Okay, so foreign travel has mostly been off the cards in 2020 due to you-know-what, but with more people rediscovering the fun of the ‘staycation’, there is an increasing interest in campers. From home conversions to factory-made models, you can get a camper to suit almost every size (and budget) these days. 

Volkswagen is no stranger to producing camper vans, with the first ‘Westfalia’ model appearing in 1951. During the 1960s the cute campervan became a symbol of the hippie movement and has since become every bit as iconic as the original Beetle. These days, Volkswagen’s campers are as modern as its passenger cars and joining its most popular model, the California, is a super-sized model based on the Crafter van. The Volkswagen Grand California is quite literally all you could want in a camper van. 

Like its commercial vehicle equivalent, the Grand California comes in two sizes, called the 600 and 680. Both versions are powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 175bhp which is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Power is usually sent to the front wheels, but there is the option of a four-wheel-drive 4MOTION transmission with the 680 variant. That could be quite useful if you’re planning on venturing beyond the usual manicured campsite. 

Aside from the different length of each model, there are different sleeping configurations, with the shorter Grand California 600 coming available with an ‘upstairs’ sleeping area. Although this second space isn’t as large as the rear (that can sleep two adults), it is ideal for kids and also makes the Grand California looking like the famous Airbus Beluga transport plane. The front section of this can also be equipped with a solar panel that can help to replenish the onboard batteries. One of the only negatives of this higher roof section is the overall height, which at 2,790mm does limit some places where it can enter. In fairness, the Grand California 680 isn’t much shorter at 2,840mm, but if maximising vehicle versatility is your thing, then sticking with the Transporter-based California may be wiser. 

Part of what sets the Grand California apart is the inclusion of a wetroom with a built-in shower, toilet, fold-out wash basin and even some cupboards for your toiletries with a nifty magnetised hinged mirror. A fresh-water tank can carry up to 110 litres of water, and there’s a 90-litre waste water tank for the wetroom and kitchen sink. Yes, Volkswagen has literally included the kitchen sink with its five-star camper, and it is located next to the large sliding side door alongside a twin-hob gas cooker that can be powered by two 11kg gas bottles that fit into the rear. For added convenience, when you open the sliding door, steps electronically pop out from the floor to improve access. 

Between the bathroom and the front seats, there’s a roomy seating area and table in case you don’t fancy eating al fresco. The interior of the Volkswagen is planned out rather well, and for the most part, space is maximised where possible. You’ll find plenty of storage cabinets, and along the upper reaches, there are airplane-style stowage bins. Ambient lighting adds to the modern feel, though it can still seem a little but clinical inside. Not quite like you’re in a Ridley Scott space movie, but you might want to add in a few cosy blankets and throws around the cabin. 

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