Benimar Aristeo - the Spanish alternative

Aristeo is the top model of the Benimar brand, still little known in Poland, but in Spain it is the leader of the motorhome market. For several years, the company has also had its representative office in Poland, and the discussed model can be purchased, among others via Allegro, at the gross price of PLN 341,547.

Why are we so eager to describe models of high-end motorhomes, when the sale of tourist vehicles at a price exceeding PLN 300,000 is only a narrow margin of the market in Poland? Well, these more expensive motorhomes best reflect the capabilities of a given brand. They show what ideas and technologies a given company can afford, when it does not have to cut costs as much as possible. There is also a good chance that if the top model in the range is successful, many solutions will also be transferred from it to lower models.

Widened Ducato

In the case of the Aristeo, attention is drawn to the fully integrated body, which has a very dynamic front on the 2016 models. The attractive appearance is certainly an important advantage of this model. Nothing reveals that the vehicle is based on the Fiat Ducato . It is worth noting that the car has a wider - compared to the Ducato - rear axle (198 cm wide).

Aristeo is available in three versions. Each of them is 235 cm wide and 289 cm high . The 660 and 694 models differ in interior layout, but they are the same length: 738 cm . The 640 model is the shortest - it measures 720 cm . Interestingly, currently the shorter model is offered at the same price as the longer 660.

The only more expensive model is the 694 with an interestingly arranged bathroom, in which the washbasin is located ... at the base of the bed . You have to pay PLN 344,684 for a car with such an original solution.

Rich for an extra charge

As standard, the Aristeo is offered with an engine capacity of 2.3 l, with 130 hp . The standard equipment includes amenities such as cruise control, rear view camera , or even the blinds on the windshield and side windows.

When it comes to camping equipment, it is worth mentioning the 150-liter refrigerator with a freezer, or the Truma Combi heater with a power of 4000 W. The clean water tank can hold up to 127 liters, and the wastewater tank - 105 liters. The gas oven is available for an extra charge.

The Polish distributor offers the "Exclusive equipment" package for an additional PLN 12,500, which includes Truma roof air conditioning , automatic Mega-Sat satellite dish and an 18.5-inch Mistral TV.

Interesting, but also more expensive (4,920 euro) is the winter package . By deciding on such a surcharge, we will get a car, among others with a more powerful engine (150 hp), automatic transmission and ESP system. "Winter pack" includes, among others insulated and heated water tanks, insulated pipes, reinforced heating and a heated floor .

The motorhome - regardless of the standard of equipment - has double glazing, and the body and floor are made of polyester. In line with current trends, wood has been eliminated from the structure to avoid the risk of moisture.

Lots of space for four

It is worth noting that the shower cubicle is located in the top Benimar opposite the toilet and washbasin, and the bathroom space can be separated from the dining and sitting area with a sliding door .

The car uses a combination of dark and light colors of the furniture and rich LED lighting , which not only has a practical function, but also gives the interior a pleasant atmosphere.

Comfortable accommodation will be provided by beds with a place to sleep for four people . In the back there can be a double bed with adjustable height or two single beds that can be joined together. The second bed is at the front and is suspended from the ceiling .

Each ready-to-drive Aristeo weighs approximately 3,160 kg , which means that it has a load capacity of 340 kg.

So is Benimar Aristeo a motorhome worth your attention? Certainly yes, the more so as although it is not one of the cheapest vehicles, its price is still attractive compared to the Concorde Credo we have recently described. Someone will say it's a different class ... Yes, that's true. The only question is whether the difference in quality is actually as large as the difference in price would indicate.