Volkswagen's Caddy California small camper's in a class of its own, thinks Jonathan Crouch.

Ten Second Review

Volkswagen's Caddy California delivers the motorhome vibe in a smaller, more accessible package. There's a double bed from which you can survey the stars, you can have a kitchenette and with an awning, maybe even sleep up to four people. It's a unique proposition for its size.

Background

Staycations. You can't beat them can you? If you're of that mind set, Volkswagen wants you to consider this, the Caddy California. 'California' is the Wolfsburg maker's designation for 'motorhome'. Once, it just designated a camper version of the Transporter van. Then in 2020, a bigger Grand California model based on the larger Crafter LCV was introduced. And a year later, the Caddy van got a motorhome variant too. This one. Given that the Caddy is a commercial vehicle with roughly the dimensions of a Golf, you might think that what it could offer to motorhome folk would be fairly limited. But this is no ordinary Caddy, converted to incorporate a double bed, a mini kitchen and a chair and table package - all have been squeezed in. Basically, there's the convenience of a car for weekdays and the versatility of tent for the weekends. If that sounds appealing, read on.

Driving Experience

No surprises here: the Caddy California drives just like the Caddy MPV - which is a good thing. It wouldn't have been if this camper had been based on older Caddy generation models, which used crude leaf-sprung suspension. But the California takes as its starting point the current generation design, which utilises much more sophisticated car-like coil-sprung suspension. A much more sophisticated chassis also helps, the much stiffer Modular Transverse Matrix platform used on all Volkswagen's current Golf, Passat and Tiguan-sized car models. Plus there's an electrically assisted power steering rack with quite a direct feel. The engines on offer are the same as those in the Caddy MPV of course too. There are three - a 1.5-litre TSI petrol unit with 114PS, offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG auto. Alternatively, there's a choice of 2.0-litre TDI diesels, one with 102PS only offered with that manual gearbox; and the other with 122PS which comes only in DSG auto form. At the time of this review in early 2022, Volkswagen wasn't offering this camper design with the optional 4MOTION 4WD system you can get with the Caddy Cargo van.

Design and Build

You can have your Caddy California based on either standard or larger Maxi versions of the ordinary Caddy. Most will want the bigger option. In everyday format, this Caddy California will function just like any normal 5-seat family hatch - you might even find its twin sliding doors more convenient. It's the only one of its kind though, that can provide fully fledged weekend accommodation, courtesy of a full-sized double bed. That isn't cobbled together perching you uncomfortably on folded rows of seats either. A proper three-part folding bed unit featuring a mattress with plastic cups springs sits neatly in the boot and when needed, it unfolds to sit above the folded rear seats. Measuring 1,980 x 1,070mm, it's longer and almost as wide as a standard small double mattress. And if you option your Caddy California with the extra cost enormous panoramic glass roof, you can lie in it and look at the stars. You can't have everything of course. There's no room for the toilet you'd get on bigger California models, so you'll need the amenities of a campsite. And no space for a fridge either, though a 12V socket just inside the tailgate allows you to bring one along. But this Caddy can include a standard kitchenette - found in a slide-out drawer beneath the boot floor and including a burner hob, storage space for a gas bottle and a cutlery drawer and shelf. There's also space for a storage bag with two chairs and a table - also standard. And you can add in a huge side awning, creating a large lounge area and into which a bedroom pod can be zipped in, turning your California from a 2-berth to a 4-berth conveyance. At the wheel, it is of course just like any other Caddy, which means you get Volkswagen's latest infotainment screen and the option of digital dash tech.

Market and Model

You need to think in terms of a premium of around £4,000 for this Caddy California over the ordinary Caddy MPV. That means pricing in the £32,000-£39,000 bracket. There's a premium of around £1,300 for the longer Caddy Maxi body shape - which you'll almost certainly want. And as with any Caddy, you can only purchase from a Volkswagen Commercial vehicles dealer, so don't go asking for one of these at your local Volkswagen car showroom. A retractable mini-kitchen is included as standard, extending from the rear with single-burner cooker and integrated gas bottle. Clever and practical stowage compartments are perfect for storing your cutlery and kitchen utensils, while California camper chairs and camper table also come included. Interior blinds for the rear windows double up as window storage bags. Light is provided from integrated LED reading lights in the passenger compartment and tailgate. Standard kit includes 16-inch 'Wien' alloy wheels, twin side sliding doors and black roof rails, plus you get Climatic air conditioning and a full rosta of camera safety kit - more on that in a moment. Media connectivity is taken care of by an 8.25-inch 'Composition Colour' central infotainment screen with 'App Connect' (enabling 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring), along with 'We Connect Plus' preparation (so that you can interact with the screen and the car using your smartphone). You might well though, want to upgrade this to the 10-inch 'Discover Media' navigation set-up we tried, with its six-speaker DAB+ audio system.

