Volkswagen California
Auto Express|August 21, 2024
FIRST DRIVE Home from home in VW's best-equipped camper yet
Richard Ingram
Volkswagen California

THE Volkswagen California has been a camper-van legend for more than two decades. The German brand isn't about to rest on its laurels, however, and it has just launched an all-new generation based not on a commercial vehicle as before, but on the Multivan MPV instead. This should, in theory, make the California more refined and car-like than ever - and the camper now gets two sliding doors, one on each side, for greater practicality.

At least, that's the idea. We're testing the most lavish of three specs (Beach, Coast and Ocean), so our model is fitted with a compact kitchenette, shortened to allow access via that new left-hand door. It comes with a sink, pull-out fridge and single-ring gas hob, plus a small storage cupboard and cutlery drawer underneath.

Apparently, few owners actually cook inside their vans, so VW now offers an external-facing plug and a detachable table, allowing you to fry your food on an optional induction plate outside under the awning instead. During our two days of camping, however, we didn't use the left door once, so we'd argue that the longer cabinets and extra storage would be more useful.

Equally, the wide, pull-out drawer beneath the rear seats has been split in two to accommodate the individual sliding chairs, which can now be removed. The ability to turn your Cali into a van will have appeal, but for some users, that space will have formed a critical cubby for things such as the window shades or cleaning gear.

This story is from the August 21, 2024 edition of Auto Express.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August 21, 2024 edition of Auto Express.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM AUTO EXPRESSView All
GR86 concept salutes Toyota rally heritage
Auto Express

GR86 concept salutes Toyota rally heritage

TOYOTA has revealed a one-off concept at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

time-read
1 min  |
November 13, 2024
MINI COUNTRYMAN
Auto Express

MINI COUNTRYMAN

Hey MINI, you're a smash hit with grown-ups and little ones alike

time-read
3 mins  |
November 13, 2024
CITROEN C5 AIRCROSS
Auto Express

CITROEN C5 AIRCROSS

Hybrid technology isn't new, but it has been improved over the years, thankfully

time-read
2 mins  |
November 13, 2024
BARGAIN HUNT
Auto Express

BARGAIN HUNT

The new Dacia Duster and MC ZS are the UK's cheapest small SUVs. Which makes more sense in hybrid form?

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 13, 2024
WORLD OF VOLVO
Auto Express

WORLD OF VOLVO

We make a trip to Sweden to visit Volvo's new museum and experience centre in Gothenberg

time-read
6 mins  |
November 13, 2024
Audi RS Q8
Auto Express

Audi RS Q8

FIRST DRIVE We put updated flagship version of brand's range-topping SUV through its paces on road and track

time-read
4 mins  |
November 13, 2024
BMW M135
Auto Express

BMW M135

FIRST DRIVE Hot hatch's facelift brings mechanical tweaks to help it keep up with refreshed competition snapping at its heels

time-read
3 mins  |
November 13, 2024
Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer
Auto Express

Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer

FIRST DRIVE Large EV estate has the space that families and business drivers crave, but a big battery isn't always good news

time-read
3 mins  |
November 13, 2024
Dacia Spring
Auto Express

Dacia Spring

FIRST UK DRIVE The UK's cheapest EV is made for life in the city, but how does it fare everywhere else? We get behind the wheel

time-read
6 mins  |
November 13, 2024
All-new Renault Clio spotted for the first time
Auto Express

All-new Renault Clio spotted for the first time

The 2025 supermini will be a hybrid-powered alternative to the just-launched all-electric R5

time-read
1 min  |
November 13, 2024