaged 25.3mpg with the
previous 2.8idTD engine, and the JTD should be able to better that.
At least the JTD did seem more refined at cruising speed than its
predecessor did and we were pleased to note relatively few conversion
noises from the Tops body and fittings, once the grill pan and oven shelf
had been stowed away. Unfortunately, our enjoyment of the excellent
Kenwood stereo was spoilt by a different source of din, the infamous Fiat
cab doors. Now this is by no means the first Fiat we have tested to suffer
from wind noise around the tops of the cab doors, but on the drivers side
the noise was excessive. Apparently, the hinges can be adjusted to improve
the situation and RDH booked our test vehicle into their local Fiat dealer
for the very first day after our test.
This was not the only problem with the base vehicle. Selection of first
and reverse was awkward and became steadily worse. The higher gears
all selected smoothly and reminded us of how pleasant the Ducato gearshift
usually is. After our test, RDH sent the Top to their local dealer and we are
assured that simply adjusting the clutch solved the problem.

Space for six

For many years this twin-lounge area design was referred to in the trade as
the Kon-Tiki 640 layout, after the model that made it so successful. Buyers
continue to flock to this type of floor plan, despite fashions for garages and
fixed beds offering newer and trendier alternatives. The Kon-Tiki range, of
course, still includes such a design and every major British coachbuilt
manufacturer markets a rival. Continental versions of the design are fewer
in number, but this layout has always been a significant seller for the
Spanish marque. The popular Europe 6000 ST is still available, but the

The original flooring is covered by a removable, charcoal grey carpet

complete with heel pads and orange Benimar logos. The cab roof is cutaway for an easy walk through to the rear and this LHD cab comes with a
useful map/magazine rack alongside the drivers seat. In common with all
the most recent editions of the Ducato, the dials have a blue background
and the glovebox now has a lock. You still dont get a passenger door
pocket, but a rev counter is standard and Benimar fit a quality stereo. The
Kenwood unit comes with four speakers (including two in the rear lounge),
a CD player and RDS radio, and a remote control so that you can turn the
radio on and off from your bed!
The drivers seat is the multi-adjustable type with height and tilt variation
for the squab. Both front seats are slightly limited in their adjustment by the
furniture situated immediately behind, but only very tall motorcaravanners
are likely to find it difficult to obtain a comfortable seating position.

DECEMBER 2001 105

103-111 live-in benimar

11/6/01

10:52 AM

Page 4

PILOTE PACIFIC 62 ON FIAT 2.8JTD

General view looking forwards. By not placing wardrobe and bathroom opposite each other, the Top avoids the corridor
feel of some two lounge layouts.

The kitchen - all closed up. Domestic-style cooker is an

addition for the UK market.

And looking rearwards. Fridge and microwave are forward of the caravan door, the rest of the kitchen is to the rear of
the door. Extra length of Top creates a spacious, family-friendly van.

Kitchen has three small drawers, huge floor-level drawer

for pots and pans, and two slide-out vegetable baskets.

additional space in the Top has allowed the inclusion of a separate shower
within the bathroom area and a 135-litre fridge/freezer in the kitchen.
The Europe Top ST is a large motorhome that seems especially well
suited to families, with berths and belted seats for six. Its two seating areas
on site allow adults and offspring to have their own space, while the kitchen
and bathroom areas are far more generous than in some rival designs. The
only downside of the Top is that rear lounge is not long enough to offer day
beds or single beds.
Continuing Benimars refreshing theme of customer choice, the Top is
offered with a selection of different fabrics. We loved the plain terracotta
seat trim, which was warm and refreshingly different. The curtains and wall
panelling may appeal to some more conservative buyers. We thought the
mix of ancient and modern was an odd one. As we said, though, the choice
is yours.
On the floor, again you can make your own decisions. The vinyl floor is
the ultimate for practicality, but a three-section removable carpet is
provided. We would probably remove the kitchen section (where spillages
are most likely), but wed also like the carpets to locate with press-studs.
The kitchen carpet was curling up at the edge presenting a trip hazard. RDH
tell us that press-studs for the carpet are optional (no cost), but this is the
first time they have had a problem with the carpets curling up.

