NEW MODEL
The world premiere of the all-new Volkswagen California campervan range has taken place. There are five versions available: the Beach, Beach Tour and Beach Camper (with a mini-kitchen in the rear), as well as Coast and Ocean versions (each with a full kitchenette).
The California, which sits between VW’s smaller Caddy California and the larger Grand California, is arguably the world’s most famous campervan with over 280,000 units having been bought so far.
This new California, which is based on the long version of the Multivan (not the Transporter like all previous models), aims to continue the success of its predecessors.
Volkswagen says the new model is more spacious, smarter, sophisticated, versatile and sustainable.
Key California details have been retained such as the pop-top roof and VW says it has ensured the Cali can be used as an everyday vehicle, as well as a campervan. As such, for the first time, all models come with two sliding doors as standard.
This means the new California can be loaded and unloaded from both sides and, when pitched up, both sides can also be used as an open-air terrace. As such, an optional awning can now be ordered for the left or right side.
Another premiere is a plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive version.
Also new are individual rear seats instead of a bench seat. This means bikes can now travel inside by removing or repositioning the rear seats, which each weigh 24kg.
Practical drawers are located under all individual seats as well as in the driver and front passenger seats.
A large number of 45W USB-C ports have also been included to ensure that mobile devices never run out of power.
All new Californias, apart from the most basic Beach, are also equipped with a new control unit in the C-pillar. All campervan functions can be controlled and checked via the display. Alternatively, the functions can also be operated via an app on the infotainment system or via a smartphone app.
The new California is 5.17m long (predecessor: 4.90m) and its width without exterior mirrors is 1.94m (predecessor: 1.90m). At 1.99
