The VW California: A camper van that's perfect for city living.
Volkswagen is resurrecting its renowned California camper van, inspired by the extended T7 Multivan. Featuring a pop-up roof, it now includes a plug-in hybrid option for the first time.
Since its launch in 1988, Volkswagen has sold approximately 280,000 of its California motorhomes globally. What sets it apart is its practicality and versatility. It serves as a practical family car Monday through Friday, an estate car for errands, and a parents' shuttle vehicle for transporting kids. Over the weekend or on a getaway, it metamorphoses into a camper van with a two-meter sleep area under the retractable roof. It's equipped with a kitchenette that can be pulled to the back when the tailgate is open. There's also an optional awning for comfortable al fresco evenings.
Patience Was Tested
California fans needed some endurance. The Multivan based on the modern MQB platform debuted three years ago, and only now is the camper being updated. All standard VW assistance systems are available, either included or as optional upgrades. Options range from the cornering assistant to "Travel Assist," which offer autonomous driving capabilities.
In terms of performance, the old diesel and gas engines remain, each delivering 110 kW/150PS and 150 kW/204PS, respectively. However, in the new plug-in hybrid version, an electric motor powers the rear wheels. When combined with a 1.5-liter petrol engine, the duo churns out a potent 180 kW/245HP. The estimated electric range is up to 100 kilometers, but Volkswagen isn't revealing many more details. Initial orders for the combustion engines will be available from June.
Still a Mystery
The kit contents and prices for the various versions remain a mystery. The "Beach," "Coast," and "Ocean" models are longer by 27 centimeters, providing more seating for passengers and more storage for essential camping equipment. The kitchenette has been redesigned, now located on the side panel. It boasts a facelifted layout compared to the previous version. The gas cylinder has its own dedicated door in the storage area.
The front seats can be rotated 180 degrees, facing the living area. The previous model's bench seat has been swapped with individual seats, making it quicker to create an additional sleeping area. No need to squeeze in under the retractable roof and cram into a tight space. This makes the California camper van a standout compared to larger motorhomes, since it easily fits in underground garages and urges you to venture to more obscure campsites.
At the Berlin world premiere, VW stayed mum on pricing details. The entry-level "Beach" model is expected to follow the pricing of its predecessor, which was priced at €64,000.
Volkswagen California - Technical Specifications
- Five-door camper van capable of seating up to six people
- Length: 5.17 meters, width: 1.94 meters (without exterior mirrors), height: 1.99 meters. Wheelbase: 3.12 meters, headroom with roof up: 2.11 meters
- Engine options: a 2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel delivering 100 kW/150 hp, a 2-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 150 kW/204 hp, and a plug-in hybrid pairing an electric motor and a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine yielding 180 kW/245 HP (release date unspecified).
- Price: revealed in June.
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The Volkswagen California camper van, returning with its pop-top roof, is also offering Motorhomes equipped with Volkswagen models, such as the T7 Multivan, as their base.
For those who prefer eco-friendly travel, the updated Volkswagen California now includes an Automobile option, a plug-in hybrid model, in its lineup of Volkswagen models.
Source: www.ntv.de
