Where will you go next?Whether at home or away, the California is the ideal travel and leisure camper van to make you feel right at home anywhere. Experience the efficient engines, high-quality interior fittings, modern infotainment and driver assistance systems as well as the innovative mobile online your CaliforniaDiscover the features and pricing across the entire California range. Simply select your preferred trims by clicking ‘Add to comparison’ and see all of their standard features and optional extras at a glance. Once you’ve decided on the California you’d like to take a closer look at, click ‘Build your own’ to get view the latest finance offersT&Cs apply. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Financial Services60 years in the makingThe movement that began with the Volkswagen camper van – a rolling symbol for independence and freedom – now brings you a true home on four wheels in the California There is no better way to add to the success of a legend. And no better way to express your attitude to roofThe California offers comfort in a small space. You can set up the elevating roof of the California in just a few easy steps at your holiday destination or stopover. The expanding roof gives you extra space to move around in the passenger compartment. Setting up the elevating roof is easy in the California Ocean as it’s operated electrically. As night falls, you can transform the camper van into your own comfortable bedroom to sleep fitted kitchenPrepare a tasty meal anywhere, any time. A kitchen on wheels: the California Coast and Ocean offers you a fully fitted kitchen with a cool box, sink and stove kitchen unit. The mini-kitchen in California Beach Camper can help you prepare basic meals and is easily stowed when travelling. Plus there’s a camping table and chairs which can be set up outside or stowed neatly away to save space when not being the comfort, innovation and technology of the California in our walkaround comfort, more connectivityThe California makes your journey as comfortable as possible with intelligent mobile online services and next-generation infotainment systems. The new infotainment systems are fully touchscreen and feature redesigned graphics, as well as an integrated SIM card as standard that offers a range of online functions and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit is a customisable, full colour digital gauge cluster that lets the driver change views to display the most relevant information:Classical view showing the speedometer and rev counter dials in a traditional formatDigital view without dials - vehicle speed and key information is displayed in text formatDigital view with additional information - as above but with additional vehicle and trip information displayedComes as standard on the California OceanConstant online connectivityAll-new across the California range, the integrated SIM card (eSIM) comes as standard with the new infotainment systems. The eSIM opens up a range of online-based functions and services to California example, following an accident, eCall automatically send the vehicle location to an emergency response centre and establishes a voice connection. If the driver doesn't respond, eCall automatically informs the emergency services. Internet connectivity also lets the California access the new 'We Connect' world of mobile online service (MOS).Your second pair of eyesThe California has practical driver assistance and safety systems to support you in critical situations, when you're parking or changing lanes and much Assist with City Emergency BrakingUpgraded for the Front Assist with City Emergency Braking warns the driver of impending collisions and, if necessary, will autonomously apply the brakes. On the it even responds to potential roadside hazards such as cyclists and pedestrians. This system helps keep drivers and cargo safe, as well as reducing the risk of accidents and subsequent costs through damage repair and there for youBe prepared for almost anything with the safety systems in the California The driving systems can safely intervene, helping to reduce the risk of accidents on the and awardsDon’t just take our word for it, read the latest California panel van reviews and awards Caravan and Motorhome Club awarded the Volkswagen California five stars in the Motorhome and Campervan Design Awards Buyers Guide for 2021. An indpendent, expert panel carried out a full review of the California from technical specification, design and use of space, resulting in California finisihing in top position in the Campervan class. The panel of judges praised the California for its premium comfort, state-of-the art connectivity, and extensive driver assistance and pricingCalifornia price listCalifornia offersBrochure and pricingCalifornia price listExplore different finance optionsWith our easy-to-use finance calculator you can explore our wide range of finance offers. We have options available for all our vehicles on multiple finance products for both lease and purchase. Please note that stock vehicle offers are not shown in the Finance accessories for your California offer a huge selection of accessories across the entire California range. All of our accessories are supplied, verified and fitted by knowledgeable experts and most come with a two-year warranty. Click below to take a closer steps Next steps You might also likeTake a look at our motorhomes and campervans Grand CaliforniaThis spacious, comfortable motorhome comes with home comforts including a wetroom and toiletCaddy CaliforniaThe Caddy California is a compact camper that’s perfect for adventures big and small.