Travelling
Many so-called six-berth motorhomes require the fifth and sixth sleeper to
travel unbelted, or perhaps to travel separately. This is not the case with
the Top. Both the forward and rearward-facing dinette seats have
substantial steel frames and head restraints. The forward-facing seat is
106

DECEMBER 2001

equipped with two lap and diagonal restraints, while the rear-facing seat has
a pair of lap belts. We were also pleased to note the design of the upper
seatbelt mountings on the front-facing seat. These lacked the intrusive
upright support in the centre, which can be a hazard to heads in an impact.

Lounging and dining

The forward lounge consists of a conventional dinette with a table mounted
on a wall rail and supported by a single leg. Its a comfortable place for two
to dine and four could eat here without a squeeze. Theres no storage
provided for the table, but it could be placed in the luton if the overcab bed
was pulled back into position. We were never inclined to remove the table,
finding it convenient to have it always ready.
The table in the rear lounge is less than ideal. Of the heavy free-standing
type beloved of German motorhome companies, it is cumbersome to move
and cannot easily be stored elsewhere. For travelling, its feet are pushed
through slots in the seat bases, so that it cannot slide around and do
damage, but we then found it required a hefty tug to pull it back into the
central position.
The rear table is very sturdy and ideal for dining or scrabble playing, but
its just too bulky. We would like a small coffee table back here and
removable slats or panels to act as the infill for the bed. Bed slats are usually
supplied as standard (though they were missing from the test vehicle), so
that owners can leave the table at home if they prefer.
Parked one evening on the Cap Gris Nez near Calais, lounging at the rear
of the van, we enjoyed spectacular views of the Channel and its busy
shipping routes as the sun went down. Its at times like this that you
remember why rear U-shaped lounges have always been so popular. There
MOTORCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTHLY

103-111 live-in benimar

11/6/01

10:53 AM

Page 5

Four rear travel seats, all with head restraints, steel frames, and belts. Rear-facing seats
have lap belts, forward-facing pair have three-point inertia reel restraints.

The front dinette with wall rail-mounted table, for which no alternative stowage is
provided. Net curtains are a typically Continental touch.

The table in the rear lounge locates in its travel position by sliding the long feet through
holes in the seat bases.

The rear lounge is the more inviting area, but the heavy and bulky table does get in the
way. Wed leave it at home and use the alternative slats for bed-making.

was room for the two of us to put our feet up and relax in the rear lounge,
while music played softly from the speakers above. Motorcaravan testing
has its benefits...

cooking repertoire, a 12V microwave. Grill, oven and microwave - that really
is covering every eventuality! And an extractor fan is fitted as standard too.
Below the microwave is the king of motorhome fridges. With 135 litres of
capacity, a separate freezer compartment, and AES automatic selection of
12V, 230V or gas power, the RM4505 from Electrolux is not only the cooks
dream, it is also so easy to use.
By not including a draining board, Benimar have retained some usable
worktop in the kitchen, a wise choice of priorities in our view. However, the
stainless steel sink does have an inset chopping board, which can be used
as a small drainer. The kitchen also includes three drawers (one with
generous cutlery holder), two slide-out vegetable baskets, and a huge floorlevel drawer that is ideal for pots and pans.

Top class kitchen

Few European manufacturers go to this much effort to appease British
tastes. Only in UK versions of the Europe Top will you find this Smev full
cooker with four burners, grill, oven and push-button ignition. Its stainless
steel finish looks less ostentatious than the richly-coloured cookers
favoured by some, and its only fault was that the pan cupboard below
sometimes sprang open while travelling.
On the other side of the caravan door is the other aspect of the Tops

High-level lockers over the kitchen are ideal for crockery but have no holders for this role. Central open-fronted area is
of limited use.
MOTORCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTHLY

Forward of the caravan door is the 135-litre fridge/freezer

with the microwave above. Forward of that is the wardrobe.

LIVE-IN TEST REPORT

DECEMBER 2001 107

103-111 live-in benimar

11/6/01

10:54 AM

Page 6

PILOTE PACIFIC 62 ON FIAT 2.8JTD

TV cupboard over rear lounge on the right-hand side of

van includes slide-out turntable (TV is not included).

Front dinette bed is flat and fairly quick to make. Ladder to overcab can still be used with lower bed erected.

Stylish curved expanse of high-level cupboards over the front dinette has halogen
downlighters built into the unit.

Overcab bed has slatted base like the downstairs beds.

