13. It’s back: the iconic VW Camper, in a freshly updated model
For the past six decades, the legendary Kombi and Caravelle have been much-loved bestsellers in South Africa. The range recently underwent a facelift – which was all the excuse we needed to do a road trip or three…
Hands up: who doesn’t get a positive vibe from a Kombi? Yep, not even the Grinch has his hand up. No other car in the world is associated with friends, family, sun-kissed good times and memorable road trips like the iconic Volkswagen Kombi.
And what better way to celebrate the latest offering than a road trip? That’s exactly what we did with the new facelifted models. Officially called the T6.1, the passenger range consists of the Kombi, the Caravelle and the California, and we took each on a different road trip around the Cape. From exploring the Garden Route in the Kombi to a family weekend in Arniston in the Caravelle and, appropriately, a camping trip to the Cederberg in the California, we enjoyed a month with the various T6.1 models.
SO WHAT’S NEW?
Outside, the most noticeable change is the striking radiator grille that forms a single unit with the new bumper. All
elements below the bonnet, including the headlights, are new, and on all versions, two chrome-plated crossbars link the headlights to the radiator grille. There are also six new exterior colours, seven new two-tone paintwork finishes, and six new alloy-wheel designs to round off the exterior updates.
Inside, along with smarter dashboard space utilisation, the infotainment systems have been revamped to provide an array of web-based functions and services. Among the system options on offer, you’ll love the new 10.25-inch digital cockpit in the Caravelle Highline and California, with its clear, highcontrast screen which, via a button on the steering wheel, you can configure to display your preferred set of driver info. The T6.1 is a big piece of automotive metal to manoeuvre, and at hand is an optional rear-view reversing camera with “dynamic guide objects” in combination with Trailer Assist. That means that, instead of static guide lines displayed in the camera monitor, what gets projected in the reversing camera image is a choice of dynamic guide lines, parking boxes or a trailer guide line, depending on the steering angle.
THE KOMBI (R697 700-R871 800)
It may be the cheapest in the passenger T6.1 range, but the fact that it remains the bestseller is testament to its interior comfort and quality. The Kombi comes in two model lines: the Trendline, and the top-of-therange Trendline Plus, with Titanium Black interior trim in all models. The backs of the seats are also equipped with two new pockets for gadgets such as smartphones.
THE CARAVELLE (R1 149 400)
Offered only as a Highline variant, it has all the bells and whistles, including Nappa leather seats; 17-inch black alloy wheels; electrically adjustable, heated and folding exterior mirrors; and the Discover Pro digital cockpit with a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Wireless App-Connect and USB, a centre table as well as front and rear Park Distance Control with a rear-view camera are also standard.
THE CALIFORNIA COAST (R1 196 500)
The latest version of the Kombi’s legendary camper van remains globally popular, with more than 18 000 new owners every year extending that roof upwards and spending the night under the stars. The California Coast comes equipped with a gas cooker, sink and 42-litre compressor cool box; a kitchen with integrated cupboards; four seats; and a bed extension that doubles up as a lounge area.