VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA DIESEL ESTATE 2.0 TDI Beach Camper 5dr DSG

Want a family vehicle you could really live with - and live in? Yes really. Jonathan Crouch looks at Volkswagen's revitalised seventh generation California camper.

Ten Second Review

Why does a camper have to be based on a van? Volkswagen doesn't think it does and wheels out this seventh generation MPV-based California model as proof. Despite dispensing with commercial roots, it's more practical and versatile than ever before.

Background

This isn't just a different kind of Volkswagen California; it's a different kind of camper full-stop. Until now, campers have always been based on vans; certainly, the California model lineage always has been, with roots going all the way back to 1950s motorhome conversions of the brand's original Type 2 van. More recent Californias have been based on the Wolfsburg maker's Transporter LCV, but this seventh generation version switches for the first time to a car-derived platform, the MQB architecture used for all Volkswagen's medium-sized combustion models. That's because for this new California generation, the fundamentals are not from the new generation Transporter commercial (as many had expected), but from the large Multivan MPV. Keeping the California Transporter-based would have enabled introduction of an EV variant, but the brand has planned a camper version of the ID.Buzz to fill that niche. Instead, this MK7 California offers the option of Plug-in Hybrid tech and cheerfully embraces all the practical advantages that adoption of the long wheelbase Multivan platform gives it. Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Spec

Some of Volkswagen's popular engines feature here. Things kick off with two conventional units, the 150PS 2.0 TDI diesel most will continue to choose, or a petrol powerplant, the 204PS 2.0-litre TSI, though that isn't going to be cheap to run. If efficiency is uppermost in your mind, consider the 1.5-litre eHybrid Plug-in petrol model, which has enough EV battery range for regular local school runs and shopping trips. The 245PS PHEV version comes with 4MOTION 4WD too - which will be a boon on slippery campsites - and goes 56 miles on a charge. Across the range, the height's compatible with garages and multi-storey car parks. Around town and on narrow country roads, like the Multivan MPV it's based on, the California feels the prodigious size that it is, but as advertised, it's much more car-like than the previous generation van-based model. Potholes and speed humps no longer send tremors through the body structure because that chassis is now so much stiffer. Plus the suspension set-up's been optimised and is available with extra cost Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive damping if you want it. Roll through the bends has been reduced by about 25% and the steering is far more direct, though doesn't have much feedback. Should you be running late for the school run, you can actually even drive with a bit of enthusiasm and you sit a little further back than in the old California, in a driving position that's less upright. The driving position and steering wheel are infinitely adjustable. So much so that, from Kylie Minogue to Giant Haystacks, virtually anyone's optimum driving position is attainable - it's just a matter of finding it. There are armrests on each chair too, along with supportive cushioning and fetching fabric. When stationary, you turn around the front two chairs to face the two in the rear.

Design and Build

You might not expect that basing this California on the Multivan MPV this time round would make it bigger, but that's what's happened. You might also be surprised to learn that this is the first California generation to offer sliding doors on both sides. And that's important because it means that the kitchen - with a hob, a cool box, a sink and larger work tops - is accessible from outside for the first time. Optional awnings can be fitted on either side of the vehicle. And the old model's rear bench is replaced by chairs at the back that are separate and individual, though some storage space has been lost as a result. Most of the rear camper functions can now be controlled by a 5.0-inch display on the B-pillar. With this, you can operate the fridge or heater, check water and waste levels, adjust cabin lighting and raise or lower the pop-up roof (which gives you enough room to stand up when the bed isn't in place). Everything now seems much better laid out. And four or five people can fit inside, depending on the variant you choose. Most versions have two decently-sized beds, one in the roof and one with the rear seats folded. They're fiddly to pull into place though. Storage space is everywhere, with plenty of drawers and cupboards. Up-front, predictably, it's just as in a Multivan MPV, with a commanding driving position, a digital instrument cluster and a large, though slightly slow-to-respond central touchscreen.