Unless you have your own: The California 6.1 provides you with the spacious bunk bed, enough space and comfort to dream of your best holiday moments or to fall asleep with a gentle wave noise. Technology 6.1. Just the right thing. For city and beach. Possibilities as far as the eye can see.
What’s this, then?It’s the latest Volkswagen California. It couldn’t be much different to its Ferrari-made namesake, being, y’know, a diesel-powered campervan. It’s arguably more of a hero than the Fezza, though, laser-guided at its target audience with a truly precise purpose and exceedingly clever - Page continues belowVan-based campers are available in all shapes and sizes, of course, but VW boasts that the Cali is the only one with its kitchen and bedrooms built in from birth in the factory, rather than afterwards via a third-party company. It also has some unbeatable heritage, tracing its roots back to those classic 21-window VW Campers of the what’s new?Essentially the California has been updated because the van upon which it’s based – VW’s Transporter – has just reached its sixth generation. Naturally, there’s not been much change in the way of design, with fancier headlights and some braver colour schemes about the sum of news lies beneath the Cali's boxy exterior. Three engines are available, all of them 2-litre turbodiesels, in 100bhp, 148bhp and 201bhp flavours. The more powerful two offer four-wheel drive and a DSG automatic gearbox among their - Page continues belowThe Cali blurs the lines between car and van better than ever before, too, with all manner of technology available, including a big posh stereo, adaptive suspension, active cruise control and modern safety stuff like blind spot monitoring. Those with a limitless budget can craft a upmarket hotel room on wheels. There’s even Apple about the campy stuff?In the UK there are two trim levels available, Beach and Ocean. The former offers five or seven seats, and comes with two double beds: one downstairs, when the seats are folded down, and one in the elevating roof you see in the pictures. It’s a cosy night’s sleep, too, with a heating system on board for colder an Ocean and you get the same amount of bedding but just four seats, the others elbowed out by a kitchenette (two hobs, a sink and fridge) and an assortment of cupboards. You also get mildly plusher interior trim, while the upstairs bedroom unfurls all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your start at £37,657 for a 100bhp Beach, rising to £54,975 for a 201bhp Cali Ocean with four-wheel drive and / 6That’s a couple of decades’ of holidays abroad…Indeed it is. But the Cali is as much a rival for 20 fortnights in Mallorca as it is the Porsche Boxster with which its prices you buy one of these because you want the flexibility of throwing a bunch of stuff in it and just going somewhere, quite probably at the drop of a Goretex hat and with some sort of lifestyle equipment attached to the California is so much more palatable than a motorhome, or the dreaded caravan. It’s more appropriate on single-carriageway roads on bank holiday weekends, for starters, but it’s also so, so easy to not going to talk about actual handling, are you?Maybe a little. The truth is the Cali grips well and doesn’t roll anywhere near as much as you might think, so cornering speeds will be dictated by how much you value the crockery in the cupboards, not its dynamic ability. And the driving position isn’t quite as stoically upright as its van roots might have you fearing. Sensors and a camera can ease any parking performance?While the entry-level engine is predictably the running cost champion with a combined its 0-62mph time doesn’t lie. With tonnes to shift when empty, it’s slow, and fully loaded it’ll require some proper pedalling up better choosing one of the other engines: the 148bhp tune, a little over two grand more, is more than game enough, and uses barely any less gearboxes operate slickly, while front-driven Calis don’t feel any harder work on road than those with 4Motion, so the rest of the spec depends on how easy-going you like your journeys between campsites, and how off-piste those sites actually probably buy the Beach and a portable stove for maximum flexibility, too. Get a seven seater and a pop-up tent for extra passengers and you’ve probably rinsed every last drop of practicality from an already quite able ‘car’.So is the California still a TG hero?Unquestionably. No change was strictly needed, in truth, so instead VW has focused on further rounding off the sharp, van-based edges and created an even more car-like experience. It’s a doddle to drive and a joy to explore its various nooks and crannies, such as the fold-out picnic table and chairs hidden in the door a Cali didn’t make sense to you before, it still won’t. But for those who get it, this is (unless Mercedes brings its Marco Polo to Britain) as petrolhead-friendly as campervanning gets. Several members of the TG office have a rather bluff, boxy space in the lottery-win garage for one. Do you? 25 Years of the Volkswagen’s California Camper Van. A quarter-century ago, Volkswagen discovered the motorhome. Before then, conversions of its rear-engined T2 and T3 buses—the latter known in Camperland december 6, 2018 De nieuwe (zesde) generatie van de populaire Volkwagen Transporter is er in 3 versies met motoren op diesel of benzine. Specifiek bekijken we van naderbij de T6 California, de grotere broer van de Volkswagen Caddy Beach. De VW California Beach is de goedkoopste versie uit deze