VW California Ocean

Top-of-the-range camper from Volkswagen itself

There are cheaper VW campervans but Volkswagen’s own model is the standard by which others have to be judged. In fact, there’s now a whole range of California models, too, but the Ocean is the top spec when it comes to the T6.1.

A good chunk of the cost (don’t be surprised to spend £75k with options) is down to the spec, including some features that you just won’t find on other Volkswagen-based campers. For a start, the Ocean comes with a DSG automatic gearbox as standard, as well as the 148bhp (150PS) engine.

On the campervan side, there’s diesel-fired heating, a sliding rear seat and an electric poptop with roof bed, too. Pressing a switch to raise the roof might sound like a gimmick but, for those who struggle with the strength or height to operate a manual pop-top, it’s a godsend.

On the automotive front, the California has always excelled and the latest one comes with a Digital Cockpit, where conventional dials are replaced by a fully configurable 10.25in digital display. Discover Media sat-nav with a DAB radio, touchscreen and internet streaming is standard, too, as are three-stage heated cab seats, Climatronic air-conditioning with separate controls for rear passengers, and 17in alloy wheels. Then, there’s adaptive cruise control, automatic LED headlights, front fog lamps with cornering function and a suite of safety assistance systems.

The one obvious downside of the Cali (and its Marco Polo rival from Mercedes-Benz) is that the (soft-closing) sliding door sits on the continental side on right-hand drive models.