The Volkswagen California has been synonymous with freedom and leisure since the late fifties. Many other car manufacturers have tried to copy the original, but none have succeeded in capturing the true essence of the ‘VW Bus’, nor its derivative, the all inclusive, kitchen sink as standard, Volkswagen Camper.

The Volkswagen California incorporates innovative materials and well-thought-out detail solutions. The elevating roof is made of aluminium, which along with the obvious savings in weight – 25% less than the glass-fibre reinforced plastic – improves lightning protection and opens up better options for recycling at the end of the vehicles life. Also gone are the days of straining to open and close the roof - it is now lifted up electro-hydraulically using the command menu on the control board. The use of aluminium continues inside, with the furniture made of aluminium boards with a corrugated core, offering extra stability, but losing none of the California’s cosiness, as the new material has been given that trademark timber-finish covering.

The Volkswagen California is renowned for its clever use of space. The multi-purpose table is in the interior cladding of the sliding door. Four foldout legs permit this to be used either inside or outside of the vehicle. Two folding seats stored in the rear flap are standard. On the left side is a row of furniture with the wardrobe and kitchen. Beneath a bench cover are the kitchen sink and a two-burner gas cooktop. Next to this is the 42-litre compressor fridge. Sliding doors close off the two lower kitchen cupboards. Their contents as well as the integrated drawer can be accessed when the table is in position. The wardrobe and laundry cupboard in the rear are conveniently accessible. The roof storage box is also very useful and practical, and rotates downwards from the vehicle ceiling for ease of access.

There is also a lot more room to move around in the new California. A wider roof provides a comfortable sleeping surface, giving the upper bed an increase in length by 100 millimetres and in width by a considerable 110 millimetres. In addition, the larger scissors mechanism of the electro-hydraulically operated elevating roof offers increased height along the entire length of the vehicle. Two additional sleeping spaces are provided by the twin bench seat, which when required folds out into a bed and together with the rear luggage space cover provides a comfortable sleeping area.

For the Volkswagen California, a powerful 2.5-litre diesel engine will be available (128 kW/174 hp) producing an impressive 400 Nm of Torque. The five cylinders transmit their power via a six-speed automatic gearbox (Comfortline) and a six-speed manual gearbox (4MOTION).

The Volkswagen California has exceptional road manners due largely in part to improved high bodywork stiffness and in the development of the completely new chassis. Reinforced metalwork and die-cast aluminium modules, as well as front and rear roof frame reinforcement enhance the sturdiness of the chassis. McPherson struts in the front and the well-proven principle of trailing arm with miniblock springing and separate shock absorbers at the rear provide the Volkswagen California with saloon car type road handling characteristics. Along with this, generously dimensioned stabilisers suppress lateral tendencies of the vehicle in curves, while load dependent dampers improve the comfort of the suspension. The revised independent front suspension and engine mounting also reduce engine noise in the cabin and serves to simultaneously act as a second impact plane in the event of a crash. Other standard driving safety features include four-channel ABS, EDL, ASR and ESP with brake assist.

The Volkswagen California makes everything possible. It‘s as maneuverable and as fast as a sedan yet offers storage and living space for multiple leisure activities and business uses. Whether it’s bikes, surfing, canoeing or simply travelling the countryside, the Volkswagen California has the versatility to do it all in comfort and style.

Range Highlights

California

2.5 TDI 128 kW Diesel Engine
6 spd tiptronic
ESP with brake assist, ABS, EDL, ASR
Air-conditioning
Swivel seats - driver and front passenger
Power sliding door - right hand side
Power opening aluminium roof incorporating sleeping for 2
2 seater bench - converts to sleeper bed
Satellite Navigation plus 6 disc CD changer
Rain sensing wipers
Alloy wheels (17" x 7J)
Full colour coded exterior
Dark tinted windows in passenger compartment
Sliding side windows in passenger compartment
Central locking, cruise control, power windows and power mirrors
Arm rests on front seats
Multifunction indicator on dash
Front and rear parking sensors

California 4Motion

2.5 TDI 128 kW Diesel Engine
6 spd manual
ESP with brake assist, ABS, EDL, ASR
Air-conditioning
Swivel seats - driver and front passenger
Power sliding door - right hand side
Power opening aluminium roof incorporating sleeping for 2
2 seater bench - converts to sleeper bed
Satellite Navigation plus 6 disc CD changer
Rain sensing wipers
Alloy wheels (17" x 7J)
Increased ground clearance (59 mm)
Full colour coded exterior
Dark tinted windows in passenger compartment
Sliding side windows in passenger compartment
Central locking, cruise control, power windows and power mirrors
Arm rests on front seats
Multifunction indicator on dash
Front and rear parking sensor