serie maar ook wel die met het meest sportieve uiterlijk. Basisprijs: € (12/2018) Volkswagen Transporter 6 California Daarnaast biedt Volkswagen een keuze uit de luxueuzer California Coast en California Ocean uitvoering. De nieuwe generatie Euro 6 motoren hebben BlueMotion Technologie die brandstof besparen en de CO2- en fijnstof uitstoot verminderen. Voor de liefhebbers is er ook een DSG automaat waarmee je nog eens 10% op de brandstofkosten kan januari 2020 was de Transporter California te zien op het Autosalon van Brussel. Zie ook Nieuwe motoren met BlueMotion Technologie besparen extra brandstof Volkswagen California in première op het Autosalon van Brussel, 01/2020 De modellen zijn uitgerust met multifunctioneel lederen stuurwiel met radio- en ingebouwde navigatiebediening. De comfortabele voorstoelen met dubbelzijdige armleuningen kunnen 180 graden gedraaid worden. Als de avond valt kan de woonbus omgebouwd worden naar een slaapkamer met maximaal 4 slaapplaatsen. Beneden de gevouwen tweezitsbank en bovenaan een hefbed van 2 op 1,20 meter voorzien van een lattenbodem en gestoffeerde matras. De bestuurderscabine kan verduisterd worden met ingebouwde rolgordijnen. Via een schuifraam kan je wat frisse lucht Multi Collision Brake systeem, is een systeem dat na een botsing automatisch de remmen vast zet en de airbags paraat houdt. Met de ingebouwde Adaptive Cruise Control (als optie te verkrijgen) houdt California de ingestelde afstand tot je voorligger constant aan: remt de auto die voor je rijd af, dan remt de T6 automatisch mee, zo nodig tot stilstand. Met de Dynamic Drive Control (DCC) stelt u het onderstel van de California in op normaal-, comfort- of maar duur is de mogelijkheid voor een 4Motion vierwielaandrijving waarmee u ook off-road aan de slag kunt. Dit systeem verdeeld de krachten over de voor- en achteras indien nodig. Kiest u dit samen met het mechanisch differentieel blokkeringssysteem dan is een 100% blokkering van de achteras mogelijk. Dit vergemakkelijk het wegrijden in moeilijke omstandigheden (helling, gladheid, modder, …)Het Descent Control system zorgt voor een betere gecontroleerde en veiligere afdaling door de verlaging van het motortoerental en indien nodig, extra rem interventies. De snelheid van het voertuig wordt constant California is beschikbaar is acht verschillende (twee-)kleuren versies zoals Bamboegroen, Anthraciet metallic, Mojave Beige, Grapa geel, Acapulco blauw en het Candywit met kersrood. de California is beschikbaar is 8 verschillende kleuren VW T6 California Beach De Beach is de meer sportieve T6 uit de serie met een 3-persoons zitbank die je kan omvormen tot een tweepersoonsbed van 2 m lang op anderhalve meter breed, maar je kan er ook 3 kinderen in te slapen leggen. De vier standaard stoelen zijn bekleed met een onderhoudsvriendelijke stof ‘Pilion’ of ‘Kutamo’. Als optie kan je 3 zitplaatsen extra bijbestellen tot het maximum van 7 zitplaatsen. De tweede zitbank is traploos verstelbaar via rails of weg neembaar als je plaats wil maken voor grotere voorwerpen of bagage. Ook deze serie heeft een hefdak met een tweepersoonsbed dat je met de hand bediend moet openen. Dit bovenbed is voorzien van een lattenbodem. Zo kom je in totaal aan de vier slaapplaatsen. Door zijn afwijkende afdeling tegenover de twee andere modellen is deze California eigenlijk de ruimste van de drie. Elke Beach is voorzien van twee kampeerstoelen die verwerkt zitten in de achterklep en een tafeltje dat verwerkt zit in de schuifdeur. Volkswagen California Beach (2019) Volkswagen California Beach (2019) Volkswagen California Beach (2019) VW T6 California Coast De Coast versie lijkt op de Beach maar is veel luxueuzer uitgevoerd met standaard een luifel. Deze moderne VW T6 woonbus biedt plaats aan 4 personen die ook kunnen ter slapen worden gelegd. De tweezitsbank kan worden neergeklapt tot een slaapplaats van 2 lang en 1,14 meter breed. Ook bij dit model is er een hefdak voorzien dat je manueel kan openen. De Coast heeft als extra het Composition radio system en extra veiligheidssystemen zoals de vermoeidheids assistent. De keuken die is opgebouwd uit een aluminium sandwichstructuur, heeft een moderne ‘White Wood’ look (witachtig hout uitzicht) met een 2-pits gasfornuis met piëzo-ontsteking. De keuken is volledig functioneel uitgerust, inclusief een spoelbak. De ingebouwde koelkast werkt op compressie. Opslagruimte is er voorzien met een stabiel ingebouwde keuken-, kleding-, achterkast en in de cockpit heeft deze vernieuwde versie nu ook een nieuwe systeem om de voorruit volledig te verduisteren met ingebouwde rolgordijnen. De voorstoelen zijn bedekt met stof ‘Vistamo’. Ingebouwde meters vertellen je de inhoud van de watertanks en de capaciteit van de batterij. Volkswagen California Coast (2019) Volkswagen California Coast (2019) Volkswagen California Coast (2019) Volkswagen California Coast (2019) de Coast versie lijkt op de Beach maar is veel luxueuzer uitgevoerd VW T6 California Ocean De Ocean is de meest luxueuze versie in de California serie met hier een elektrisch bedienbaar hefdak (met één druk op de knop) en een Climatronic airconditioning met drie zones. Alles te bedienen via een centraal bedieningspaneel. Aan de buitenkant is de Ocean vooral te herkennen aan zijn grille in chic hoogglans, H7 koplampen en spiegels en handgrepen in dezelfde kleur als de carrosserie. Als optie is ook een metallic kleur Mojave Beige verkrijgbaar. Ramen uit dubbelglas voor een betere isolatie. Binnenin is er stoelverwarming, een media systeem met een touchscreen kleurenscherm en zijn er veel gelijkenissen zoals