Choose the best California for you

Did you know that Volkswagen California is already 30 years old? About 160,000 units have been produced since the first version of this revolutionary car was produced. So far, four generations of California have been created.

Among the many camper vans, California has always stood out for its distinctive feature - a lifting roof that extends almost two meters above the ground to form a small tent. Today, however, the lifting roof is also found in motorhomes of other brands. So let's check what else distinguishes the current generation of California.

Freedom above all else

For camper van users, freedom of movement is most important. On the one hand, such a vehicle must be able to move efficiently on the motorway, on the other hand, it should perform well in tight parking lots or in narrow city streets. In addition, a car that is both a tourist vehicle and a van must be suitable not only for holiday trips, but also for everyday use.

The design solutions have changed over the 30 years, but the idea behind the Volkswagen California has remained the same. Each time, the manufacturer tried to provide functional space and freedom of use while maintaining small dimensions. And for even greater freedom of choice, from June 2015, California is available in three versions: Beach, Coast and Ocean.

California Beach - the beach is the basis

What is associated with California? Sure the beach! California Beach by its very name indicates a carefree vacation. However, it will be a holiday without cooking, because this version does not have a kitchenette . However, the car has other advantages.

The car can accommodate five people (with 4 sleeping places) and a lot of luggage, and how we plan the space depends on the settings of the three-seat sofa, which we can even take out completely. The seats are equipped with light, storage compartments, cup holders, and a separate air conditioning panel. The seat backrest reclines to a reclining position, allowing tired passengers to take a nap.

California's flagship solution is, of course, a fold-out, additional roof bedroom. It can easily accommodate two people who will sleep comfortably on a one-piece mattress. Just unfolding the bedroom on the roof takes a while, because you just need to unlock the four catches on the sunroof and push the roof out.

When there are more of us, we can use the bottom bed. Then we have to unfold the sofa flat and put it together with the frame and cover it with a folding mattress attached to the car. There is still a lot of space for luggage under the unfolded bed.

California is equipped with roller blinds on the side and rear windows, which will provide a bit of privacy and shade. When the weather is cooler, we can use the parking heater , which is operated by an additional remote control.

The large number of compartments, shelves and pockets are also a bull's eye. In addition, there are numerous 12V sockets located not only at the dashboard. Apart from them, there are also 230 V sockets . The equipment includes two folding chairs and a table.

California Coast - outdoor kitchen

California is also a sunny coast. If we care about the kitchen, let's choose this slightly higher level of equipment - California Coast. Then we will have at our disposal a few more accessories useful for travel.

These include a stainless steel sink, a two-burner stove and a 42-liter fridge . The kitchen has a special, multi-layer structure made of aluminum. It is a light and strong material that does not make noise while driving. The car is also equipped with an additional, retractable table. There is also a wardrobe with a mirror. There is also a parking heater.

The car offers a seat for five people (in the 4Motion version, for four). 4 people can sleep in the vehicle. The optional 4Motion all-wheel drive ensures good traction, optimal handling and steering, and helps you to control the car even in difficult weather conditions, such as driving in the mountains and on snow-covered slopes.

On request, the 4Motion all-wheel drive is also available with the DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Safe driving is monitored by several electronic systems, including the "Fatigue Assistant" . It must therefore be admitted that, especially in this version, the California Coast turns out to be more of a recreational vehicle than a typical passenger car.

California Ocean - Everything at hand

The third element necessarily associated with sunny California is, of course, the ocean. California Ocean inside has a gas stove, sink, refrigerator and an additional, extendable table .

In the car you will also find a set of cabinets for accessories needed during the trip, in which you can hide clothes, small tourist equipment or food that does not require refrigeration. There is even a lockable, small safe for storing documents, wallet or small electronic devices. The storage compartment can also be found above the bed - it will be perfect as a place for bedding or sleeping bags.

The interior of the vehicle can be darkened. There are blinds on the side and rear windows as well as curtains on the windshield. The car is equipped with a shower that can be used outside the car. We also have a 42-liter water tank at our disposal.

The standard equipment includes, among others three-zone automatic air conditioning and doors with automatic closing function. The roof lifts electrohydraulically and can be raised or lowered with the press of a button. Dimmable LEDs are housed in the sunroof and boot lid. The standard version of the Ocean includes a parking heater.

As in the Coast version, there is also a folding table and chairs. The vehicle is also equipped with an awning .

Dynamically and economically

California is offered with 2-liter gasoline and diesel engines. All units are turbocharged, and we can choose from units with power from 102 HP to 204 HP . In stronger versions, California Beach will turn out to be a much more dynamic car, and at the same time more agile than large and heavy motorhomes.

Especially if we choose the 2.0 TDI BiTurbo engine, we can count on good dynamics and fuel consumption, which, even at highway speeds (those permitted by the regulations), will be at the level of 8-10 l / 100 km.

As you can see, California has something for everyone. The car, regardless of the version, can be used on a daily basis, at weekends and for longer, holiday routes. It will be a good option for families and couples, but it will also be useful for an active group of friends. Due to the fact that California is available in three versions, it is easier to choose the vehicle according to your preferences.