Up above are two shelved high-level lockers with roller shutter-style

doors. These were home to all our crockery, though no fittings were
provided to secure it. Some non-slip matting did the trick instead. In
between these two lockers is a pair of open-fronted shelves, but these are
of limited use as the contents could easily become projectiles.

The dinette makes into another double in time-honoured tradition. The

table fills the gap between the two (slatted base) dinette seats and sturdy
supports extend the width of the bed, simply pulling out from the seat
bases. Two infill cushions with hard backs provide the extra width and all
fit tightly together, virtually emanating any ridges between the six cushions.
At the rear the table simply folds to half its usual height to support the
centre of the bed. The backrest cushions from either side then simply slot
in on top of the table. A home has to be found for corner cushions (in the
cab, probably, or the luton if no-one is sleeping up top). The rear bed is the
longest and was our preferred choice, having sampled all three over our
twelve-night test period. Whilst at the show we even left the bed in situ for
several days, such is the flexibility of this layout. Being out working all day,
it was nice to return to an instant bed.
Blinds and flyscreens are fitted throughout the Europe Top, with floor
length curtains around the cab. Unlined curtains and net curtains are
provided in both lounge areas and the rear and overcab beds both have
privacy curtains.
Lighting is more than adequate, with a generous mix of fluorescent
ceiling lamps and halogen spotlights. The kitchen has halogen lamps at high
and low level and both lounge areas have halogen lights set into wood
panels that overhang the front of the high-level lockers - very stylish. What
is lacking is any directionally adjustable lighting for those who want to read
after dark without disturbing others in the vehicle.

More storage
The wardrobe is forward of the fridge and has a generous hanging length on
its side-to-side rail. Below is a small cupboard that we found ideal for shoes.
The heating system includes hot water pipes in the wardrobe, a feature that
will be more than welcome in winter to air your clothes.
The front dinette houses the fresh water tank in its rear-facing seat
base and the boiler in the forward-facing one, but that still leaves some
space alongside the hot water tank. Above the dinette we thought the
curved panel of five locker doors (opening onto three separate cupboards)
was especially stylish and very much in keeping with the Tops flagship
status.
There are more high-level cupboards over the rear lounge, again some
with and some without shelves. A TV cupboard with turntable and roller
shutter door is also provided, though its location does rather limit the
number of viewers who can comfortably view Eastenders or Emmerdale.
Bedding, we found, was most conveniently stored in the luton, though
wed have liked to be able to use the security net when the bed was in the
stowed position.

At the double
The ST layout provides six berths in three double beds. Quickest to make
(and widest) is the overcab bed, which has its own heating, lighting, window
and vent. Simply pull back the slatted base and the two mattress sections
drop into place. Headroom is adequate for this type of bed and we liked
the moulded panel for reading material at the head of the bed. The ladder
clips to the inside of the bathroom door when not required - a brilliant idea.
108

DECEMBER 2001

Bathroom
Twin lounge motorhomes so often fall down badly in this area. Even some
best-sellers have had bathrooms the size of a reasonable wardrobe. This
is not so with the Top. Here is a washroom that is both practical and roomy.
A fixed corner basin sits alongside a large wall mirror with an opening
window adjacent. High and low-level cupboards provide plenty of storage
and the plastic mat on the floor is eminently sensible. The toilet is the
ubiquitous swivel-bowl Thetford cassette with electric flush, while the roof
MOTORCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTHLY

103-111 live-in benimar

11/6/01

10:55 AM

Page 7

LIVE-IN TEST REPORT

One end of the overcab bed has this moulded unit with shelves and lighting, the other end
has an opening window.

Our favourite of the three double beds was the one at the rear, which we sometimes left
in situ.

Control panel includes external temperature and an

indication of charge from solar panel. Primus heater
control (on the right) is easy to use.

A really spacious and well-planned bathroom, though

an extra drain hole is needed in the area below the
washbasin.
Overcab bed ladder clips to the inside of washroom
door - great idea!

