Full review

The Benivan outperforms its sister models because it has the 150bhp Multijet motor. It’s the pick of the current Euro VI Ducato engine line-up and has a torque output closer to that of the 180bhp than the 130bhp engine. It adds an effortless nature to driving and, with fewer gearchanges, will probably also prove more economical.

The Benivan comes in white, with a colour-coded front bumper, glossy black grille and skidplate, and LED daytime running lights. The most significant addition to the looks, though, is the 16in alloy wheels. Of course, being built in Britain means that the Benivan has its sliding door on the UK nearside and this entrance comes with the aforementioned electric step, but no flyscreen, which seems a pity. A push-up Heki sunroof is fitted over the rear lounge but it would have been good to have a second such fitting over the front seating area,  which can feel gloomy.

The Benivan 122 sits in a range of two (there’s also a shorter 120 without the rear travel seats) and adopts what is reckoned to be the UK’s most popular layout for larger (six-metre-plus) van conversions. That’s rear lounge floorplans that also offer a second seating area (usually a half-dinette) up front. It does this in the extra-long (6.36m) Fiat Ducato panel van.

There are no surprises inside the Benivan, then, especially as we’ve seen all but the décor before in the Auto-Trail Tribute 680, but where the Benivan differs from some of its rivals is in offering four travel seats but only two berths. Certainly, a benefit of the half-dinette bench not having to double up as a bed is that it can serve its sole role much more successfully.

Neither of the rear sofas is quite 6ft long (the offside one is fractionally shorter) but, for many, they can be used as single beds, simply by removing the backrest cushions. If you prefer a double bed, the slatted seat bases simply slide out, complete with support legs, and meet in the middle, whereupon backrest cushions fill in the centre of a huge bed. Now you have a choice of sleeping lengthways (easier access) or across the ’van (for a slightly longer bed).

Of course, the rear space is even more appealing in the daytime, when jazzy scatter cushions allow feet-up relaxation in spacious style. When the weather is kind, flinging open the back doors only adds to the appeal.

For dining, the tabletop is extracted from its own locker adjacent to the offside settee, while its island leg comes out of the wardrobe. It’s not a big table (700mm by 550mm) but it should be adequate for two. We’d prefer to see a slightly larger free-standing table (which could also be used outside), along with a smaller, round table for use up front. The one table currently supplied can be resited up front but it is too dominating in this smaller space.

The galley comes with a two-burner hob and sink combination unit, while an 800W microwave adds to the cook’s repertoire (at least while you’re hooked up). Unusually, and pleasingly, the microwave is fitted under the hob, rather than above your head! Storage is in a large cutlery drawer alongside the microwave, two floor-level cupboards (more drawers would have meant less bending down) and a small top locker. Under the adjacent wardrobe is the 85-litre three-way fridge with removable freezer.

Like much of the Benivan, the washroom will be familiar to Tribute owners, and it has the same foibles. The tip-up basin makes good use of space but its magnetic catches don’t appear to be strong enough to hold it in the stowed position while driving. The toilet is mounted on a plinth, so requires long legs for comfortable sitting. The shower needs a curtain to be deployed and the mirrored cupboard has lips on its shelves but could do with straps to hold shampoo bottles, etc, in place. All that said, the Benivan’s washroom is well finished, reasonably roomy and fares no worse than many other van conversions.

If you enjoyed this review, you can read the full version and more in the October 2018 issue of MMM magazine. You can get a digital version of this latest issue of MMM magazine here.