Bentley Motorhomes – COBALT

A WINNING FORMULA

Words and photos by John Page

Experience, innovation and creativity are the formulae I have in mind personified in the minds of both Gordon and Richard Bentley. But there is more to it than that when you set about designing, constructing and marketing these machines we know collectively as Motor Caravans. In the simplest terms we recognise conversions built into panel vans as Campers and conversion built onto a chassis cab as Motorhomes. Various makers are prone to invent all sorts of esoteric titles for their particular creations, which is their prerogative, but I like to keep it simple.

Cobalt is in fact a Classic example of the Profile type of Motorhome where the frontal aspect of the vehicle flows smoothly back from the bonnet and windscreen to the curve of the roof causing minimal drag and minimal wind noise. In Motorhome terms the 6.20m length is compact; positively amazing as we found, step by step, what the Cobalt living style is all about. It is two-berth through and through using an open plan layout that places emphasis on simplicity when changing from lounge to sleeping quarters then diner all with the minimum of effort. Overall a fresh way of looking at things.

Construction

Renault’s Master series type L2 platform cab is the base vehicle for the Cobalt, giving advantages of a lower build height and its concomitant of a lower centre of gravity to improve stability. Effectively there is a flat steel floor rather than the usual girder frame chassis to which Bentley add the timber floor with vinyl surface and removable carpets throughout. Enter the living quarters via the automatic step and the first thing you notice is the removable waste bin on the door. Next to catch your attention is the control panel immediately on the left for power to lights and heating. That panel also monitors what current is being used by which appliance and the state of batteries and water tanks. Better still its operation is simple and obvious, does not need an accompanying manual and works with good old fashioned commonsense. Washroom with shower cubicle is at right now, kitchen straight ahead then take a left and you are looking at a super lounge with the cab beyond.

For the exterior the side panels, the rear cap and roof moulding are exclusively of high gloss GRP panels bonded to the insulation and interior surfaces. The insulation material is a mix of high-density polystyrene and Styrofoam. And within these walls extra strengthening is added for the mounting of cycle racks, solar panels and TV aerial etc. For centuries now dining tables have completely ignored any pretence to modern technology, so the Cobalt example with lightweight but steady legs and its strong upper surface was something of a revelation. The fact that it also slides effortlessly into its slot at eye level instead of being dragged from somewhere in the wardrobe is the gilding of the lily. The TV (who’d be without it), is out of sight until it glides down smoothly to viewing level when both of the crew are sitting comfortably legs up totally at ease with backs against the cab seats.

On the Road

Renault are becoming a strong challenge to the dominance of Fiat as suppliers of chassis to the Motor Caravan industry and if our experience with this one is anything to go by then we will probably see a lot more of the brand in the near future. Power response from the two-litre dci turbo diesel motor was brisk with six gears to exploit the best from 115 bhp and a considerable torque figure of 285Nm from 1250rpm and onwards.

It is the dimensions of Cobalt though that makes this small wonder behave so well whether touring at speed or dawdling through our unique countryside. With a length of just 6.20m and cheese paring breadth of 2.22m this Bentley machine will go where many Motorhomes will hesitate to explore and with comparable agility to some of the Camper brigade. At our UK legal maximum airflow noise was virtually non-existent and the integrity of the structure proven by the lack of noises off from the bodywork.

Should you opt for more than the standard 115 bhp engine talk to your dealer for the possible options but before that go for a test drive with this standard mill and be surprised as I was by its willing thrust. Taut is the word for the feel of it when cornering from stiff suspension and the low centre of gravity where the weight is concentrated within the wheelbase and as low as possible. Plenty of thigh and back support from the well shaped cab seats and with ample sun visor area to defeat a low winter sun also helped to keep the adrenalin low during our diabolical December weather conditions. And reluctantly I will concede that these new fangled sat nav and blue tooth gizmos are reassuring after all. Pretty good radio and CD performance too.

A small word of warning when passing from the lounge into the cab – don’t forget to duck or you’ll clobber you brain box as I did. However, Bentley tells us that the offending bulkhead is due to acquire a soft covering for dunderheads like myself.

The Bentley Living Style

Given the compact exterior dimensions you might imagine a cramped interior but you would be wrong because the open plan configuration, the light surfaces of furniture and fabrics plus a generous window area all conspire to broaden the outlook. In below zero temperatures we mentally congratulated both Truma and Bentley for the short time it took to bring the atmosphere up to a cosy 20oC from cold. This was the model 4e gas/electric water and ducted blow air heater with nine alternative programmes to get the best and most economical results. Mind you two 11kg propane cylinders in the gas locker were mighty reassuring. Regular readers will probably have gathered our ambivalence towards a goggle box but we’ll admit that such technology does have its uses for weather reports and the clever way it is tucked away until needed is brilliant.

