After having anticipated it through a concept, Volkswagen officially presented the new California, based on the long wheelbase version of the new T7 multivan. The new “mini camper” or “camper van” as Volkswagen calls it, will also be available with a Plug-in hybrid powertrain. Pre-sales of the new California will begin in June 2024 and the first deliveries will take place in the second half of the year.
For the moment there is still no information regarding prices for the Italian market.
MUCH MORE SPACE
New Volkswagen California rests on the MQB platform and is 5,173 mm long (predecessor: 4,904 mm); the width without exterior mirrors is 1,941 mm (predecessor: 1,904 mm). At 1,990 mm, including the low pop-up roof, the height is identical to that of the previous model. The wheelbase is 3,124 mm. When the roof is closed, the internal height is 1,297 mm; when the pop-up roof is open, this increases to 2,108 mm.
Volkswagen has redesigned every area of the camper, making it more spacious and more versatile. The automaker will offer the new model in the Beach versions (basic variant), Beach Tour (not available for Italy), Beach Campers (with a mini-kitchen in the back), Coast (not available for Italy) e Ocean (with a full kitchenette on the driver’s side). The new California will position itself between the smaller Caddy California and the larger Grand California.
All versions share the pop-up roof and a large front opening, as well as two additional side openings in the bellows. Also present sliding doors on the left and right sides to facilitate access. Volkswagen adds that it will be possible to order an optional awning (standard for the Italian market) for the left or right side to protect from rain or too much sun.
Another innovation compared to the previous model is the single seats instead of the rear bench which can thus be positioned individually according to needs. New California from the Beach Tour version up is also equipped with a brand new camper van control unit in the passenger side C-pillar. All functions can be managed and controlled via the display. Alternatively, they can also be activated via an app on the infotainment system and the California app on a smartphone.
The new camper van can be had in the following two-tone variants: Mono Silver/Energetic Orange metallic, Deep Black Pearl/Fontana Red metallic. Furthermore, the new Candy White pastel/Starlight Blue metallic color combination is also offered. The pop-up roof can be configured in the three colors Toffee Brown, Glacier Blue and Basalt Grey. Seven different 16, 17, 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels are available.
With the new California, Volkswagen presents a new three-zone concept for camping thanks to two sliding doors. Behind the height-adjustable front seats, which can rotate 180 degrees (from the Beach Tour version upwards). Thanks to these adjustable seats, boards and bicycles can now be easily transported on board the vehicle. When used as a camper, the new California’s seating area can be quickly converted into a flat lounging area or seating for dining or shared games.
The sliding door on the right side of the vehicle offers a curbside entry and exit point of the vehicle, just like in the previous model. The new model also has a sliding door on the driver’s side, which opens to create additional outdoor space. Since the kitchen and the refrigerator, which can also be accessed from the outside, are located on this side, this area can be used for meals or to spend the evening hours, almost like a kind of terrace.
THE VERSIONS FOR ITALY
Speaking of models for the Italian market, California Beach with car approval is the entry level: it is essentially a Multivan with a manual folding roof. It offers six seats (2+2 single seats in the second and third rows) and space for two people to sleep under the folding roof, which can be opened and closed manually with a new easy-to-use mechanism. The bed in the pop-up roof measures 2,054 x 1,137 mm in all versions and is equipped with a comfortable mattress and high-quality domed springs.
California Beach Camper is approved as a traditional camper. Like the Beach Tour, it is a five-seater vehicle, but is also equipped with an extremely compact mini-kitchen and a 230-volt power socket connection. The kitchen with single-burner gas stove, cutlery drawer and additional storage space is located in a permanently installed module in the load compartment. For use, the kitchen cabinet is pulled out to the rear when the trunk lid is open (which also provides protection from rain).
Finally, California Ocean is the top of the range version which is characterized, among other things, by the Mélange Raven seat fabric made from recycled material, the heating of the driver’s and front passenger’s seats, the additional air heating, the automatic climate control (Climatronic), a large roof storage compartment above the cargo area and rear lighting in the kitchenette. The fresh water tank is 28 litres. There is also a practical folding external table (which can also be used inside and as an extension of the work surface) and an additional 230 volt socket with external dock connection for an electric hob.
ENGINES
The new camper goes you can have with 3 different engines: a 110 kW /150 HP TDI, a 150 kW /204 HP TSI petrol and a 180 kW /245 HP Plug-in powertrain. The petrol unit will not be available on the Italian market. Full specifications and performance have not been disclosed. For the PHEV version the manufacturer talks about a very long overall range and a towable mass of up to 2,000 kg.