Market and Model

Expect an increase in pricing on the old model. Think in terms of around £65,000-£80,000. Which looks competitive against the two most obvious rivals, the Ford Transit Nugget (which starts at just over £76,000) and the Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo (which starts at just over £83,000). The California range is based around three main specification levels: 'Beach Camper', 'Coast' and 'Ocean'. All of course feature a pop-up roof. Volkswagen describes the base 'Beach Camper' variant as its 'classic camper van'. It seats five and sleeps four. This version also includes rotatable front seats, two folding chairs housed in the boot lid compartment, a folding table, sliding windows and a digital rear control panel. At this level in the range, you get kitchen elements like a single-ring gas cooker, a cutlery drawer and extra storage space, plus there's a 230V power supply. If you can progress further up the range, the next level is the 'Coast' version, which reduces passenger capacity to four seats, but gets an electro-hydraulic version of the pop-up roof and a larger, better packaged kitchen including a fridge, extra cabinets, a sink and a second camper battery. Plus there's an outdoor shower connection, two additional camping batteries, thermal windscreen and side cab window blinds, a 3-zone climate system, 'Park Assist' to steer you into space and 17-inch 'Dundrod' alloy wheels. The top 'Ocean' version gets all that (though with 18-inch 'Toshima' alloy wheels), plus fabric seats made from recycled materials that are heated for driver and passenger. Plus Discover Pro Navigation with a 10-inch screen, power sliding side doors, a roof-positioned storage box, keyless entry, IQ.Matrix LED headlights and a camper parking heater.

Cost of Ownership

You won't be expecting a camper of this size to be particularly cheap to run, but Volkswagen hopes to surprise you here. The 2.0 TDI diesel manages up to around 40mpg and about 180g/km which, in combination with the 58-litre fuel tank, facilitates a range of around 600 miles without refuelling. For the 2.0 TSI petrol model, the figures are rather different - bests of around 25mpg and 210g/km. The Plug-in eHybrid petrol version's worth a look; yes, there's a big up-front price premium, but you'll save in fuel costs and taxation payments. Finally, there's the warranty. Volkswagens of any kind are limited to three years of cover, but with a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle (which is what the California is still classed as), 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 California is protected by a 12-year anti-corrosion body warranty.

Summary

As we've been telling you throughout this review, this is a very different kind of California - as it needs to be to fend off renewed segment competition. Basing a mid-sized camper of this size on a platform designed for a car rather than a van doesn't initially seem like a very good idea, but this VW pulls off this approach with impressive confidence. As you'd expect from the change of chassis, the ride and handling is now much less crude - but there's an up-front price to pay for that and several notable rivals are significantly cheaper. If you don't mind that and a few small caveats (a slow-responding central touchscreen and a fiddly process for setting up the beds), there's much to like here. A fresh class standard has been set.

Body Glass

Heat and sound insulating laminated safety glass windshield

65% light absorbing privacy glass

Sliding window in front and fixed window in rear in load/passenger compartment on driver side

Four speed control for windscreen wipers

Windscreen wiper intermittent control

Brakes

Front disc brakes

Swerve support and oncoming vehicle braking when turning

Autonomous emergency braking front assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring

Communication

Volkswagen wired and wireless app connect

Preparation for online services

California on tour app

Mobile phone interface

Driver Aids

Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor

Turn assist with evasive assistance

Power assisted steering

Lane keeping system Lane Assist

Multifunction camera

Traffic sign recognition

Driver Convenience

eCall emergency system

Driver Information

Digital cockpit pro

Function control unit

IDA voice assistant and voice enhancer

Driving Mirrors

High gloss black door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Scale light grey decorative inlays

Engine

Additional battery with voltage converter NV

Standard battery/generator

Battery without capacity specification

Entertainment

2 USB-C ports at the front, 4 USB-C charging sockets in the passenger compartment

8 Speakers

Digital radio reception (DAB)

Exterior Body Features

Rear boot

Nameplate set California

Canvas sides -Basalt grey includes panorama window

Exterior Lights

3rd brake light

Red LED tail lights

Molding between headlamps painted to glossy black

LED Headlights

Poor weather light including cornering light

Interior Features

Drawers under the outer seats in the cab and passenger compartment & 2 waste bins

Plastic floor covering in passenger/load compartment

Darkening roller blinds and curtain

Additional interior noise attenuation

Mini Kitchen

Lockable glove compartment without lighting

Multifunction leather steering wheel with paddle shifters

Bright dots bi-color cloth upholstery

Surround lighting in door area

230V external inlet with charging feature for vehicle batteries

230V inverter with socket on driver seat

Packs

Lighting package - California

Safety

Tyre pressure loss indicator

Child locks

Side and curtain airbags for driver and front passenger, curtain airbags for outer seats in rear, centre airbag in front