Lounging around with feet up is a good way to relax with music and CDs via the twin rear speakers and if the neighbours call there is plenty of space to sit four in comfort around the table. Unique to Bentley Motorhomes at the time of writing is the EOS Energy Optimisation System that enables you to check and fully control the electrical system. It will prioritise the source whether from alternator, mains hook-up, solar panel or wind turbine and charge in sequence. There is an emergency engine start procedure, a signal of incorrect polarity from mains hook up and an 115Ah – AGM leisure battery as part of the system. The LED lighting by virtue of its low current demands is ideal for Motorhome use and BM have made good use of it with a mix of direct and subdued fittings to relax by in the lounge and spotlighting placed just so in the galley and washroom.

Sleeping

There are two basic options at bedtime with Cobalt – as a pair of single beds or a double to sleep across the width of the lounge. In either case the preparation is simple and obvious with a minimum of alteration to the cushions. For singles merely slide the two seat bases towards the centre and add a small rectangular cushion at the front end of what has become a pair of single sleepers. The double with a comfortable width of 1.42m needs both seat bases to meet in the middle and backrest cushions slot into place to fill the gap in the middle. As a double it is a firm and completely flat sleeper. The slatted cushion bases keep the entire seating/sleeping upholstery fully aired winter or summer.

Night-time privacy has the side window blinds closed and the cab windscreen and door windows covered by simple to place insulated screens. These were not only affective towards minimising condensations but also the easiest to use we have yet to find.

Kitchen

Experience shows again, with the equipment and the arrangement of it. Three gas and one electric hob, plus a good grill and decent oven are all placed for safety and convenience. The gas isolator taps are properly accessible and the twin mains sockets are placed separately by a supplementary worktop across the gangway. Stowage space is generous from lockers on two levels and the new type Dometic fridge with its removable freezer compartment. Cupboard space takes account of the need to stow hardware of various shapes and sizes and of course provision for ventilation and waste disposal. Dometic’s ingenious new extractor deals effectively with the former and BM’s waste container sensibly placed on the entrance door solves the latter need. This galley is an object lesson in thoughtful design.

Washroom

I’m going to have a problem here – how do you avoid superlatives when the occasion demands it? Seriously though, in this gem of a compact Motorhome how come this particular washroom has virtually nullified journalistic criticism of Motorhome washrooms on the grounds of toy town tackle? BM have recognised that to clean one’s teeth or any other ablution activity space surrounding the sink is essential. This washroom has it all – the sensibly placed mirror, the sink surround, ample locker space, the separate but close shower cubicle and provision to dry off wet outdoor clobber. It also looks and feels good.

Stowage

Congratulations in order here for the generous amount of space under the seats, accessed when both seat bases are raised with little effort and stay that way whilst you stow or retrieve whatever gear is stashed there. Access from outdoors to this area is also taken care of by lockable flaps. Our lounge picture shows some of the good roof locker arrangements – rugged, well lit and with properly positive doors. The wardrobe near the entrance has generous capacity and the essential television screen, hidden until needed, slides down to viewing level when its locking key is turned.

Summary

By now you will have gathered our enthusiasm for this machine from Mexborough. Many constructors claim practical experience for their Motor Caravans but the validity for it is sometimes missing. With this machine however that experience, from Gordon and Richard Bentley, is patently obvious when one has the good fortune to put Cobalt to the test. Surely it can’t be that good? Well Mrs tester had the temerity to suggest that the groups of small twin oval motifs on the cushions might have been both in light brown instead of one light, one dark brown! My own gripe was that the smashing monitor/control panel could have been a smidgen higher on the wall. At £44,350 Cobalt is decidedly value for money but don’t take my word for it, see it, try it and be impressed.

TECHNICAL DATA

Vehicle specification:

Bentley Motorhomes Cobalt two-berth Profile Motorhome

Price of vehicle tested:  £44,066 on the road

Vehicle kindly loaned for testing by: Bentley Motorhomes, 3 Swinton Meadows Industrial Estate, Meadow Way, Swinton, Mexborough, South Yorkshire, S64 8AB

Tel: 01709 590079

CONVERSION

Overall length: 6.20m

Overall width: 2.07m mirrors folded

Overall height: 2.73m

MPTLM: 3250kg

Payload: 425kg

Construction: steel cab, GRP body shell with polystyrene and Styrofoam insulation

Fresh water capacity: 80-litres

Waste water capacity: 77-litres

Gas storage capacity:  2 x 7kg cylinders

Auxiliary battery: 115 Ah

Refrigerator:  capacity Dometic 80-litre fridge/freezer

Water heater: Truma Combi 4E gas/electric space and water heater

Lighting: all LED fittings

Upholstery: Abstract pattern tapestry fabric

Other equipment fitted: Sat nav, blue tooth communication facility

Options include: Flat screen TV, Solar panels, metallic cab paint

BASE VEHICLE

Type:  Renault L2 platform cab chassis

Power unit: two-litre, dCi turbo diesel

Maximum power: 115bhp @ 3500rpm

Maximum torque: 285Nm @ 1250rpm

Transmission: six-speed manual to front wheels

Steering: power assisted rack and pinion

Braking: disc brakes with ABS and ESP

PERFORMANCE

Fuel consumption: 28.5 mpg

Maximum speed: 80mph estimated

Comfortable cruising speed 65-70mph