ook de 4 zit- en slaapplaatsen maar de keuken is hier standaard ingericht met donkerkleurig hout, maar wel nog als optie in wit hout verkrijgbaar. De zetels zijn bekleed met hoogwaardige stoffen ‘Valley’.In de woonruimte van de Ocean is nog een extra kachel die zijn brandstof haalt uit de diesel brandstoftank, om het binnenklimaat aangenamer te maken bij koud of vochtig weer. Onder de achterbank zit nog een extra opbergvak voor klein tot middelgroot reisgereedschap. Volkswagen California Ocean (2019) – Volkswagen California Ocean (2019) – Volkswagen California Ocean (2019) – Volkswagen California Ocean (2019) – Volkswagen California Ocean (2019) – Volkswagen California Ocean (2019) – Volkswagen California Ocean (2019) – Volkswagen California Ocean (2019) – Volkswagen California Ocean (2019) – Volkswagen California Ocean (2019) – de Ocean is de meest luxueuze versie Motoren De dieselmotoren hebben een inhoud van 2 liter en zijn er in verschillende krachtbronnen van 62 tot 204 pk. De Euro-6 dieselmotoren met een turbo compressor en directe inspuiting. De kleinste en lichtste 62 pk (84 kw) versie is enkel verkrijgbaar voor de Beach versie. De andere dieselmotoren in alle series Beach, Coast en najaar 2019:VW T6 California Beach: vanaf €VW T6 California Coast: vanaf €VW T6 California Ocean: vanaf €Gemiddeld verbruik 6,7-7,4 l/100 kmCo2-uitstoot: 175-193 gram Technische gegevens Lengte 5,006mBreedte 1,904 mTotale camperhoogte 1,990 mInhoud koelkast (met vriesvak) : 42 literInhoud verswatertank: 35 literInhoud vuilwatertank: 35 literPassagiers- en bagageruimte: oppervlakte m2Zijschuifdeur, breedte x hoogte x mmAchterklep, breedte x hoogte x mmDraaicirkel meterWoonoppervlak: oppervlakte 4,0 m2Euro 6-moteren met BlueMotion TechnologieElektrische Stabilisatie ProgrammaABSEDSMulti Collision Brake systeem6 airbagsAdaptive Cruise Control (optie)4Motion vierwielaandrijvingDynamic Drive Control (DCC) Conclusies Uitstekend - moderne motoren en technologie - betrouwbaarheid Minder goed - aankoopprijs - extra’s zoals vierwielaandrijving laten de prijs sterk oplopen - populair model bij dievenbendes Motorhome dealers voor VW Transporter California The California Ocean and California Coast camper vans from the California 6.1 range. Image from: volkswagen-vans.co.uk. Select your model from the list below to go to the specifications of your motorhome: California Ocean; California Coast; California Ocean The exterior of the California Ocean camper van. Image from: volkswagen-vans.co.uk Even those not previously taken with the idea of camping have loved spending time in the clever Volkswagen California. We’ll miss its versatility; so long, old friend!Mileage: 10,041Economy: the keys landed on my desk back in April, I never dreamt that our Volkswagen California – which is now a pre-facelift model, since an updated version launched recently – would prove so popular with my colleagues. Here, we’ve pulled together some of the experiences that the Auto Express team (and their families, of course) have had during the past six months and 10,000 Cali has been everywhere, from the south coast to Norfolk, Wales and France. It’s also doubled as my daily driver, ferrying me to work in central London, as well as to the airport and my parents’ home in Devon. It’s carried lots of rubbish to the tip during our house renovation, and even doubled as a mobile office on road test shoots.• New Volkswagen Grand California reviewThe response from my workmates has been overwhelmingly positive. Whether it was being used as a place of solace on a damp Devon campsite, or somewhere to cook up some eggs on a sunny Saturday, the versatile van proved perfect for any occasion. More reviews It was especially good at swaying those not previously taken by the idea of camping. A couple of my colleagues actively disliked the idea of pitching up in a flooded field only to be battered by the best our wet and windy weather could throw at them. And who could blame them? Yet all who tried the Cali returned (at least partially) converted. It was interesting how many people commented on the Cali’s countless clever features; everyone loved the chairs hidden in the bootlid, the fold-out table in the sliding door and the hanging rail in the cupboard. The bulky bike rack was used a handful of times – although I’d think twice before speccing it, as it severely restricts rearward visibility and makes the tailgate very Cali’s compact footprint makes it easy to drive on UK roads, although the jerky gearbox raised a few eyebrows. It was investigated, but after an extensive road test, VW insisted there was nothing my biggest complaint lay with the light-coloured seats. A car (or van) in which you’re able to eat and sleep should offer a more durable fabric; the slightest spillage left marks on the rear seats. Thankfully, a bottle of Autoglym’s interior shampoo quickly had the chairs looking good as for all its quirks, the Cali will leave a gaping hole in the Auto Express car park. The most popular test car on our fleet in recent times will be sorely MilneVisited: Southwold, SuffolkThis was the second time I’d used a California. The best part of 10 years separates the two, but little has changed. The layout felt familiar, and we came away as impressed by the Cali’s ingenuity this summer as we did all those years ago: aplace for everything, and everything in its place. It sparks conversations like few other cars, too; ‘Veedubbers’ are a very friendly things resonated with us, though. As obvious as it sounds, turning up to a campsite then setting off on adventures each day doesn’t play