California dreamers – say hi to VW’s new multivan

Summer can’t be far away now that a new California camper van has just been revealed.

Or can it? Well, we’ll have to wait a while. You can order one from next month for Q4 delivery.

So, what can we look forward to? The new holiday-on-wheels motor has sliding doors on the left and right sides. There will be a plug-in hybrid drive and an all-wheel drive system.

As usual, Volkswagen has given summery names to the fivestrong line-up, each with a pop-up roof: Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper, Coast and Ocean.

Based on the long version of the modern multivan, it has been redesigned in every area and aspect.

Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper have a mini-kitchen at the rear, while Coast and Ocean versions each get a full kitchenette on the driver’s side. It is one of three van line-ups – with the smaller Caddy California and the larger Grand California.

It has individual seats instead of a rear bench. From the Beach Tour version upwards, there is a new control unit in the middle pillar on the passenger side.

All LED and background lighting can be switched off at the same time with a brief double tap.

It is 5,173mm long (up from 4,904 mm); 1,941mm wide (formerly 1,904mm) and 1,990mm tall (same as before). There is a 3,124mm wheelbase for more internal room. With the roof interior, height is 1,297 mm; this increases to 2,108mm with the pop-up roof open.

Power comes from a 150PS diesel engine, a 204PS petrol with both driving the front wheels. The plug-in hybrid develops 245PS.