Bentley Signature Range
Bentley Motorhomes raise the stakes
Words and photos by John Page
At the NEC last October new company Bentley Motorhomes of South Yorkshire raised more than a few eyebrows when they introduced their Artisan range of compact Motorhomes built on Renault chassis. They were innovative, imaginative and value for money, as we found testing the Cobalt type for our February issue. It was a revelation for the way the design tackled some of the shortcomings in modern Motorhomes – particularly stowage, the electrics and washroom practicality. Fast forward to February 2011 when the restless team of Gordon and Richard Bentley introduced the classy Signature range to tilt at some of the bigger, more luxurious Motorhomes emanating from Germany and France. On Hybrid Renault/Al-Ko, all wheel independent sprung chassis cabs with which they harmonise very well, the power train has the 150bhp turbo diesel and six-speed manual transmission or Quickshift automatic transmission. Motor racing enthusiasts will recognise the Oulton, Cadwell and Donnington vehicle names and like these circuits each of the three motorhomes are interesting and diverse.
At 6.65m long, Cadwell with its transverse double bed is the smallest of the Signatures in overall length. In spite of which it not only shares all the special features that distinguish Signature with sleeping arrangements to give a generous double bed or two singles without fuss. Storage, the washroom and kitchen are also of generous proportion in the Bentley tradition.
Donnington is the social Motorhome par excellence, able to seat six adults in congress or as connoisseurs of the noble grape perhaps, the galley is magnificent, the décor splendid and the washroom probably the best yet with its wooden duckboard and seat all showing a real regard for practicalities as distinct from gimmicks. Bentley also have a handle on TV for Motorhomes, the flat screen being invisible to outsiders until unlocked and lowering into the ideal viewing position at eye level. Our pics here also show a unit opposite the galley; not unlike the traditional dresser, it becomes an integral part of the galley as well as stowage for every last thing you need for extended camping. All this in a modest 7.16m length.
Oulton, the fixed bed Signature is a little longer at 7.77m and makes good use of that bit of extra length to provide a super washroom beyond the fixed bed as well as a guest double using the lounge cushions. Dometic make the new fridge/freezers with detachable frozen compartments of 189-litres each in Donnington and 155-litres in the Cadwell.
Standard specification for all three models includes the integral awning, 100-litres of fresh and 80-litres of waste water capacity, reversing camera, classic ISRI cab seats, spare wheel and tyre, passenger and driver air bags, gas and electric space and water heating, Tom Tom integrated satellite navigation and advanced energy optimisation system and alloy wheels to name what must be a few of our favourite things.
Oh and there’s a 5-year water ingress warranty.
Above all though it is the Bentley teams utterly practical and intelligent approach to the design and equipment necessary for enjoyable Camping of the Motorhome variety that makes the product special.
TECHNICAL DATA
Cadwell
length: 6.65mm, Height: 2.85m.
On the road price: £58,230
Donnington
length: 7.16m, Height: 2.85m.
On the road price: £62,720
Oulton
length: 7.77m, Height: 2.85m.
On the road price: £63,720