More standard kit

By now youll have been impressed by the Europe Tops extensive level
of standard equipment. The best bit, however, we have saved until last.
And that is the heating system. The Primus Aquaflex heater is a wet
central heating system with piping and radiators passing hot water right
around the vehicle - just like a domestic central heating system. For 2002
models it has been replaced by an Alde equivalent system, but the
principle is the same. To add this to smaller Europe models would add
over 1000 to the price, while rivals rarely offer anything but blown-air
systems. This, let me assure you from past experience, is very much a
superior heating system.
The wet central heating does not dry out the air and cause stuffiness,
often the complaints with blown-air systems. Instead it simply creates a
thoroughly warm interior, just like being at home. Radiators are everywhere,
even in the luton and under the rear bed, and the system provides hot water
too. It can operate from gas or mains electricity (the latter with 1, 2 or 3kW
output) and also includes a heat exchanger. Hot water is provided
automatically after a short journey, using heat from the engine, and this
source can also keep the living area warm while you travel. Furthermore, if
you camp in extremely cold conditions, the gas heating can be used to
warm the engine compartment for easier starting.
If you intend to camp all year, whatever the weather, and especially if you
plan to undertake winter sports, this is the only heating system to have.
MOTORCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTHLY

Other features not already mentioned include the Heki 2 sunroof over the
front lounge and the solar panel mounted on the luton. The solar panel
provides automatic charging of the auxiliary battery (this is monitored by the
control panel). Youll be surprised to note that even on apparently cloudy
days a little charge is being delivered at times.
The control panel, above the caravan door, also features fresh and waste
water levels, and external temperature and battery condition indicators. And
finally, on the standard kit list youll note the omni-directional TV aerial.
Although the equipment list is extensive, to say the least, you can still
personalise your Europe Top. An additional fresh water tank or second
auxiliary battery might appeal to adventurous, off-the-beaten-track types,
while the usual add-ons like bike racks, awnings, and roof air-conditioning
are all available, as are Fiat options such as anti-lock brakes and drivers
airbag. Wed go for a safe and exterior locker lighting, but a towbar or
motorbike rack might be top of the shopping list for others.
Optional extras will, naturally, eat into your payload, but unless you camp
with six burly adults on board, you should consider the allowance of over
800kg to be generous.
Fit and finish throughout the Top seemed good, though the vehicle had
picked up one or two minor imperfections from its duties on the show
circuit. Still, the furniture all looked of above average quality. The kitchen
drawers didnt line up perfectly and there were some tiny air bubbles in the
veneer finish on one of the dinette seat bases, but now we are getting really
picky. Inside and out, the Benimar will stand comparison with rivals from
Europe and the UK. We were also pleased to note that RDH listened to our
criticisms of the test vehicle and were keen to rectify these or refer the
comments to the manufacturer, as appropriate. Also, unlike some imports,
the Benimar comes with a comprehensive and easy-to-follow English
language owners manual.

Conclusions
It looks good, it has a popular and proven layout and it has more standard
equipment than any rival does. Much of what you get in the Europe Top isnt

vent is fitted with a two-way fan. The bathroom is, of course, heated.
The separate shower is more than adequate in size - and the curtain, in
place of folding doors, is but a minor hardship. Water temperature settings
are not lost when the shower is turned off and, after showering, the water
should drain away easily from the shower tray via two diagonally-opposite
drain holes of large diameter. The only snag is that some water inevitably
gets displaced into the area to the other side of the loo. A ridge separates
this section of floor and there is no drain here, so water cannot escape and
has to be mopped up by hand.

DECEMBER 2001 109

103-111 live-in benimar

11/6/01

10:56 AM

Page 8

PILOTE PACIFIC 62 ON FIAT 2.8JTD

even offered as an option in equivalent motorhomes. The electric steadies
SPECIFICATION
and waste valve, the exterior shower and gas point, the four- speaker stereo

I liked:
Choice of overcab bed or low
profile
Option of high or low fixed bed at
rear
Exterior gas point and shower
Huge storage area under rear
dinette with doors both sides
Remote control corner steadies
Electric waste water valve
Electric step
Flyscreen door
Waste bin on inside of caravan
door
High specification cab
Cab air-conditioning
Removable carpets for cab and
caravan areas
Map holder next to drivers seat

110

DECEMBER 2001

Kenwood four-speaker radio/CD

with remote control
Adjustable air cushion
suspension at rear
Excellent on-road stability
Six belted travel seats
Modern terracotta seat trim
Flexibility of layout - with two
seating areas
Four burners, grill, oven and
microwave
135-litre AES fridge/freezer
Selection of kitchen drawers for
convenient storage
Stylish lockers over front
dinette
Choice of three double beds
Moulded storage area at head of
overcab bed

