So, the next Cali will be based on the T7 Multivan…
VW California Concept
AT the Caravan Salon, Volkswagen revealed its new California, and, while it’s still a concept (well, it says so on the side and you can’t buy one yet), this show vehicle gives a very clear indication of what the next-generation California will look like (VW’s own images say it is ‘near-production’). Contrary to some predictions, it’s not based on an electric ID Buzz (a California camper version of that vehicle is still awaited), but instead it’s built (entirely in-house at VW) on the long-wheelbase T7 Multivan.
As that vehicle has two sliding doors, so, too, does the new camper – you can now get on board from either side. That’s a big advantage over the current model for UK buyers who currently have to put up with a door on the ‘wrong’ side. But more than that, it also means the (shorter) kitchen can be used from outside as well as inside. The fridge has been repositioned to the front of the unit and is now fitted at floor level and opens drawer-style, so it’s easy to load with shopping from outside.
There’s a folding worktop on the back of the galley, too, to act as an outside table for serving up. There’s even a slide-out portable grill, as well as a pair of drawers (beautifully fitted out with cups and cutlery) that slide to the outside world or into the ’van.
What isn’t so clever is that the table now stores in the boot, rather than inside the sliding door. However, the roll-out awning has been moved to the left-hand side, thus providing shelter when cooking al fresco. On the right-hand side, there’s a sun sail for shade when you use the outdoor chairs, which still live on the inside of the tailgate.
The kitchen comes with electric induction cooking for the first time, plus a single gas ring for when mains power isn’t available. The clever bit, though, is the worktop that slides forward, so you still have preparation space when using the hob or sink. Up front, the cab seats now swivel AND have height adjustment, while individual, sliding rear seats replace the usual bench, promising much greater comfort for rear passengers. They are also much lighter to remove, but the back seats no longer form part of the bed; instead, the mattress unfurls over the folded rear seats and the extra bed sections deplete storage in the already reduced boot area. At the side of the boot is another new feature, though – a pull-out shower that can be suspended from the open tailgate.
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