to a camper van’s strengths. Our family break to Suffolk required too much stowing, unloading and setting up; a few days of touring would have been better. Plus, there’s nowhere to store child seats and associated kit when you’re WalkerVisited: Paddock Wood, KentFor me, the appeal of the California rested in the promise of hassle-free camping without the need to go 10 rounds with a heavyweight tent. There’s nothing like rolling up to a campsite to seamlessly assemble your accommodation in seconds, without puncturing your air bed with a tent pole, or smacking yourself in the toe with a mallet. And the reality proved to be pretty close. We visited a campsite in Kent; two adults with two kids in tow. If you’re only staying for one or two nights, or are comically inept at erecting tents, the plug-and-play nature of a camper van is a godsend. I had some trouble getting the awning poles to lock, which at least allowed the neighbours a smirk – but otherwise it was plain sailing. The kids (six and three) found the pop-up roof irresistible, while us adults loved the high-quality fixtures and fittings. There’s a predictable question mark over the Cali’s body control in corners, but no sane camper is going to drive it with much vigour and risk their baked bean tins crushing their BaidenVisited: Hastings, East SussexI’ll admit that, like Ben (left), I don’t much like camping. I hate the thought of pitching a tent and the prospect of going without the creature comforts of a hotel when I go away. So, when our friends Greg and Magda tried to tempt us into a camping trip near Hastings, I was hesitant – until I realised I could take the VW of the biggest reservations I had about camping involved my young son; the thought of having him in a tent with us, wriggling around and making a racket wasn’t exactly appealing. But in the Cali there was enough space to put his travel cot downstairs while we slept up top. It worked perfectly, and we woke up feeling refreshed the next California also proved extremely popular with Greg and Magda’s kids. They seemed to spend more time inside it than outside in the sunshine, fiddling with all the clever and crafty features, many of which we hadn’t discovered ourselves. That’s the beauty of the California – most of the best bits are hidden away out of sight, and only come to the fore when you really need not about to go and buy a tent, yet just like Ben, the California has definitely improved my perception of camping. But at more than £60,000, I’m not BatchelorVisited: Croyde Bay, DevonNothing can prepare you for the contempt dished out by other campers as you rock up in a £60k red and white VW van. We chose Croyde Bay in North Devon for our holiday, and as we crept into the campsite on a gorgeous sunny evening, we felt a little uncomfortable as others rolled up their sleeves and constructed their fabric homes. The contempt turned into ridicule as we wound out the awning and lounged in the Cali’s chairs, sipping Riesling and watching the sun set. The next four days, however, were a washout. One morning we woke to the sound of ‘Oh god, no!’ as our neighbours chased their tent in gale force winds. By the end of the week we were glad to not be wet, cold – the auxiliary heater is fabulous – and hated by our fellow campers. One night we even invited a sopping wet woman round for a drink!Ben HodgesVisited: Isle of Sheppey, KentTaking the California to the Isle of Sheppey for the weekend was possibly more exciting for my family than for me, with my two boys bouncing with excitement at the being far from seasoned campers, we found the Cali easy to set up, with the helpful reversing camera making it simple to pitch. From here on, the boys took up residence in the pop-up roof, only being bribed out with the offer of food and drink. When it came to making dinner, though, interior space became tight, with the very noticeable slope I’d parked on making cooking a bit difficult. Being a typical English summer, we were forced to eat inside – although the excellent on-board heater kept us nice and used the campsite as our home for the weekend, and while we did venture out to the beach in the afternoon, heading back to the van was never a chore. After a long day walking on the beach and exploring in the great outdoors, returning to the Cali as the weather closed in confirmed its greatest strengths. It’s infinitely better than a tent at night – with two comfortable beds, and blinds on every window to block out the early-morning sun. Did it convert me to camping? Not quite, but now I dislike it a tiny bit McIlroyVisited: Hampshire/Wales Rally GBMy family enjoyed a couple of trips in the Auto Express California. The first was an extended stay at Wellington Country Park, Hampshire, which allowed my six-year-old to show off glamping to his school mates as they enjoyed sleepovers on a rota basis, while the second included a run to the depths of Wales (in early October) to watch the world’s top rally drivers on Rally Cali is a cracking day base. As we sat in a sodden Welsh forest, eating lunch and drying out ahead of the afternoon’s action, I heard more than one rally fan comment, “That’s what you need for a day like this.”General cleverness aside, I noticed that the upstairs bed is more comfortable than the slightly lumpy downstairs mattress, and the gearbox seems to like building up a lot of revs before pulling away from rest. The light-grey seat fabric marks a bit too easily for a vehicle that has a kitchen and a washable floor, too. All-in-all, though, I’m going to miss having it Wilson Visited: Suffolk & Norfolk