The vehicle
Base vehicle & engine type: Fiat Ducato 18 Maxi extra long wheelbase
chassis cab with 2.8-litre direct-injection common-rail turbocharged and
intercooled four-cylinder diesel engine
Output: 94kW (127 bhp) @ 3600 rpm
Max torque: 300Nm (221 lb ft) @ 1800 rpm
Compression ratio: 18:1
Gearbox & drive: Five-speed manual gearbox, gearshift on dashboard,
front-wheel drive
Brakes: Dual-circuit, direct-acting servo assistance, load-sensitive

Spacious bathroom with

separate shower
Wet central heating system
Solar panel
Easy-to-follow owners manual
Value for money (especially in
LHD form)
I would have liked:
Illumination of exterior locker area
(optional)
Passenger door pocket (optional)
Better fuel economy
Press studs to locate carpets (no
cost option)
To be able to use overcab
security net with bed in stored
position (standard on 2002
models)

Directionally adjustable reading

lights
Drain hole in bathroom floor
section by toilet
I disliked
High additional cost of RHD
(see text)
Inaccessible spare wheel
Rain water draining off the roof
right over the caravan door
(new roof shape should
prevent this on 2002
models)
Wind noise around cab doors
Dated curtain material
(other designs available)
Awkward and cumbersome
rear table

MOTORCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTHLY

with remote control, the air cushion suspension, and the microwave are all
bonuses. Then the central heating system really marks out the Europe Top
as something special. If it was the wrong side of
45 000 you might think twice about the price, but as a left-hooker it
has a drive-away price, all inclusive, of under 39 000. Youll pay for the
privilege of right-hand drive, but even that doesnt stop the Top being the
tops for value.
Our thanks to Norfolk Line for arranging Channel crossings from Dover
to Dunkirk and back. For reservations call 0870 870 1020. Web site:
www.norfolkline.com

103-111 live-in benimar

11/6/01

10:57 AM

Page 9

LIVE-IN TEST REPORT

proportioning valve on rear circuit, front self-adjusting discs, rear selfadjusting drums
Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion, 3.65 turns lock to lock
Suspension: Front - independent MacPherson struts, offset coil springs,
telescopic hydraulic dampers, and anti-roll bar. Rear - tubular rigid axle,
leaf springs and telescopic dampers with adjustable air cushions
Tyres fitted: 215/75 R16 (Michelin XC Camping)
Spare wheel position: In underfloor cradle, towards rear of vehicle
Fuel tank capacity/type of fuel: 80 litres (17.6 gallons), diesel
Instruments: Fuel level, coolant temperature, speedometer with trip
mileage recorder, rev counter, digital clock
Warning lamps: Headlamp main beam, side lights/dipped beam, hazard
warning lights, indicators, handbrake/brake fluid level/brake pad wear,
battery charge, oil pressure, coolant temperature, blocked air filter, water in
fuel, low fuel level, step to caravan door extended/rear corner steadies down
Windscreen wiper controls: Two speeds plus intermittent and flick wash,
stalk control operation
Immobiliser/alarm: Electronic engine immobiliser automatically activated
by ignition key; alarm not fitted
Other features: In-cab headlamp angle adjustment; lockable glovebox with
pen and cup holders on inside of lid; cab seats with top surfaces retrimmed to match living area; single non-adjustable armrests; removable
cab carpet with heel pads; Kenwood radio/CD player with removable fascia
panel, remote control and four speakers; electric front windows; central
locking of cab doors; cab air-conditioning; cut-away cab roof; door pocket
on drivers side

Performance & economy

Achieved 30 - 50mph acceleration time: 10.7 seconds (3rd gear)
Fuel consumption during test: Best 21.1mpg, worst 18.9mpg, overall
19.5mpg (four fill-ups over recorded test distance of 956 miles)

