New generation Volkswagen California The camper van has been announced as the most car-like version of the nameplate – and it’s been confirmed to launch in Australia.
Based on long wheelbase T7 MultivanThe latest Volkswagen California benefits from the MQB passenger car platform shared by models such as the Golfmoving away from the traditional commercial vehicle platform.
This is also California’s first generation of plug-in hybrid power (PHEV).
Volkswagen Australia has finalized the local launch date for the new California model, although the company is yet to announce the product range and when we can expect to see it in local showrooms.
Overseas, the California will be offered in five variants: Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper, Coast and Ocean.
Traditionally, Australia only received the California Beach, but there is no guarantee that the previous model structure will be carried over to the new generation.
Measuring 5173mm long, 1941mm wide (without mirrors) and 1990mm tall on a 3124mm wheelbase, the new California is 269mm longer, 37mm wider and has 121mm more distance between the axles than its predecessor.
Standard across all grades are sliding doors on both sides of the camper – a first in the model’s history, allowing owners to pitch the awning wherever they like – as well as a pop-up canopy. up, creating more space for taller people to pass through its rear compartment.
The removable rear seats replace the old model’s bench seat, while all seats have drawers underneath for additional storage.
The California Beach is the entry-level vehicle, equipped with a manual pop-up roof, six seats and a spring mattress measuring 2.05×1.14m – wider than a King Single and longer than a Super King.
Beach Tour variants have swivel and height-adjustable front seats, just one extra row of seats (consisting of three seats), convenient folding seats (stored in the rear door), pop-up roof lights and ports USB, sliding window on sliding door and a 40Ah Camping Battery.
It also has a 5.0-inch C-pillar-mounted display that shows California fresh water and wastewater levels, interior lighting functions, battery status, refrigerator temperature and auxiliary heater settings. These functions can also be controlled via a smartphone app or the central infotainment screen.
A folding table and an additional 1.98×1.33m folding mattress are included in the California Beach Tour.
While both Californias are classified as passenger vehicles, the Beach Camper, Coast and Ocean are campervans.
In the case of the Beach Camper, this means the five-seater is equipped with a slide-out kitchenette – complete with single-ring gas hob, cutlery drawer and additional storage space – along with a 230 power connector. volts.
California Coast examples have just two rear seats, providing more space for a kitchenette – with cupboard, sink and single-ring gas hob – 28-litre fresh water tank, second 40Ah camping battery, socket additional 230-volt power and a 230-volt power outlet. Folding bed 1.98×1.06m.
Volkswagen’s flagship California Ocean carries over Coast equipment and adds Mélange Raven recycled material seat fabric with embroidered California lettering, heated front seats, auxiliary heater and automatic air conditioning.
Three engines will be offered in Europe, with a 110kW and 360Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel to power the Australian-delivered Multivan, along with a 2.0 turbocharged petrol engine. liter 150kW/320Nm and a plug-in engine in hybrid form.
The plug-in hybrid combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 180kW, with drive sent to all four wheels – a first not just for California model but also for any Volkswagen model on the MQB platform.
Volkswagen says each engine is paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, except for the all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid.
Pricing has yet to be revealed in Australia, but the upcoming T6.1 range is priced from $93,790 to $103,730 before on-road costs.
The more traditional Volkswagen T7 Multivan people mover will launch in the fourth quarter of 2024 (October to December).
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