coastal road tripI was instantly won over by the space-saving ingenuity of our VW California. I spent over an hour playing with all the switches, levers and on-board tech before even heading off on holiday. Only once I’d finished fiddling were we able to start along the Suffolk and Norfolk coastline, stopping at various pre-booked sites and beaches en route. Personal highlights included the super-quick pop-up roof, making arrival and departure simple. We also loved the built-in fridge, which we packed with cider for the evenings, and bacon and eggs for breakfast. Every bit of internal space was used, from pull-out blinds in the A-pillars to a mini dustbin in the driver’s door. I was converted. My wife sensibly reminded me that we could afford a fair few Airbnb weekends for the £62k price tag, GriffithsVisited: Hastings, East SussexI took my family to Hastings, East Sussex, in the heat of June, and my two sons couldn’t have been more excited by the prospect. The California had no difficulty in swallowing child seats, duvets, and the associated kit required for a night’s camping (or glamping, let’s be honest), while all occupants were impressed with its hushed refinement on the positive impressions continued upon pitching up at our campsite. The motor-driven pop-up-roof proved a popular hangout for my boys, and the table and chairs hidden in the sliding doors were the perfect accessories for mum and dad to relax with a glass of wine and some nibbles. We did come across a couple of issues, however; turning the driver’s seat around 180 degrees to face the rear bench was tricky due to it catching on the handbrake and steering wheel, while the light-coloured seats were prone to staining, with the slightest spillage leaving water marks. Joe HoldingVisited: WalesMy then-fiancée-now-wife and I enjoyed a week exploring Wales in the Cali. Living out of the camper made the trip feel like an adventure, and we’ll be buying one the moment we win the lottery. Perhaps a dealer would take our tent as a part-ex?My colleagues had raved about the Cali’s versatility, but we were grateful for something more fundamental: the brakes. They brought the three-tonne camper to a sharp stop on the Great Orme, helping to avoid a head-on collision with a motorcyclist who’d overcooked a blind bend. Both van and biker were California: Fourth reportTwo-thousand-mile road trip gives VW California camper van a chance to shine over a fortnight in FranceMileage: 8,717Economy: I heard I’d be running a Volkswagen California as my next Auto Express test car, my wife, Anna, and I immediately began exploring where we might take it for a two-week started as a few days in Scotland quickly morphed into a mega European trip – extending as far as northern Italy, Slovenia and the stunning Lake Bled. Yet we soon realised that a route like this wouldn’t leave a lot of time for rest or relaxation, and as much as I love a good road trip, we didn’t want to spend the whole time we slimmed things down and chose to focus on France. However, it still covers an area of just over 547,000 sq km and has almost one million kilometres of paved roads, so we weren’t likely to run out of things to Caravan and Motorhome Club helped us organise our ferry crossings and offered advice on camping in France. We decided to avoid booking too much in advance, because we wanted our itinerary to remain flexible. Camping is big business in France, so we assumed this wouldn’t be penned a rough route, from Calais through Giverny, Chablis, Avignon and Annecy, covering around 2,900km (1,800 miles). There were plenty of other things we wanted to do en route – such as wine tasting in Champagne and hiking in Fontainebleau – but we’d leave most of it to chance. Packing for our excursion was easy. It was just the two of us, so we had no trouble fitting everything we needed in the VW’s various cupboards and cubbyholes. As sometime campers, we had most of the kit already, including cups, cutlery and crockery, plus a set of ping-pong bats and three bottles of mosquito repellent. We cooked up some veggie meals to see us through the first few nights, and stocked the cupboards with we arrived at Dover, throngs of holiday goers flooded into the terminal café to buy their expensive Costa coffee and soggy croissants. But because we had the van, we simply hopped in the back, boiled the kettle for a cuppa and ate bowls of cereal while we were waiting to real beauty of the California is that it’s no larger than the VW Transporter on which it is based, and only a few millimetres longer than a BMW X5. That makes it easy to manoeuvre and simple to park, and its size prevented us from being forced in alongside the bigger vans and trucks for the 90-minute trip across the Channel. We made it to France without any issues, and arrived at our first stop feeling as fresh as when we left; the VW’s two armchair-like front seats proving comfortable even on journeys of 250 miles or the trip progressed we learned ever more about VW’s top-spec California Ocean, not least the fact that you can rely on the built-in fridge. It’s powered by a battery that tops itself up on the move, and meant we were often able to avoid paying extra for a powered campsite pitch – giving us more freedom as to the sites we chose. A secluded pitch by the river in the Gorges du Tarn was a particularly sweet spot and somewhere we ended up staying for a couple of after day (and night after night) the California continued to impress. We tended to sleep in the roof, so as not to disturb the cabin too much. It worked well, and despite consisting of