The caravan
Body type & construction: Bonded sandwich construction body with GRP
exterior panels and one-piece roof
Insulation: 32mm polyfoam insulation in sandwich construction panels
Conversion NCC approved: No
Warranty: 12 months manufacturers warranty on base vehicle and
conversion, followed by two additional years insured warranty on both base
vehicle and conversion. Three-year paintwork warranty and eight-year
corrosion warranty from Fiat
Number of keys required: Two - one for cab doors, ignition and fuel cap,
one for caravan door and external hatches (gas locker, cassette toilet
servicing, fresh water filler and under-rear dinette storage)
Windows & doors: Double-glazed top-hinged acrylic caravan windows
(three on each side, one at rear). One-piece caravan door with inner
flyscreen door and waste bin
Additional ventilation: Heki 2 front-hinged sunroof with blind and flyscreen
over front dinette, Omnivent wind-up roof vents with flyscreen and built-in
two-way fan over bathroom and rear lounge, wind-up roof vent over luton
Blinds/curtains: All double-glazed windows fitted with blinds and
flyscreens, net curtains and unlined full curtains in both lounge areas, floorlength cab curtains, divider curtain for rear bedroom/lounge, privacy curtain
for overcab bed
230V AC system: Mains hook-up, RCD and two MCBs on control panel
above caravan door, battery charger, two unswitched mains sockets (one in
front dinette, one in kitchen)
12V DC system: Auxiliary battery under passenger cab seat, 12V sockets
in kitchen and TV cabinet, battery automatically charged by roof-mounted
solar panel
Capacity of caravan battery: 90 amp hr
Lighting: Fluorescent lamps on ceiling (230V with built-in inverters) above
both lounge areas; halogen spot lamps over entrance door, overcab bed
(two), front dinette (three), rear lounge (six), kitchen (two high-level and two
low-level) and in bathroom (two); exterior awning light
Cooking facilities: Four-burner Smev domestic-style stainless steel cooker
with spark ignition and flush-fitting glass lid, grill, oven and pan storage
cupboard; separate high-level Agor 12V microwave
Extractor fan/cooker hood: Built-in extractor fan over hob, also two roof
vents with extractor fans (see additional ventilation)
Refrigerator: Electrolux RM4505 automatic energy selector (AES) 135-litre
12V/230V/gas fridge/freezer with separate freezer compartment
Sink & drainer: Stainless steel sink with flush-fitting glass lid and chopping
board cover below, no drainer but chopping board can double up for this
purpose
Water system: Inboard fresh water tank (fitted below rear-facing dinette
seat); water tank filled by external lockable filler; gas/230V boiler; selfpriming water pump serves kitchen mixer tap, washbasin tap and separate
shower and external shower; polybutylene piping; rigid pipes to underfloor
waste water tank with electrically-opened emptying valve; waste water tank
heated and insulated
Water heater: Primus Aquaflex AQWE6 wet central heating system with
gas/230V boiler. Replaced by similar Alde system for 2002 models
Fresh water tank: Inboard, 125 litres (27.5 gallons)
Fresh water level gauge: On control panel, push button to read, read-out
shown as 0/33/66/100/125 litres
Waste water tank: Underfloor, heated and insulated, 100 litres (22 gallons)
Waste water level gauge: On control panel, push button to read
Space heating: Primus Aquaflex AQWE6 wet central heating system with
gas/230V operation and radiators throughout vehicle, including overcab.
Mains-powered heating can be set to 1, 2 or 3kW. Heat exchanger allows
heating of caravan area while motoring using engine heat. Under-bonnet
area can be heated for easier starting in extreme cold. Replaced by similar
Alde system for 2002 models
Gas locker: Externally-accessed lockable compartment with vents in door
and floor, capacity for two 13kg cylinders
Shower compartment: Walk-in bathroom with Thetford cassette swivel-bowl
toilet with electric flush, fixed handbasin with mixer tap, high and low-level
storage lockers, opening window with blind/flyscreen, toilet roll holder, separate
MOTORCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTHLY

shower with divider curtain, slatted shower mat, two shower tray drain holes,
large mirror, two halogen lights, roof vent with two-way fan and flyscreen
Seating: Two cab seats with one armrest each, dinette with two forward and
two rearward-facing seats (all with head restraints), rear U-shaped lounge
Table(s)/storage: Free-standing table which collapses to half height for
bed-making in rear lounge; table clipped to wall rail and supported by
single leg in front dinette; no table storage provided
Berths: Sleeping accommodation for six (overcab double bed, double bed
made from rear lounge, double bed made from front dinette). Travel seats
for six (includes two rearward-facing)
Rear restraints: Forward-facing dinette seat fitted with two lap and
diagonal restraints, rearward-facing dinette seat fitted with two lap belts
Wardrobe: Deep wardrobe with side-to-side hanging rail and radiator below
Flooring: Vinyl flooring with removable three-section carpet over, separate
removable carpet for cab
Additional features: Electric step, automatic step retraction via ignition,
external lockable doors on either side to access storage below rear lounge,
slatted bases for overcab bed and all seats, flyscreen door, fitted waste bin
on inside of caravan door, high-level rear brake light and exterior marker
lights, roof rack and ladder, solar panel with automatic battery charging,
large cutlery drawer, four rear head restraints, TV cupboard with slide-out
turntable, control panel with external temperature gauge and solar panel
charging monitor, rear stereo speakers, remote-control electric rear corner
steadies, remote control for stereo, electric waste water valve, omnidirectional TV aerial, external gas point, external shower

