Bentley Donington Motorhome Reviewed

The mid-sized Donington motorhome is part of Bentley’s Signature range – the first coachbuilts to go on sale here based on the new Renault Master.

The new cab looks bold but handsome and it’s equipped with every extra known to motorhomers – two airbags, air-con, cruise control, TomTom sat-nav, alloy wheels, radio/CD with steering column-mounted controls and iPod connection, and front foglamps.

Seats are by Isringhausen with every conceivable permutation of adjustment, from slide-out extendable squabs for the long of leg to pump-up lumbar supports.

Those looking for cheaper motorhome insurance will also be pleased to hear the motorhome comes with a standard fit reversing camera which qualifies for an insurance discount.

The motorhome is powered by a 150bhp common-rail engine and sits on a low-slung Al-Ko chassis.

The layout is a classic, pure two-berth format with settees long enough to be virtually instant single beds, an amidships galley and end washroom.

Unlike an Auto-Sleeper Cotswold, the Bentley does not run its bathroom right across the rear, instead leaving space in the back wall for a huge fridge/freezer and a twin-level wardrobe.

Some buyers have said they’d prefer extra overcab storage to the standard Skyview opening sunroof. No problem, say Bentley, though the sunroof creates a spacious feel.

With large under-settee lockers both sides (with external access), 12 eye-level lockers (all with positive locking) and a sideboard full of drawers, storage is plentiful.

With the Skyview above the cab, and a Heki over the rear end of the lounge, plus swivel LED reading lights in each corner, and mood lighting over the top lockers, this is a well-lit lounge – and one designed for entertaining.

The cab chairs swivel to make comfortable seating for eight and the table is not too large or heavy, with the new folding-leg system first seen in the smaller Cobalt.

For many the key feature will be the length of the sofas, which at 6ft 2in is enough for them to act as single beds.

Those who prefer a double can pull them together to create a vast bed, though if you want to sleep across the ’van you’ll need to swap the massive cushions around to get the knee-rolls out of the centre of the bed.

The kitchen is a winner too. It has all the equipment you’d expect in a flagship British motorhome, including that enormous fridge and a cooker with mains hotplate, plus an extractor hood and a low-level microwave in the sideboard.

There’s masses of worktop, and storage has been well thought out with a multitude of drawers. This is as good as motorhome kitchens get, and it’s good-looking too.

The lack of a full-width washroom is no Achilles’ heel. With a separate shower (complete with seat) and Dometic’s ceramic loo, this is an excellent washroom; all it lacks is direct wardrobe access.

This is a spacious, luxurious, high-quality two-berth motorhome.

Our verdict:

Despite not having a wind-up type Heki and a less-powerful Combi 4 heating system, it’s hard to find the Donington lacking anywhere with a feature list that includes heated fresh water tank, pleated blinds, drop-down flatscreen TV holder, fully appointed galley, generous lighting, flyscreen door, TV aerial, Bentley’s clever control panel, remote central locking of all doors, and three glasses/drinks cabinets, as well as top-notch build!

Fact-file:

Price from: £62,720

Berths: 2

Travel seats (inc driver) 2

Dimensions: 7.16m L, 2.28m W, 2.85 H

Interior height: 2.08m kitchen, 1.95m lounge

Beds: Twin single beds 1.88m x 0.69m, or transverse double 2.13m x 1.88m

Cost to insurance this motorhome: £293.50 *

* Cost to insure this motorhome is based on a 2011 Bentley Donington valued at £62,720. Fitted with manufacturers immobiliser, reversing camera (standard) and approved motorhome tracking device, kept on driveway at home at TD9 8ED. Motorhome owners – professionals over 50 years old with no claims, convictions or health conditions in last 3 years. 4 years no claims bonus mirrored from car policy and 2 years motorhome driving experience. Members of motorhome club doing less than 7000 miles annually. £250 excess applies. European cover £14 extra, European Breakdown £43 extra. Premium includes IPT at 6% and is correct as of 13.05.11

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