The covers have come off the latest generation Volkswagen California camper. Based on the underpinnings of the VW Multivan, the new California is said to be more practical than its predecessor, features more technology and is, for the first time, available as a plug-in hybrid. It slots in between the Caddy California and full-size Grand California based on the VW Crafter van.
When the order books to the new California open in June, five versions will be available: Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper, Coast and Ocean. The first three versions have a mini kitchen in the rear, making them ideal for day trips or those who might only spend one or two nights away. The Coast and Ocean versions of the California gain a full kitchenette while still maintaining improved access with sliding doors on each side - those are included regardless of model.
Versatile interiors for every occasion
Learning from the previous generation, Volkswagen has made the new California more practical and versatile on the inside. One advantage of using the Multivan foundations is that the rear seats are individual units (weighing 24kg each) that are removable. Each seat, including the driver’s and front passenger seats, contains a storage drawer underneath.
The California Beach is the entry-level model. It is effectively a Multivan with a manually operated pop-up roof and space for two people to sleep underneath. It has a six-seat configuration, and the rear seats are removable as required.
More camper features define the California Beach Tour, including height adjustable and rotating front seats, three individual rear seats, interior lighting in the pop-up roof (plus a gooseneck lamp and 45-watt USB ports), sliding windows in both sliding doors and fold-up seats in the rear hatch. Unlike in the Multivan and California Beach, the two outer rear seats in this variant can fold back completely to create two additional sleeping spaces in the living area. Volkswagen includes an additional 1,980 x 1,330mm fold-out mattress and a folding table that can be secured in the load compartment when not in use. This version also gains a 40Ah LiFePo leisure battery to supply additional power.
The California Beach Camper is also a five-seater and has type approval as a camper van, where the Beach and Beach Tour are classified as passenger cars. Among the differences are a compact mini kitchen unit and a 230-volt connection. That kitchen has a single-ring gas cooker, a cutlery drawer and a special storage module in the load compartment. The kitchen unit pulls out for use and sits beneath the rear hatch.
The California Coast is the first model in the range to include a full kitchen unit. This four-seater has a full kitchenette on the left side, like the California Ocean. A single-ring gas cooker, sink and cabinets provide all you’ll need to cook meals, and the presence of two sliding doors means that there is better ventilation when cooking. This setup creates more space for the refrigerator, which is accessible from outside the vehicle for the first time.
The range-topper is the California Ocean, which is differentiated from the California Coast by several unique features, such as exclusive ‘Mélange Raven’ seat fabric made from recycled materials. Heated front seats, an auxiliary air heater, automatic air conditioning, a large roof stowage box above the load compartment and background lighting in the kitchenette make up the differences. The Coast and Ocean receive a 28-litre freshwater tank, five litres more than in the previous California. There is also an additional 230-volt socket outside for an electric hob.
A smart interior
Except for the California Beach, all versions come with a new touchscreen control unit that provides access to all the camper’s functions. Owners can also control these functions remotely through a dedicated smartphone app.
Volkswagen’s engineers have clearly spent time in hotel rooms where finding all the switches to turn off the lights can be a treasure hunt, so all the California’s LED and background interior lighting can be turned off at the same time with a double tap on any of the light switches.
Still a versatile size
As with the Volkswagen Multivan, the new California is built on the modular ‘MQB’ platform that underpins numerous models across the Volkswagen Group. In the case of California, it uses the extended version of the Multivan as a starting point, giving it an overall length of 5,173mm and a width (excluding side mirrors) of 1,941mm. For reference, the previous California was 4,904mm long and 1,904mm wide. Height remains almost the same as its predecessor, at 1,990mm, which is excellent news as it will still easily fit into multi-storey car parks - one of the big selling points of the outgoing model.
All versions of the new Volkswagen California come with a pop-up roof that extends similarly to the previous model. This features a large front window that can be opened fully, and two additional side windows in the bellows. All of these include mosquito nets to keep any unwanted visitors outside. The interior height is 1,297mm when the pop-up roof is closed and when opened, it is up to 2,108mm.
The Volkswagen California is available with eleven single paint finishes and to uphold tradition, there are two-tone colour options like on the Multivan. These include (top and bottom respectively): Mono Silver and Energetic Orange; Deep Black Pearl and Fontana Red; and - exclusive to the California - Candy White and Starlight Blue. The pop-up roof is available in Toffee Brown, Glacier Blue or Basalt Grey. Seven wheel options can be specified, ranging from 16- to 19 inches in diameter.
New California available with three engine options
Three powertrains will be available for the Volkswagen California, all of which are paired with DSG automatic transmissions - there will be no manual gearbox options. Starting the engine line up is a four-cylinder diesel producing 150hp. This engine will suit those who want to cover longer distances in a fuel-efficient manner. On the petrol side of things is a 1.5-litre TSI engine with a peak output of 204hp and like the diesel engine, it drives the front wheels.
The first plug-in hybrid in the California’s history uses a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine combined with an electric motor, giving the ‘eHybrid’ model a maximum output of 245hp, making it the most powerful version in the range and yet also the one with the lowest CO2 emissions. The California eHybrid also becomes the first MQB model to combine a plug-in hybrid drive with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive transmission, resulting in improved traction and a maximum towing capacity of 2,000kg.
Its high-voltage battery enables a short, pure electric driving range, which drivers can store to deploy at a chosen time in their journey. Even when the battery charge is low, the California eHybrid switches into a conventional hybrid mode, providing shorter periods of engine-off driving.
The Volkswagen California will begin sales in June, with Irish pricing expected to be announced closer to that time.