Dimensions
(* denotes figure supplied by base vehicle manufacturer or converter)
Overall length: 7.12m (23ft 4.5in)*
Overall width (excl mirrors): 2.22m (7ft 3.5in)*
Overall width (incl mirrors): 2.54m (8ft 4in)
Overall height: 2.95m (9ft 8in)*
Length of wheelbase: 4.10m (13ft 5.5in)
Length of rear overhang: 2.12m (6ft 11.5in) - 51.7 per cent of wheelbase
Turning circle (kerb to kerb): 6.4m
Drivers max leg length: 1010mm (40in)
Step-up height to caravan: 280mm (11in), then 280mm (11in), then
210mm (8in)
Door aperture: 1.85m x 0.50m (6ft 1in x 1ft 7.5in)
Interior length from dash: 5.74m (18ft 10in)
Interior length behind cab: 4.83m (15ft 10in)
Interior width at waist height: 2.16m (7ft 1in)
Interior height: 2.00m (6ft 7in), reducing to 1.80m (5ft 11in) in rear lounge
Work surface height: 0.94m (37in)
Table dimensions: Front dinette - 930mm x 670mm x H 735mm (36.5in x
26.5in x H 29in), rear lounge - 800mm x 690mm x H 730mm (31.5in x 27in x
H 29in)
Bed dimensions:
(1) Rear lounge double bed
mattress length: 2.06m (6ft 9in)
mattress width: 1.25m (4ft 1in)
mattress depth: 120mm (5in)
(2) Front dinette double bed
mattress length: 1.90m (6ft 3in)
mattress width: 1.19m (3ft 11in)
mattress depth: 120mm (5in)
(3) Overcab double bed
mattress length: 1.91m (6ft 3in)
mattress width: 1.32m (4ft 4in)
mattress depth: 70mm (3in)
available headroom: 585mm (23in) max
Shower compartment: 1.47m x 0.90m narrowing to 0.53m x H 1.90m (58in
x 35.5in narrowing to 21in x H 6ft 3in)
Wardrobe: 635mm x 500mm x hanging height from rail 1265mm (25in x
19.5in x H 50in)
Gas locker: 630mm x 335mm x H 620mm (25in x 13in x H 24.5in)
Gas locker door aperture: 405mm x 550mm (16in x 21.5in)
Max authorised weight: 3850kg*
Unladen mass: 3035kg*
Load capacity: 815kg*

Price (all prices include VAT)

Standard model: 38 900 on the road
As tested: 38 900 on the road
On the road charges: Delivery, pre-delivery inspection, number plates,
12 months Road Fund Licence, mains hook-up lead, gas regulator and fire
extinguisher all included
Optional extras available
Base vehicle options: Right-hand drive (2400), ABS anti-lock brakes
(1540), captains chairs (924), drivers airbag (567), Kenwood six disc CD
autochanger (441), front fog lights (228), swivel front seats (165 each)
Caravan options: Roof box (from 262), bike rack (from 224), awning
(from 467), reversing camera (639), Electrolux generator (2700), wide
caravan door for disabled users (505), mains and 12V power points in rear
storage locker (90), external storage locker lighting (90), motorbike carrier
(820), towbar (467), Electrolux roof air-conditioning (1250), wardrobe
lighting (48), second internal fresh water tank (444), safe (244),
additional leisure battery (72), Van Bitz security system (from 525)

Benimar Europe Top ST kindly supplied for evaluation by:

RDH Luxury Motorhome Sales Ltd, 2 Castle View, Lilac Grove,
Beeston, Nottingham NG9 1PF (tel: 0870 758 5050; fax: 0870 758 3030;
web site: www.rdh.co.uk; e-mail: sales@rdh.co.uk).
Our thanks also to Mr and Mrs Paul of Inverness, who are the new
owners of this Europe Top and had already ordered it prior to our
test.
E&OE
DECEMBER 2001 111