Volkswagen Grand California
FIRST UK DRIVE Is bigger better? We try VW’s 6.8m-long sibling
THE mighty VW Group sells vehicles in most areas of the market, but the Grand California marks a new niche for the firm as it tries to take on motorhomes.
The big brother of the iconic Cali (left) is up against converted Fiat and Peugeot vans, custom-made by a network of independent manufacturers. And it’s sold to a discerning clientele who really know about camping.
For the base of the Grand California, VW has turned to its Crafter vans, powered by a 175bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. The ‘entry point’ is the 600, a six-metre-long motorhome that has a double bed across the rear cabin and sleeping quarters for two children in an area over the cabin.
Here we’re trying the 680, a 6.8-metrelong behemoth that costs more but, bizarrely, sleeps only two. This may seem perverse to anyone who’s tried a regular California, which can convert into a fourberth sleeper in a matter of seconds. But the Grand Cali offers independence that its smaller sibling can only dream of.
That’s because, as well as a kitchen hob, sink, fridge and freezer, there’s also a toilet and a shower. Fill this vehicle up with water and gas and, provided there’s enough sun to feed the rooftop solar panel and keep the leisure battery topped up, you need not plug it in or feel the need to visit a maintained campsite for days. And for some, that is freedom worth paying for.
The Grand Cali is a special place to spend time, with a comfortable (huge) double bed, plenty of cupboard storage and a full wetroom bathroom that works well.
There are plenty of nice touches around, too, with an electric step that slides out to make it easy to climb aboard, integrated mosquito nets in the doors, and blackout blinds in the windows. The camper’s systems are controlled through a slick touchscreen in the main living area, and the gas central heating is efficient and quiet.
On the road, it’s fine at a steady cruise, although asking any more than that of it sends the engine revs skywards. But it’s comfortable and front visibility is excellent.
There’s no getting past its size, though; its sheer length and girth could put some owners off driving down some tighter, more scenic routes – potentially missing out on the benefits of the Grand California’s self-sufficiency as a result.
“Fill it up and you won’t feel the need to visit a maintained campsite for a number of days”