New VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA review at a glance:
View New VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA prices, View VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA news, View VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA price research.

Advantages: Not a bad looking bus for what it is, go anywhere, do anything appeal, bullet-proof build quality, huge roof-dwelling bed, cheaper than a fully-fledged motor home, top drawer fittings and fitment, a decent part-time travelling companion

Disadvantages: Expensive, below bed is only three-quarter size, nowhere near the character of the original VW Microbus

Summary: Not quite the iconic, universally loved VW Camper Microbus seen bogged down across the fields of southern England since the dawn of rock festivals, and on Cornish beaches clad in its surfboard and wet suit Kombi combo, the Volkswagen California is more the passenger transport-of-choice for hockey mums, scout camp fans and independent travellers according to Vee-Dub. Pulls whatever job off in style though, thanks to providing a relaxing, well-constructed, dependable home from home for all manner of occasion and sojourn.



(1) AutoeBid customer VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA Reviews:
17-June-2010 New VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA Deals(2.0 BiTDI SE 180 4d)
“Amazing!”
New VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA Review:
Today’s happy camper craves spacious accomodation, a raft of technilogical doo-daahs, a decent level of comfort and unparalleled reliability. Thankfully anything Volkswagen badged is just the ticket regarding the latter part of that wish list, and rest assured will make a meaningful stab at the other criteria too.

Taking its styling and engineering principles from a blend of VW Caravelle minibus and VW Transporter van, the California remains the sole fully factory-built campervan currently available to buy here in the UK; an ambitiously converted – but fundamentally flawed - former ambulance it is not.

To the uneducated the VW California is the spit of the Caravelle on the face of it, and with it being an accepted fact that the Caravelle is indeed a fairly attractive minibus-cum-MPV proposition, then this is no bad thing. Thing is, you don’t need to cup your hands around the rear windows and peer in before it dawns on you that the California is in fact an altogther different beast. Almost immediately you’re drawn to the exterior water covers, electric hook-up point assembly and side-mounted awning attachment gubbins. Oh, and the California’s lifestyle-depicting badges.

Also onlookers will observe body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and side mouldings and 16” alloys and possibly the electrically-activated pop-up roof reminiscent of the VW Microbus of yore; which as well as providing a spare bunk-like bed enable occupants to move around freely without risking curvature of the spine.

The colouration on the insides owes much to the Caravelle too, with grey and blue being the predominant upholstery hue. The furniture is straight out of the Ikea catalogue given its simplicity and unfussy lines, with the kitchen units and built-in wardrobes hewn from silver plastic and beech veneer for the most part. A far cry from the chintz-resplendant motorhomes back in their 1960s/70s heyday.

The problem we envisage with the VW California is the unswerving belief that it’s something of a one trick pony. Its more than ample spread is untouched when you’re motionless on the hard stand of a campsite overlooking somewhere of outstanding natural beauty, however circumnavigating the tight municipal streets of Dudley on the school run requires a big ask. And more side mirrors than an average mod’s Lambretta scooter. Plus it only supports four backsides for the weekly commute to Grandma’s.

Still, if you treat it as a second car for highdays and holidays then you won't feel too despondant. Bags of nifty storage compartmentising betwixt, between, above and below the ‘in transit’ seats are a Godsend for the kids’ nick-nacks harvested for a long journey, whilst the living quarters harbours its fair share of hidey-holes in and around key areas. A large wardrobe, a vast expanse of parcel shelving, a couple of deckchairs and a collection of bedding-down props are well hidden from sight and harms way in the roomy confines of the Volkswagen California.

Accessing the beds themselves is easier said than done, with the main one being a sweat-inducing physical chore to slide out and into use, while t’other resides in the electric roof and itself requires personal agility to manhandle.

The VW California rides and handles better than you might have imagined, with anything bordering on waywardness being corrected in but a jiffy. Even with what feels very light steering. It goes without saying there’s a certain amount of top-heaviness experienced around the more acute of turns in the road though, that no amount of driving heroics will counter.

The VW California is powered by either a 128bhp or 171bhp 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine, with 0 – 62mph times of 16.3 and 13 seconds respectively. All the same not bad considering that it’s not exactly geared up the the traffic light sprint. That drive is metered out to the road surface care of either a six-speed manual or Volkswagen’s semi-automated DSG transmission, and comes in both two and the German manufacturers’ bespoke 4Motion four-wheel drive guise.

Looking toward running costs, and the California is a mixed bag. Whilst emitting between 219 and 243g/km of CO2 ever upwards plays havoc with its VED Tax band (F and G), 30+ miles to the gallon isn’t half bad for a vehicle of this disposition. But then insurance is a bit of a grey area, given that owners have to strike up a relationship with specialist insurers so as to cover the California for all eventualities. Residuals are predicted to be strong, due in the main to the badge appeal and exclusiveness of model in the medium to long-term.

In terms of kit and caboodle, the Vee-Dub has the usual choice of necessary evils located in the business end, although a glaring error for the wonga requested has to be the omission of both climate control and leather seating as standard practice surely? In the back, and occupants get an independent internal heating system as well as an instrumentation panel that interacts with all the important power sources. Electric roof mechanism, fridge and other ancillary gadgetry, ect. Think of this nerve centre as one big remote control for the California if you like.

The options list can be a financial drain if you get too caught up in the excitement and lash out for a roll-out awning (£625), sat-nav (£1,950), climate (£600) and rear privacy glazing (£235).

Safety-wise and a variety of electronic aids are prevalant; driver and passenger airbags, ABS, EDL, ESP, TCS and ETC enveloping the main acronym-defined issues commonly raised by health and safety.