2015 VW California T6 camper van opens its doors
Volkswagen's latest generation of California camper is unveiled, with three new specs, new safety tech and a more efficient engine range.
Lifestyle fans can rejoice, as Volkswagen has unveiled its latest California camper. It's based on the new T6 Transporter commercial vehicle range which was unveiled earlier this year, and will go on sale soon for deliveries later in 2015. According to the firm it remains the only factory-built van-based camper on sale in the UK.
We're awaiting full UK specs of the new California, but like the Transporter this is more of an evolutionary step than a complete overhaul. But neat features include LED daytime running lights, plus the option of full-LED headlamps to give it more of an upmarket look. Grilles and bumpers are tweaked all-round, but the exterior remains faithful to the old T5 version.
The new California will be available in three trim levels, dubbed 'Beach', 'Coast' and 'Ocean' in a nod to its traditional popularity with surfers and outdoor enthusiasts. But even the entry-level car gets space for seven adults to travel and five to sleep in comfort, with space maximised by the familiar manual pop-up roof and seats that swivel, fold and lift out altogether. A foldout table and chairs are handily integrated into the tailgate.
Mid-spec 'Coast' adds aluminium storage units trimmed in pale wood and loses two seats, with the familiar kitchenette featuring a gas hob, sink and a 42-litre fridge taking the extra space. Fully-loaded 'Ocean' adds auxiliary heating and a climate-controlled cabin, double glazing and neat kit such as an electric roof and LED interior lighting. The California's trademark feature, a fold-out camp bed in the pop-out roof, is retained. There's even a new 'Multi-functional holder' that is a cupholder, ashtray and towel rail all-in-one.
We know VW's latest safety tech, such as a Driver Alert tiredness detection system, post-collision braking, Brake Assist and adaptive cruise control is now available across the California range. For the first time it also receives the option of the firm's adaptive dampers to soften or firm up the ride.
Like the T6 Transporter all engines are now Euro-6 compliant and an efficiency improvement of up to 15 per cent is claimed. The range kicks off with a 100bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, which is also available in higher states of tune. There's even the option of a 201bhp 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine on Ocean spec. A DSG gearbox can be specced, as can 4MOTION four-wheel drive.
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