little more than a small covering of foam, the mattress was comfortable. We struggled with cold temperatures at times; the auxiliary heater unfortunately doesn’t double as an air-conditioning unit. • Best family cars to buy 2019While we spent a lot of time driving, we ticked off a few must-see places, including the incredible Millau Viaduct, which spans a valley almost wide and 270m deep. Being something of an engineering geek, it’s somewhere I’d wanted to visit for years, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. We eventually had to begin the trek home, albeit via Strasbourg and Champagne; and we stocked up on wine in Calais, before boarding the boat for the return crossing. The total distance at the end of the trip stood at 2,043 miles, but at almost 32mpg the Cali had proved remarkably efficient – even when fully laden with people and California: updateHow does our Volkswagen California compare to a similarly priced Mercedes GLE? Mileage: 5,755Economy: more than £68,000 (as tested), our Volkswagen California is an expensive bit of kit. You get loads of space and a long list of equipment, but that kind of cash gives you access to a wide range of high-end if you have nearly £70k to spend, where should your money go? We had a Mercedes GLE 400 d in the Auto Express car park recently, which isn’t far off our VW’s price, so I thought I’d compare and contrast initial glance at the kit lists may push you towards the Mercedes. It comes with LED lights, Nappa leather, keyless go and a high-resolution infotainment display. These features are either optional on the VW, or not available at all. Look at the extras fitted to this GLE, and the gulf grows: 22-inch wheels (five inches larger than the Cali’s), a 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging and Burmester our California comes with plenty of kit that cannot be found on the GLE – not least the kitchen cupboards and two-ring gas hob. Then there’s the sink, fridge, wardrobe, detachable shower and two double beds. As if that’s not enough reason to trade your off-roader for a four-berth camper, then just take a look at the costs. Far stronger residual values mean that, on identical terms (three-year PCP, 10,000 miles per year and a £6,200 deposit), the California costs considerably less than a top-spec GLE. VW asks a sizeable £793 per month, yet that pales in comparison to the £960 you’ll need for the Mercedes. Granted, the Cali doesn’t have the same level of interior quality, but it doesn’t feel cheap. Our camper is designed to withstand family life, and after nearly 6,000 miles it feels as solid as ever. The light-coloured fabric seats aren’t the most practical option, but the grey carpets are proving California: second reportOur Volkswagen California Ocean proves to be a big hit on last minute break to DevonMileage: 2,795Economy: Volkswagen California is in high demand as summer sets in, with every weekend until late August already allocated to various members of the Auto Express before the rush began, my wife, Anna, and I packed our bags and filled the van for an impulsive weekend away in Devon. The great thing about the California (as opposed to travelling by plane or train) is that you can just throw anything and everything in the with our wellies washed and the fridge full, we set off for the south coast. The scenic route took us down the A303 right past Stonehenge, and beyond. We spent two nights camping near Dartmoor, and due to the hot weather, we barely touched the two-ring gas hob inside the van. While it proved useful for our morning tea and coffee, most of our cooking was done over was just the two of us, so we raised the roof and slept on the double bed up top. This allowed us to use the lower area as intended; by swivelling the two front seats we could both eat and play card games around the table, without having to tidy it all away before going to thing we noticed was that while the longer evenings meant we could spend more time outside, leaving the VW’s interior lights on and the doors open meant we returned to find a few unwelcome insect ability to simply throw everything in the back and not worry about what you might or might not need made this a holiday like few others. Just before returning home we picked up a gigantic six-foot wooden pigeonhole that we’d spotted online earlier in the week. It slid neatly in the back of the van with the seats folded flat, and will fit perfectly in our new kitchen. We’ll have more on that – and the benefits of driving a California while undergoing extensive house renovations – in a future California Ocean: first reportReviews and features editor Rich fulfils a childhood dream with his very own Hotel CaliforniaMileage: 1,889Economy: always been a bit of a fair-weather camper. The prospect of setting up a tent in the pouring rain, or traipsing up a mountain in the biting wind, isn’t my idea of fun. Having somewhere warm and dry to retreat to is a top priority, so visiting pubs is a particularly pleasing pastime of concept of a camper van had always seemed like an ideal solution. While I’d never been able to explore the idea of owning one, you can trace back the obsession to my childhood bedroom, where a sixties VW Type 2 money box nestled itself among a vast array of 1:18-scale diecast still got the model, and while it isn’t as full of cold, hard cash as you’d hope after 20 years of saving, I can finally claim the dream has become reality – albeit with a little help from right, I’ve just picked up the keys to my very own VW California. I’ll be running it for the next six months or so, to