Volkswagen California review

Inside a campervan should be a special place – and the California is no exception.

After all, they’ve had a long time to get the interior of the California right with many previous generations of the iconic campervan being part of the evolution.

Driving position

The first thing you notice is just how high up you are in the driving seat from which you have a commanding view of the road ahead.

The seats are very comfortable and supportive, and the instrument panel is neatly laid out in front of you.

Tech and features

All models have an infotainment screen that runs the VW MIB3 software that comes with voice control, onboard Wi-Fi as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Top-of-the-range Ocean models also have a virtual instrument cluster as well as an additional screen above the rear-view mirror to control the pop-up roof, the auxiliary heating and even the onboard 42-litre fridge.

As an out-and-out camper, the California sleeps four comfortably, although getting to the top two beds under the pop-up roof does mean climbing through a sun-roof-sized hole above the front seats.

Once up there, the beds are very comfortable thanks to individual plastic springs.

In general, the quality of the interior is of a very high standard with aluminium cupboard handles and wood finish on the doors.

Fabrics are high class too making it a very pleasant place to stay for a few days.

Handling and ride comfort

There’s no getting away from the fact that the Volkswagen California is a van at heart.

That means that it’s never going to be like a car to drive. And it’s always going to roll around corners and be affected by sudden gusts.

The latest models do have something called Crosswind Assist that helps keep this under control.

Engines and power

You’re also never going to break any speed records with the most underpowered of the engine options taking almost 20 seconds to reach 60mph.

It’s almost as if the car itself is getting into the Californian vibe and isn’t in any rush to get anywhere.

The ride itself is comfortable enough and the engines are so quiet that the loudest noise you’ll hear will be the rattling of the pots and pans as you drive along.

Storage solutions

The California is practical with a capital P. There are so many cubby holes and other storage areas that if you did need to take the kitchen sink there would certainly be plenty of room for it.

The most recent models come with a two-ring cooker and a socket to connect to a campsite’s mains power source.

Thoughtful touches include camping chairs that are stored in the tailgate and a panel that can be removed to become an outdoor table.

For days when it’s raining, staying inside is a realistic option as the front seats swivel round to face the rear ones so you can settle down to a game of cards to pass the time till the sun returns.

Fuel economy

You might be saving on hotel bills with the California, but you’re going to find yourself paying at the fuel pumps.

Even the most economical of the diesel engines will struggle to deliver more than 30 mpg and you’ll also have to keep the 13-litre AdBlue tank topped up.

This won’t be an issue with petrol models but the economy will be even worse.

Insurance groups

You could also find that insurance costs are high, especially from mainstream insurers. Some specialists will offer better rates.

Reliability

The good news is that modern VW quality means the California will be a lot more reliable than the old air-cooled campers which are enjoying a real resurgence in popularity now.