The brand new-generation Volkswagen California camper van has been unveiled as essentially the most car-like model of the nameplate – and it has been confirmed for an Australian launch.
Primarily based on the long-wheelbase T7 Multivan, the newest Volkswagen California advantages from the MQB passenger automotive platform shared by fashions just like the Golf, shifting away from its conventional business automobile underpinnings.
It’s additionally the primary era of California to supply plug-in hybrid (PHEV) energy.
Volkswagen Australia has locked within the new California for an area launch, although it has but to announce the lineup and once we can anticipate to see it in native showrooms.
Abroad, the California shall be provided in 5 variants: Seaside, Seaside Tour, Seaside Camper, Coast and Ocean.
Australia has historically solely obtained the California Seaside, however there’s no assure that the earlier mannequin construction will carry throughout into the brand new era.
Measuring 5173mm in size, 1941mm vast (sans mirrors) and 1990mm tall on a 3124mm wheelbase, the brand new California is 269mm longer, 37mm wider and has 121mm extra between its axles than its predecessor.
Normal throughout all grades are sliding doorways on either side of the camper van – a primary within the mannequin’s historical past, permitting homeowners to arrange their awnings wherever they like – in addition to a pop-up roof, giving further area for taller occupants strolling via its rear compartment.
Detachable rear seats change the bench seat of the outgoing mannequin, whereas all seats characteristic drawers beneath them for extra storage.
The California Seaside serves because the entry-level grade, geared up with a guide pop-up roof, six seats and a spring mattress measuring 2.05×1.14m – wider than a King Single and longer than a Tremendous King.
Seaside Tour variants acquire rotating and height-adjustable entrance seats, only one further seating row (comprising three seats), ergonomic folding chairs (saved within the tailgate), pop-up roof lighting and USB ports, sliding home windows within the sliding doorways and a 40Ah camper battery.
It additionally encompasses a C-pillar-mounted 5.0-inch display screen which shows the California’s recent and waste water ranges, inside lighting capabilities, battery standing, fridge temperature and auxiliary heater settings. These capabilities will also be managed through a smartphone app or the central infotainment display screen.
A folding desk and an extra 1.98×1.33m folding mattress is included within the California Seaside Tour.
Whereas each aforementioned California grades are labeled as passenger autos, the Seaside Camper, Coast and Ocean are camper vans.
Within the case of the Seaside Camper, this implies the five-seater is supplied with a slide-out mini-kitchen – full with single-ring fuel cooker, cutlery drawer and extra space for storing – plus a 230-volt energy connector.
California Coast examples have simply two rear seats, offering extra space for a kitchenette – with cupboards, sink and single-ring fuel cooker – a 28-litre recent water tank, a second 40Ah camper battery, an extra 230-volt energy socket and a 1.98×1.06m folding mattress.
Volkswagen’s flagship California Ocean carries throughout the Coast’s tools and provides Mélange Raven recycled materials seat material with embroidered California lettering, heated entrance seats, an auxiliary air heater, and computerized air-conditioning.
A selection of three engines shall be provided in Europe, with the 110kW and 360Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel set to energy the Australian-delivered Multivan being joined by a 150kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and a plug-in hybrid.
The plug-in hybrid mates a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine to an electrical motor for a mixed output of 180kW, with drive delivered to all 4 wheels – a primary not just for the California however any Volkswagen mannequin on the MQB platform.
Volkswagen says every of the engines are paired to dual-clutch computerized transmissions and drive the entrance wheels, aside from the all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid.
Pricing has but to be revealed for Australia, however the outgoing T6.1 vary is priced between $93,790 to $103,730 earlier than on-road prices.
The extra conventional Volkswagen T7 Multivan folks mover is due right here within the fourth quarter of 2024 (October to December).
MORE: VW locks in most car-like Multivan but for Australia, particulars line-up