Cost of Ownership

As you'd expect, the efficiency figures of this Caddy California aren't very much different from the readings quoted for the mechanically identical Caddy MPV. Which means a frugal set of running cost returns. The short wheelbase model in 2.0 TDI 102PS manual form manages up to 56.5mpg on the combined cycle and up to 131g/km; for the comparable version of the Caddy MPV, it's 58.9mpg on the combined cycle and up to 126g/km. For the 2.0 TDI 122PS DSG auto Caddy California version, the figures are up to 53.3mpg and up to 138g/km. With the 1.5 TSI petrol manual model, it's up to 42.8mpg and up to 149g/km. These figures are only fractionally reduced if you choose the 'Maxi' body shape. As for service intervals, the efficient engine range enables Volkswagen to offer service intervals spread quite far apart - every 18,600 miles or every two years, whichever comes first. Various service plans are of course available to spread the cost of maintenance. And there's a 'Service' section of the 'Vehicle' screen telling you when oil change maintenance and inspections are due. You'll need to get the 15-litre AdBlue tank topped up as part of regular servicing too. Finally, there's the three year warranty. This one gets the cover package applicable to a Volkswagen van, so the mileage limit in this period is raised from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There's also three years of pan-European Roadside Assistance also included with no mileage restriction. The paintwork warranty lasts for three years and the Caddy is protected by a 12-year anti-corrosion body warranty.

Summary

Most motorhomes don't make much sense as weekly transport. This one's an exception. You could use it economically to commute with, then trek to the campsite at weekends. On paper, it's all good. There are some caveats of course. The premium pricing for a start, which might make you wonder whether it wouldn't actually be better to add a tow bar and a caravan to your family hatch. Unlike a bigger camper, there's no space for a toilet - and the kitchenette provision is pretty limited. We can't really see why you'd choose this model without the lengthier Maxi body style. And most of the options you'll need cost extra. For all that, there's nothing quite like a Caddy California. In fact, we can't immediately think of a direct rival. As a spur-of-the-moment getaway vehicle, not much beats it. Welcome to the Hotel California.

Body Glass

Electric front windows

Windscreen wiper with variable intermittent delay and wash wipe system

Fixed side window in load/passenger compartment

Heat insulating windscreen

Rear window wiper and washer system with intermittent control

Rain sensor

Brakes

Engine drag torque control

Brake assist

Automatic post collision braking system

Electronic brake force distribution

Front Assist with pedestrian monitoring and city emergency braking system

Traction control system (TCS)

Electronic Stability Programme

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Front Assist with pedestrian monitoring and city emergency braking system

Electric parking brake with auto hold function

Carpets/Rugs

Carpet floor covering in passenger compartment

Carpet floor covering in cab

Communication

Bluetooth handsfree system

eCall emergency call system

We connect preparation

Driver Aids

Lane keeping system

Dynamic road sign display

Driver alert system

Rear view camera

Cruise control + speed limiter

Driver Convenience

Preparation for function control module

Tailgate with heated window

Start/stop system with regenerative braking

Driver Information

On board computer

Digital cockpit

Multi function display

Service interval indicator

Driving Mirrors

Black painted exterior mirror housings

Exterior mirrors - power adjustable, heated and power folding

Embellishment Trims

Decorative inserts birch vein

Engine

180A alternator

Diesel particulate filter

Entertainment

2 (type C) USB interfaces in dashboard

Exterior Body Features

Twin near side and off side sliding doors

Unique california badging

Unique california badging

Body colour door handles

Silver sliding door rail

Body colour bumpers

Exterior Lights

Automatic hazard lights activation under emergency braking

LED tailgate surround lighting

Automatic headlight control system

3rd brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Electrically controlled heating system

Interior Features

Ventilation grille with mosquito screen for driver and front passenger doors

Pull-out kitchenette in the rear - single burner

California lettering on the sliding doors at waistline level and on the tailgate, bottom left

Magnetic window blinds for all windows

Plastic door trim panel and fabric side trim panel

2 folding chairs and 1 folding table including bag for storing under the bed

Folding comfort bed with dished springs (1980mm x 1070mm)

Removable storage packs in rear side window

Lockable glove compartment door with light

Double grid cloth upholstery

Storage drawers under front seats

Integrated gas bottle, cooker, cutlery drawer and storage in mini kitchen

12V socket in passenger compartment

Plastic gearshift knob/handle

Reach and rake adjustable steering column

Interior Lights

LED reading light in passenger compartment

Interior light in headliner incorporating LED technology

5 standard interior lights in passenger compartment

Safety

Seat belt warning if unfastened, front and rear

Seat belt warning if unfastened, front and rear

Power operated child safety locks

Driver and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation

Child seat ISOFIX attachment rear outer seats

Front centre airbag

Curtain airbag for outer seats in rear

Side and curtain airbag for driver and front passenger

3-point seat belts in front with pretensioner and height adjustment

Tyre pressure loss indicator

Tyre pressure loss indicator

3x3 point rear seatbelts

First aid kit with warning triangle and safety vest

Seats

Manual adjustable lumbar support in front seats

Rear head restraints

Folding table on front seat backrests

Single front passenger seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row (fold/flip/removable)