see if that boyhood fantasy is as rosy in real life, or whether I should stick to surfing the south coast with my sopping wet are currently two models to choose from: the California Beach or the California Ocean. We’re testing the latter, which is the more expensive of the two, thanks to the addition of a sink, fridge and two-ring gas hob. It’s beautifully laid out, with cupboards and drawers running the length of the after a few weeks and a long weekend away in Wales, my wife Anna and I are still discovering hidden treasures, such as the picnic seats in the tailgate, or the small mirror in the wardrobe. Every window has a built-in blind, and the front chairs swivel 180 degrees to accommodate four people around the only will it seat two couples, the California Ocean will also sleep four people. The roof raises electronically in around 30 seconds to reveal a raised bed up top; the rear seats then fold flat to provide space for your friends. We’ve yet to discover quite how tight it is with four on board; Anna and I shamelessly forced my brother-in-law and his pregnant wife into an adjoining tent during our Bank Holiday trip to van isn’t cheap, but for a smidge over £60k you get an equipment list to rival the latest luxury SUVs. Fit and finish isn’t quite on par, but this is a functional vehicle designed to withstand years of abuse from impatient children and mucky dogs. We’ve got a set of waterproof seat covers in the drawer under the back seats, but luckily we’ve not had to use them California Ocean gets 17-inch alloys, automatic lights, three-zone climate control, heated seats, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and a five-inch touchscreen. The kitchen and associated gubbins are included, of added a few options to our van, the most expensive of which is the eye-catching two-tone paint. We couldn’t resist speccing our camper in Auto Express red and white, despite the hefty £2,604 bill. Elsewhere, we went for the more accomplished Discover Media Nav system (£1,602), Adaptive Cruise Control (£414) and front and rear parking sensors with a camera (£714).Our van has the VW Group’s TDI diesel which, due to WLTP constraints, now produces 196bhp. It’s linked to the tried-and-tested seven-speed DSG gearbox, which works wonders on fuel economy, thanks to a clever coasting function. Given the van’s bluff shape and the power on offer, I’m not too disappointed by a average over the first 1,900 miles. As the engine loosens, there’s a very real possibility that figure will improve.*Insurance quote from AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old in Banbury, Oxon, with three points. Morning all - having read a cliffhanger thread on the choice of Ascot Grey vs Cherry Red when the wrong colour was delivered, I thought it would be fun to have a poll on the last remaining free colour options. Personally, I think they are the best two colours. But maybe I’m a cheap skate. Red The new Volkswagen California Ocean is the most luxurious version, and provides seating and sleeping to four people. The Ocean is recognizable by the grille in high-gloss, the full LED headlamps and painted mirrors and door handles. Standard features include three-zone Climatronic airconditioning, heated seats and a multi function steering wheel. The Ocean pop-up roof can be operated electrically and the heater and double glass in the living area provides extra comfort during your stay. In the California Ocean, it is all about comfort. After an adventurous ride, easily prepare a delicious meal. You can do it in the sophisticated kitchen of the California Ocean. It has a beautiful ‘Darkwood’ look and is equipped with a 35 liter solution and recovery tank, 42 liter compressor cooler which also cools when it’s hot outside, a two burner stove with piëzo ignition and a beautiful glass cover. The kitchen is built with an aluminum sandwich structure, light and strong material that does not rattle while driving. Behind the wheel of the California Ocean you will experience an oasis of calm. In one glance you can see all the features that make driving and traveling even more pleasant and safer. With the California you have the holiday spirit at the first kilometer. In the evening you can completely obscure the windshield with a new system. The California Ocean is designed with a compact kitchen in ‘Darkwood look with a sink, tap and 2 burner stove with piëzo ignition and 42 liter cool box. Practical cupboards with sliding doors and a handy table that can be easily folded away. Ocean stands for comfort. With pressing just one button, the pop-up roof is raised, to create additional living space and headroom. It also creates space for the second double bed. Available from € (excl. VAT). Our starting prices are based on a 110 hp 5-speed manual transmission. All prices are including delivery charges (you can choose between pick up close to a dutch airport with insured number plates or let it bring to your home. Finally, you can register the car in your country and pay local sales taxes + registration costs. Media Colours There are many colours available for the Volkswagen California. We base, metallic and two-tone colours. Which one do you like most? Wheels Wheels make your new California stand out. Do you want to go for a sporty or more classic look? Available in 16,17 and 18 inch. Options The list with options is very long. We understand that it might be overwhelming. We are here to help you find the options that you need. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT . 261 234 162 126 738 376 530 200vw california ocean vs coast
