The Volkswagen California has developed a cult following, becoming the most-wanted modern campervan for legions of enthusiasts. Based on the VW Transporter and boasting an ingenious interior design, impressive build quality and Volkswagen’s famed campervan history, it is a compelling choice.
What makes the Volkswagen California special is that, unlike many of its rivals, all the conversion work is done in-house by Volkswagen. The Ford Transit Custom Nugget and Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco Polo, for example, are both made by third-party companies.
In fact, most of the VW California’s competition comes from within Volkswagen. The gigantic Volkswagen Grand California is available for those who need more space, with the compact Volkswagen Caddy California is suited to staycations on a smaller scale.
The Volkswagen California has an almost unbeatable heritage behind it, and the latest model has been around since 2015, but does not rest on its laurels. With more technology and very clever storage solutions, the latest facelifted California – introduced in 2019 – proves why it has achieved such legendary status.
The VW California neat packaging solutions include a pair of folding chairs hidden in the huge rear tailgate, along with a folding table stored within the sliding side door. An integrated touchscreen to control the heater and interior lights is useful, and can be operated from the pop-up roof bed.
The overall level of standard equipment is impressive, with features like air conditioning and cruise control fitted across the model range. As the most expensive version, the Volkswagen California Ocean really packs in the extras, with a rear-view camera, wardrobe and even a complete fitted kitchen.
Out on the open road, it’s worth remembering the VW California is based on a Volkswagen van. This means a high driving position, but also handling that is aimed at comfort rather than driving excitement. The pair of diesel engines on offer are both combined with an automatic gearbox, which suits the long-range cruising nature of the Volkswagen California.
The extra weight of all the camping equipment, plus the folding canvas roof overhead, means a measured approach to cornering is needed. But who needs to drive fast if you’re on holiday, right?
The Volkswagen California continues to have a strong following from enthusiasts, and the latest T6.1 version does nothing to change that. Compared to third-party-converted campervans, the VWCalifornia is in another league when it comes to clever design and attention to detail.
Although buying or leasing a Volkswagen California may seem expensive, it does deliver good value for money. It easily matches the build quality of the rival Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco Polo, and comes with a comprehensive level of equipment that includes almost everything you need (even the kitchen sink if you opt for the Ocean model).
Factor in the ability to drive it everyday if needed, and the Volkswagen California is the true king of the campsite.
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Value for money doesn’t really come into it when you are choosing a Volkswagen California as it is a pretty pricey endeavour regardless of which one you go for. On that basis, there is a strong argument to throw caution to the wind and just go for the one that you want the most and that comes with more kit.
That said, there isn’t really a strong reason to head for the most powerful engine as the 150PS diesel version will take on everything that you choose to throw at it in terms of carrying the Volkswagen California’s bulk and the extra luggage you load it up with. If you plan on winter camping, or heading onto more inaccessible camping spots then the 4WD version might be worth a look, but otherwise keep it basic on that front.
Volkswagen California 2.0 TDI 102: The 102PS version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel was the entry-level model when the latest California launched in 2015, although it's since been dropped from the range. It came only with a five-speed manual transmission
Volkswagen California 2.0 TDI 150: This 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel is the standard engine across the Volkswagen California range. It develops 150PS, with a healthy spread of torque to make steady progress. It can achieve up to 35.8mpg if driven carefully. Early versions were sold as front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive models.
Volkswagen California 2.0 TDI 204: With 204PS, the most powerful diesel option cuts the 0-62mph time to less than 12 seconds, and there’s only a minimal impact on fuel economy. Buyers can also specify 4Motion all-wheel drive as an option with this engine.
Volkswagen California 2.0 TSI 150: Sold very briefly in 2017 and 2018, the entry-level petrol model was more affordable than the diesel and performs well, although you can't get it with all-wheel-drive, and fuel economy will be considerably lower than the diesel options. Officially it claimed up to 29.7mpg, but that's pretty optimistic in the real world.
Volkswagen California 2.0 TSI 204: Also discontiunued after less than a year, the more potent petrol model came with 204PS and an automatic DSG gearbox as standard. That meant relatively good fuel economy (up to 30.1mpg, officially) but again, nowhere near the much more popular diesels.
Volkswagen California Beach: The entry-level model when the latest California was introduced in 2015, the Beach has seating for seven and sleeps four. It comes with a manual pop-up roof and integrated awning.
Volkswagen California Ocean: Topping the VW California range is the Ocean, which pushes camping luxury to the maximum. With a canvas roof that rises electrically, plus a kitchenette with a sink and fridge, there is no shortage of equipment. There is even a wardrobe for your clothes. Features like three-zone climate control, a digital instrument panel and a reversing camera are all included, too.
Volkswagen California Beach Edition: Launched in 2018, the Beach Edition added to the standard Beach model with 17-inch alloy wheels, black details on the extrera and LED headlights as standard, as well as upgraded infotainment systems. Just 80 examples were released.
Volkswagen California Ocean Edition: Also launched in 2018 and also restricted to 80 units, the Ocean Edition added to the standard Ocean model and featured cupboards finished in white wood, an outdoor shower connection and a bed extension with a comfort sleeping mat.
Volkswagen California 30 Years: Released at the end of 2018 to celebrate the California's anniversary, just 30 units of this special edition model came to the UK. It had exclusive paint finishes and extra features over the Ocean model, including LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors and a removable towbar as standard.
Volkswagen California Beach Camper: The Beach model was revived in 2020 with two variants, and the Beach Camper became the cheapest way into the VW California lifestyle: equipped with four seats and a fold-out miniature kitchen. It can sleep four, thanks to a pop-up canvas roof, with the rear bench seat also converting into a bed. There is even a clever folding table hidden within the single sliding side door.
Volkswagen California Beach Tour: Unlike the Beach Camper, the Beach Tour is classed as a van. It can seat five as standard, and comes with a pair of sliding rear doors. Although it retains the folding pop-up roof to offer two beds, it does without a miniature kitchen.
Volkswagen California Surf: Introduced in 2023 and sitting between the Beach Tour and Ocean models, the Surf has a gas hob with two burners, a stainless sink and heated front seats, and comes only with the 2.0 TDI 150 engine with a DSG automatic gearbox.
The Volkswagen California’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4904mm
Width: 1904mm
Height: 1990mm
Ground clearance: 193mm
The Volkswagen California’s boot space is:
Big (and even bigger with rear seats folded)
How much you'll pay in Vehicle Excise Duty on your California depends a lot on when it was first registered. The rules for VED (better known as road tax) changed from 1 April 2017, and Californias registered after then will pay a flat rate of £570/year for five years from their second year of tax. This is because they attract a surcharge levied on vehicles costing more than £40,000 when new. After five years, the rate drops back to the standard flat rate, which is currently £180 a year.
Californias registered before April 2017 are charged according to their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. They'll cost you £240, £290 or £320 a year, depending on the model you go for.
Although not the quickest vehicle on the road, the Volkswagen California is still large, desirable and quite expensive to buy. This sees insurance ratings start at group 26 (out of 50) for the entry-level VW California 6.1 Beach Camper, with the Beach Tour in the same bracket. Ocean versions begin at insurance group 29, with the more powerful 2.0 TDI 204 4Motion in group 37.
Read our full Volkswagen California review
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