New Volkswagen California

The Volkswagen California is a vehicle unlike any other. It’s a camper van built for the modern family -- a true home away from home. Set up the elevating roof (a built-in roofed tent) for a comfortable stopover with no checkout time. The bunk bed layout offers comfy space for four and there’s a built-in wardrobe and shelf fittings to accommodate your kit after you unpack. The California seats four as standard but you can add a folding three-seat rear bench to make room for seven. The Beach model has a manually-operated pop-up roof while the Ocean model gets an upgraded electrically operated one.

Design

It’s a true home away from home. Wrapped up in the California’s stylish body you’ll find 180° swivelling driver and passenger seats, an ingenious pull-out folding table and on Ocean models, a gas stove with two burners for cooking.

Drive

Powered by a 2.0 TDI 150PS or 2.0 BiTDI 199PS engine, the California is responsive and efficient. It comes with a 7-speed DSG transmission and will return up to 33.2mpg combined. The 199PS engine is also available with 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

Practicality

The California sleeps four and seats four. Add the optional rear bench and you can seat seven. Beach models have a manual roof while Ocean models have an electrically operated roof tent. All models have folding chairs and a folding table built-in.

Living with it

There’s no finer way to camp up and enjoy the night sky. The California is charming, versatile and well-equipped. Ocean models come with a 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, gas tank storage, two auxiliary batteries and a fresh water and waste water tank.