Volkswagen California
Can camper keep top spot? Plus larger Grand Cali driven
WITH a bloodline that dates all the way back to the fifties, the Volkswagen California is arguably the quintessential compact camper van.
Like the rest of the new T6.1 range – including the Transporter van and Caravelle MPV – the California has been treated to a nip and tuck, heralding a fresh look and more convenience features. It’s not due in the UK until the spring, but we’ve been given early access to the revised camper to see if it’s worthy of your consideration.
Among the changes on the outside, there are new lights and a slimmer grille, some new wheel designs, and fresh tail-lights at the rear. The white over bronze two-tone paint on our van is new, too. But it’s inside where the biggest updates take place; the dash is plastered with VW’s latest tech, featuring a sharp 9.2-inch touchscreen and a set of customisable digital dials.
The pixelated old control panel above the rear-view mirror has been replaced by another touchscreen, allowing users to open and close the roof and adjust the settings for the auxiliary heater. It also features a new ‘inclinometer’, which ensures your camping pitch is completely level before bedding down for the night.
Elsewhere, there’s a more comfortable bed in the roof, revised catches for the cupboards, and new trim. UK specs haven’t been confirmed, but it’s likely the entrylevel Beach model will be dropped in favour of a better-equipped Coast, which boasts the same kitchen (sink, two-ring gas hob and fridge) as our flagship Ocean version.
The Coast gets a smaller screen and analogue dials, as well as a manually operated roof. Every version is expected to feature alloy wheels, parking sensors, adaptive cruise, and that auxiliary heater. An awning is standard on all versions.
Ocean models ramp things up, with three-zone air-con, heated seats and the electric roof. For the 2020 Ocean, VW adds digital dials, the bigger screen, LED lights and a reversing camera, as well as privacy glass and blind spot assist. You’ll need to decide whether you value these features; the Ocean is expected to cost £8,000 more than the Coast – or £6k more than before.
All versions use Volkswagen’s tried and tested seven-speed gearbox. The Coast gets a 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI engine, while the Ocean comes with a higher-power 196bhp motor, as well as having the option of allwheel drive. We tried the FWD model mated to the punchier engine; the gearbox is smoother than before, and the engine is refined. There’s a little wind noise from around the door mirrors, but you’ll be amazed how quiet it is. VW claims to have tweaked the steering, but the changes are minor and difficult to detect. It still pays to take things gently if you don’t want your pots rattling around in the rear.
But find yourself a secluded spot, and no aftermarket conversion compares with the Cali. It’s remarkably clever; ingeniously engineered with myriad features designed to make life as painless as possible.
Space inside is generous with the roof up, and you’ll never tire of the endless clips, covers and cupboards around the cabin.