The camping van is larger than its predecessor at 5.17 meters in length, the width without exterior mirrors is 1.94m compared to the previous 1.90m, and a height of 1.99m, including the lowered roof, the height is identical to the predecessor, which means it is again suitable for multi-story parking lots.
The long wheelbase, 3.12m, provides even more space on board than the predecessor. When the roof is closed, the interior height is 1.29 meters and when the elevating roof is open, this height increases to 2.10m.
VW has revealed that the new California will come in five versions: Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper, with a mini kitchen in the rear, as well as Coast and Ocean, each with a complete kitchenette on the driver’s side.
All versions share the pop-up roof with a front window and a large front opening, as well as two additional side windows in the bellows (all with mosquito net). Another common feature is the sliding doors on the left and right sides.
On trips, both sides of the vehicle can also be used, for the first time, as an outdoor terrace. An optional awning can now be ordered for the left or right side to protect from rain or too much sun.
Another novelty is the individual seats instead of a rear bench in the back. In addition, all vehicles of the new California, starting from the Beach Tour version, are also equipped with a brand-new camper van control unit on the C-pillar, on the passenger side. All functions can be controlled and checked through the display. Alternatively, the functions can also be operated through a corresponding car app on the infotainment system and the app on a smartphone.
Regarding engines, the new generation California comes with three different propulsion systems, which can be combined with all equipment packages and are all coupled to an automatic gearbox.
The diesel variant is equipped with a 2.0-liter direct injection turbocharged diesel engine (TDI) with four cylinders producing 150 hp. The gasoline version (TSI) features a 1.5-liter turbocharged direct injection engine, delivering 204 hp. Both the TDI and TSI have front-wheel drive.
The new addition is the debut of the new plug-in hybrid powertrain (eHybrid) which combines a 1.5-liter gasoline TSI engine with a second electric motor integrated into the gearbox, resulting in a combined power of 245 hp. Furthermore, for the first time in a VW Group model with the MQB platform, this powertrain is associated with the 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
Thanks to the MQB platform, a wide range of driver assistance systems are available for the new California, providing additional safety and comfort, from the vehicle braking function in reverse at intersections to Travel Assist, which offers semi-automated driving assistance.
VW has already announced that pre-sales of the new California will begin in June and the first deliveries are scheduled for the second half of the year.
