Volkswagen is upping its motorhome offering in Ireland with the introduction of the Crafter-based Grand California model. It crowns the range which also includes the California, and this latest model will be available to order in two vehicle lengths. Both versions, the 600 and 680 long wheelbase, will be powered by the range-topping 177hp 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine and is available with 4Motion all-wheel drive.
Two different versions depending on your needs
The Grand California 600 comes with a four-passenger seating configuration and can sleep four, ideally two adults and two children or teens. The Grand California 680 is the longer wheelbase version and increases the length by almost a metre and comes in a two-passenger and two-berth configuration. The latter doesn’t offer four-passenger capability for it to still fall under the weight limit enabling car licence holders (category B) to drive it. Upon request, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland can supply the Grand California 680 with the full four-passenger setup, but on the proviso that the customer is a category C licence holder. Equally, as these types of vehicles are frequently used on Continental Europe for long periods, it is possible to order this vehicle in Ireland with left-hand drive.
It will be sold through specialist centres
Given the relatively specialist nature of the Grand California, it will be sold through four Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles centres. Frank Keane Volkswagen in Dublin, Blackwater Volkswagen in Cork and Connollys Volkswagen in Sligo will sell it initially. One additional dealer in north Dublin will be announced soon. Having access to a vast dealer network when travelling in Europe should give buyers some added peace of mind, in case the need for a repair should arise. “On average there is a Volkswagen dealership within 45 minutes drive anywhere on the continent,” one spokesperson said.
Latest built-in modern features
The Volkswagen Grand California comes well equipped for modern living and can offer the latest in connectivity. To keep everyone's devices charged up there are seven USB charging ports, five 230-volt power sockets (which use the European two-pin style), and an inductive charging pad beside the table. A solar panel at the front of the roof feeds the additional onboard battery system, and it is possible to equip the vehicle with an LTE/WiFi hotspot router. There is also a satellite dish to receive broadcast signal should you want to install a television system.
Built-in shower and bathroom
The single biggest feature that sets the Grand California apart from the smaller California is the provision of a bathroom inside. Measuring in at 840mm x 800mm, the bathroom includes a raised floor like a wet room and features a sink and toilet. The sink can fold up out of the way, and the toilet can move to create more standing room when showering. A 110-litre water tank can provide hot or cold water, and that drains into a 90-litre grey water tank that can be emptied properly. There’s also a movable mirror and storage within. A special toilet roll holder ensures loo roll it’s kept totally dry too.
Other built-in facilities
A large auxiliary battery keeps everything powered when the engine is off, and a smart electrical monitoring system ensures that the battery for starting the engine never runs down. Most of the time people are likely to use the mains power supply from a campsite to power the Grand California. There are two central heating options available, including two gas cylinders. These automatically switch over once the first runs out and they can be set with an audible warning to alert you when supply is running low. Two gas cooking hobs and a sink provide adequate cooking facilities, while a 70-litre fridge-freezer unit can keep other supplies refrigerated. Pricing for the Grand California will start at €77,600 for the 600, with the longer Grand California 680 costing €76,900. Both versions will be available with 3.9 per cent HP and PCP finance options. Speaking at the launch, Alan Bateson, Managing Director at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “We are truly delighted to introduce the Grand California on to the Irish market, a lot of work has gone into this vehicle in the last number of years, and we are very proud of the end product and its launch in Ireland. The California brand is key to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and has been so successful in Ireland over many years, with the new Grand California we aim to extend the appeal of our brand in the lifestyle vehicle segment and we truly believe that you will not get a better lifestyle solution for your money than with the new Grand California.”