Volkswagen’s lovable camper shifts into the modern day with everything you could possibly need.

With so much talk these days of self-isolation and social distancing, the appeal of having a campervan is becoming an increasingly tempting prospect. Few brands are as inextricably linked to the camper movement as Volkswagen, and for 2020 it has updated its California with a raft of updates, revised styling and improved engines. So what better way to see how it stack up then spending a few days living in it. 

For the uninitiated, this latest Volkswagen California 6.1 uses the base as the Transporter van and Caravelle people carrier. The exterior styling of those models carries across such as a larger grille, updated bumper design and nameplates on the side of the front wings. Splash the cash, and you can have stylish two-tone paint and smart-looking 18-inch alloy wheels. 

Getting to your destination is a touch quieter and smoother than in previous Californias thanks to some engine revisions that also keep the camper compliant with tightening emissions regulations. Two versions of the latest 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel are available, all coming with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The entry-level California Coast and the base version of the higher-spec California Ocean get the 148bhp engine. However, the more powerful 196bhp engine I’m driving here is worth the extra financial outlay as it gains a second turbocharger and increases torque output to 450Nm, giving it some welcome added shove when accelerating.

It’s worth remembering that when it comes to ride quality and comfort, you are still driving a van, and with all of the equipment and fit-out means that it’s a heavy enough thing. That said, it covers motorway miles in its stride, and the DSG gearbox takes the hassle out of traffic. Even with everything tied down, you will still get some rattles and shakes, but providing you keep the compartments empty when not travelling to stay in it, then din is kept to a minimum and an acceptable level. Other modern touches you’d expect from Volkswagen are present such as a digital instrument display, multifunction steering wheel with features like adaptive cruise control and up to a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with WiFi hotspot capability and wireless smartphone connectivity. A built-in sim allows for internet connectivity so you can stream your favourite Spotify tunes and playlists.

As pleasant and comfortable as the Volkswagen California is to drive, the real reason for owning one is what it offers when it’s parked. That’s when it becomes something of a Transformer and turns into what can be a very cosy place to stay. There’s a digital spirit level that displays precisely what angle the California is positioned, ensuring that it is on flat terrain so that items like the built-in fridge operate efficiently and that you don’t end up with all the blood flowing to your head as you sleep! This function, along with the bulk of the other interior controls, is operated through a touchscreen display located on the roof section of the driving area. Most of the internal functions run through this, including the electrically operated roof, lighting and timers. 

The front seats can swivel around to create a seating area for four when you install a handy table that clips onto the kitchen area. Getting the front seats turned is a bit of a finicky task, but it adds to the sense of space inside. Even when not scoffing food, the table setup is ideal for working on if the need arises or setting up a tablet for others to watch. On one side is a small workstation that comprises of a fridge unit, two-hob gas cooker and sink with running water courtesy of the onboard tank. If none of these is required, glass top covers fold down over them. If you do need to cook inside, the window over the hobs slides open so the inside won't fill up with smoke.

When you are parked up for the weekend, you have the choice of plugging into the mains if such a facility is available, or you can run off the two 75Ah leisure batteries that come fitted. These are continually topped up as you drive ensuring they’re mostly at full charge when you arrive. Depending on how much energy you’re using inside, these can provide up to 60 hours of power. That means you will be able to keep all your devices topped up through several plugs and USB sockets dotted throughout the interior. 

If there’s one reason alone to go for the California Ocean, it’s because it comes with an electrically operated roof that raises from the front to provide an upstairs sleeping area that’s large enough for two. It can get a little chilly up there as the fabric roof isn’t very well insulated and includes areas that can be zipped open. However, the California does have an intelligent heating system that can run on a timer and maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night. Alternatively, the rear bench seat can slide forward and fold flat to create a downstairs bed that can also sleep two. To avoid being woken up by the early sunrise, there are integrated blinds that pull up and out of the different window frames and these do quite an excellent job of keeping out the light as well as providing some added privacy. 

Are there any downsides to the Volkswagen California? Well, it isn’t cheap, and a lot of people will quickly point to the more economical options of having a donor van and converting it to your specification. And that is fine, but some people — me included — prefer the option of something that was designed by the factory and kitted out very well. In the same way that some prefer to build a PC from various custom parts, while others like to buy a stylish Apple iMac off the shelf. 

Another huge positive for the California over other, often larger campervans, is that as it’s built using the Transporter shell, it is compact enough to be able to fit into regular parking spaces. Even multi-storey car parks aren’t much of an issue as the Volkswagen’s roof folds down to sit flush with the rest of the bodywork. That versatility means the California isn’t merely a thing to be used at the weekend, and it could be used daily providing you took out some of the pots and plates. 

It’s far from the cheapest vehicle out there, costing as much in this guise as a premium SUV. But I’d argue that you would derive far more fun and enjoyment from owning a Volkswagen California that a five-seat German SUV. Granted, a campervan isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but if my lottery numbers came up, this is one vehicle that would certainly be in the dream garage. 

Model: Volkswagen California 6.1 Ocean

Price: £66,643

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel

Power: 196bhp

Torque: 450Nm

0-62mph: 11.9 seconds

Max speed: 124mph

Fuel consumption: 33.2-30.1mpg

CO2: 222-247g/km WLTP

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