Front head restraints

Manual front seats with height adjustment

Security

Electronic engine immobiliser

Anti theft alarm system with interior monitoring, backup horn and towing protection

Wheel bolts unlockable anti-theft protection

Central locking system "Keyless-Go"

Transmission

Electronic differential lock

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and passenger sun visors with vanity mirror

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 150

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 154

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 150

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 81

Gears: 7 SPEED

CC: 1968

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 95.5

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 16

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 51.4

WLTP - MPG - Low: 38.2

WLTP - MPG - High: 57.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.7

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 5.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 5.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 7.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 48.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 47.9

General

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 14E

Service Interval Mileage: 9300

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 84

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 82

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 69

NCAP Safety Assist %: 79

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 122

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Vehicle Homologation Class: N1

AdBlue: No

Generation Mark: 1

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Coin Description: TDI 122

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Coin Series: [Tech Pack]

Performance

Engine Power - RPM: 2750

Top Speed: 109

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 62 mph (secs): 11.8

Engine Power - BHP: 122

Engine Power - KW: 90

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 236

Engine Torque - NM: 320

Engine Torque - RPM: 1600

Engine Torque - MKG: 32.6

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Rear: 205/60 R16

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Front: 205/60 R16

Wheel Style: WIEN

Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1800

Wheelbase: 2970

Width (including mirrors): 2100

Height (including roof rails): 1836

Width: 1855

Length: 4853

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2450

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Minimum Kerbweight: 1754

Minimum Kerbweight: 1754

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500

Max. Loading Weight: 696

Max. Loading Weight: 696

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 446

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.1

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1720

Max. Roof Load: 100

Body Glass

Hinged windows in passenger compartment

Privacy glass in passenger cabin

Carpets/Rugs

Front/rear floor mats

Communication

Wireless app connect for apple carPlay

External USB type C data sock

Mobile phone interface with wireless charging

Driver Aids

Dynamic road sign display

Trailer maneuvering system with park assist

Trailer maneuvering system with parking sensors - front and rear

Power steering with mobility aid

Driver Convenience

Tailgate with window aperture and with power latching

Function control module without body builder programming

Function control module

Driver Information

IDA Voice assistant

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Elimination of California decal

Entertainment

Discover Media navigation system with 10" colour touch screen including streaming and Internet, 6 speakers

Discover Pro navigation system with 10" colour touch screen including streaming and Internet, 6 speakers

Ready 2 discover infotainment system with 10" colour touch-screen Includes Streaming and Internet, 6 speakers

Ready 2 discover infotainment system with 10" colour touch-screen Includes Streaming and Internet, 6 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Without nameplate set (without model designation)

Power latching for passenger side sliding door

Fixed panoramic glass roof with 2 roof grab handles

Black loading edge protection plastic cover in front of rear aperture to protect painted bumper

Loading edge protection in stainless steel look plastic cover in front of rear aperture to protect painted bumper

Additional front underbody guard

Pearlescent paint

Metallic paint

Power latching for driver side sliding door

Special solid paint

Silver roof rails

Exterior Lights

LED rear combination lights

High beam assist

LED headlights with LED separate daytime running lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air conditioning - 2 zone electronic climate control

Interior Features

Front centre armrest with 2 cup holders

230V inverter and outlet for UK

Removable waste bin with cover for cab

12V socket in load compartment and dashboard

Packs

Winter pack - Caddy California

Winter pack plus - Caddy California

Assistance package - Caddy California

Assistance pack - Caddy California

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Reflex silver

Metallic - Indium grey

Metallic - Golden Green

Metallic - Fortana red

Metallic - Starlight blue

Metallic - Mojave beige

Metallic - Copper bronze

Metallic - Costa Azul

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Deep black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Cherry red

Paint - Special

Special solid - Pure grey

Special solid - Candy white

Security

Central locking system keyless entry with touch two stage unlocking

4 remote control keys for locking system

Towing

Towbar preparation

Towbar - removable and lockable with trailer assist

Removable/lockable towbar

Trim - Cloth

Double grid cloth - Titanium black/soul-soul/black

Wheels

225/45 R18 low rolling resistance tyres

Wheels - Alloy

17" Colombo black with gold beige translucent alloy wheels

All season 215/55 R17 low rolling resistance tyres for 17" alloy wheels

All season 205/60 R16 low rolling resistance tyres for 16" alloy wheels

18" Monterosso glossy black alloy wheels

17" Colombo glossy black alloy wheels

17" Barahona silver alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Steel spare wheel with original equipment tyre including tool kit and jack

Alloy spare wheel with original equipment tyre