Volkswagen will introduce some of the same updates that it brought to the latest version of the Transporter van to the California camper. The California is, of course, basically a Transporter with windows. And a pop-up roof. And two double beds. And a sink. And a stove. And cupboards. Look, you see where we're going with this - the California is Volkswagen's home away from home on wheels.
Best-selling camper van
More than 18,000 Californias are sold worldwide every year, which makes it the best-selling camper van and, along with the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo the only one that's genuinely factory-built.
For 2019, the California is getting a round of major updates. The living and sleeping areas are being given a do-over, while the driver and front-seat passenger benefit from the same new dashboard that was recently fitted to the Transporter van. That includes the latest infotainment systems, and the option to have a built in SIM card for on-the-go internet access. You can also have all-digital instruments as an option for the first time in a California.
New safety systems
On the mechanical front, the California gets the same new electrically-boosted power steering as the Transporter, which also means that it can benefit from a raft of new or improved safety systems. Those include "Lane Assist", Side Protection and "Trailer Assist", which makes manoeuvring with a trailer child's play. In addition, a side-wind compensation system makes travelling in the California 6.1 even safer.
Up to 199hp
The California 6.1 will launch with an all-diesel engine lineup based around Volkswagen's 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, and power outputs will stretch to 199hp for those who just really, really have to get to the campsite or the surfing beach first. Like, really first. The updated camper will be first shown to the public at the Caravan-Salon show in Dusseldorf in August, and will go on sale later this year.