Front Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection

First aid kit with warning triangle and safety vest

3x3 point automatic seatbelts at the rear outside with ECE label, with/without belt tensioner

Height adjustable three point automatic seatbelts at front with belt and end fitting tensioners

Driver and front passenger airbags with front passenger airbag deactivation button

Seats

Swivel seat on left with height adjustable including drawer

Armrest on front swivel seats in both sides with electric lumbar support

3 single seats with integrated seatbelt and sleeping mat

Front and rear headrests

Single front passenger seat

Swivel seat on right with height adjustable including drawer

Security

Lockable wheel bolts

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

2 Vehicle keys

Preparation for alcohol interlock

Service/Warranty

5+ Promise service plan

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with mirror, illuminated, ticket holder on the driver side, with airbag label on sun visor and B-pillar

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 177

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 180

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 177

HC: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Engine and Drive Train

Gears: 7 SPEED

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 16.0:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

CC: 1968

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 85.9

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 74.5

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Low: 33.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 40.9

WLTP - MPG - High: 48.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 42.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 42.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 42.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 40.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 8.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.7

General

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

Based On ID: N

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: 0

Coin Series: Beach Camper

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

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Coin Description: TDI

Badge Power: 150

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: N1

AdBlue: No

Generation Mark: 7

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

Top Speed: 117

Engine Torque - NM: 360

Engine Torque - MKG: 36.7

Engine Power - BHP: 150

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 110

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 266

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Wheel Style: SYRACUSE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 215/65 R16

Tyre Size Front: 215/65 R16

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 5173

Width: 1941

Wheelbase: 3124

Height: 1990

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Max. Loading Weight: 572

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2850

No. of Seats: 5

Minimum Kerbweight: 2278

Body Glass

Sliding window in front with fly screen in passenger compartment left/right & fixed window in rear in load passenger compartment at left

Heated windscreen

Carpets/Rugs

Velour floor mats in cab

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive chassis control DCC with standard chassis including driving mode selection

Communication

Wireless Mobile Phone Charger

Driver Aids

Rear view camera

Driver Convenience

Tailgate with window aperture and with power latching

Driver Information

Discover Pro Navigation system

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Black awning rail on both sides with black awning on right side

Additional metallic paint with black roof

Power sliding door left/right

Black rail on both sides without awning

Chrome strips on side and rear

Solid paint with black roof

Two tone paint with black roof

Front/rear mudflaps

Metallic paint with black roof

Two tone paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Auxiliary heater

Camper parking heater for continuous operation & parking heater for windshield defrosting with radio remote control

3 Zone climatronic air conditioning system

Interior Features

Vehicle jack

Interior Lights

LED interior lighting

Packs

Advanced assistance pack - California

Advanced parking pack - California

Trailer hitch with trailer assist pack - California

Basic parking pack - California

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Energetic orange with deep black pearl roof

Metallic - Copper bronze with deep black pearl roof

Metallic - Starlight blue with deep black pearl roof

Metallic - Deep black pearl with black roof

Metallic -Indium grey with deep black pearl roof

Metallic - Mono silver with deep black pearl roof

Metallic - Florida beach blue with deep black pearl roof

Metallic - Fortana red with deep black pearl roof

Metallic - Indium grey

Metallic - Fortana red

Metallic - Florida beach blue

Metallic - Mono silver

Metallic - Reflex silver with deep black pearl roof

Paint - Solid

Solid - Candy white with deep black pearl roof

Solid - Pure grey with deep black pearl roof

Solid - Candy white

Paint - Two Tone

Two tone - Candy white/Starlight blue metallic with deep black pearl roof

Two tone - Mono silver metallic/Energetic orange metallic with deep black pearl roof

Two tone - Candy white/starlight blue metallic

Two tone - Deep black pearlescent/Fortana red

Two tone - Mono silver/Energetic orange

Seats

Heated front seats

Security

Central locking + keyless locking and starting system Keyless Advanced with safe lock

Towing

Retractable towbar with electric release

Trim - Cloth

Bright dots bi-color cloth - Raven black/Sand

Wheels

Wheel trims

235/50 R18 All season tyres

235/55 R17 All season tyres

Wheels - Alloy

17" Dundrod silver alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

16" alloy spare wheel