Volkswagen California

The Volkswagen California is based on the T5 Multivan by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV). It is the first campervan designed and built in-house by VWCV Special Business Unit, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

The "California" name was previously used by Volkswagen for the Westfalia-built campervans since 1988. Westfalia was the Official Manufacturer of motorhomes for VW. When the Westfalia company was bought by DaimlerChrysler in 2001, VW decided to build and design their own campervan range, based on the legendary Transporter range.

The California launched in August, 2003. In 2004 two design studies were presented at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf: California Beach and California Tramper. VWCV expanded the range in 2005 with the California (Multivan/Kombi) Beach, to bridge the gap between the Multivan/Kombi people carriers and the California.

At the 2007 Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, VWCV launched the new California Beach with pop top bed, as seen in the of the California range.

See Wikicars' comprehensive  Review.

Recent Changes

 * The 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show will play host to the unveiling of a facelifted and minor repackage of the T5 family, including the Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan and California'. Aesthetically, the facelift focuses on the front fascia, reshaped to bring it into line with Volkswagen's current corporate face. Other updates include a range of common rail TDI engines, new rear-light clusters, more aerodynamic side mirrors, touchscreen navigation, USB connectivity, updated ESP, 4MOTION AWD and a hill-start assist feature. Plus, a manual gearbox can be optioned. Speaking of the new turbo diesels, the 2.0 TDI can be selected with four different power outputs:


 * 62 kW (84PS) and 220Nm of torque @ 1250rpm
 * 75kW (102PS) and 250Nm of torque from 1500rpm
 * 103kW (140PS) and 340Nm of torque @ 1750rpm
 * 132kW (180PS) and 400Nm of torque @ 1500rpm feat. two-stage charger with bi-turbocharging technology

All the engines have a particle filter and all will be attached, standard, to a 7-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox (unless the aforementioned Manual is specified). 

VW California (Multivan/Kombi) Beach

 * ABS brakes
 * Acceleration Slip Regulator (ASR) - a traction control system
 * cruise control
 * air conditioning
 * power front windows
 * heated doors and mirrors
 * remote central locking
 * CD player with 6 speakers
 * alloy wheels with full size spares
 * dimmable dashboard illumination
 * storage nets here.

Bedding The "Good Night Package" comes with curtains, and the ability to fold the seats into a bed for two.

Indoor/outdoor features A folding table integrated within the sliding door is able to be used outside and inside with two folding chairs.

Combined with the rear seats, the front seats swivel 180 degrees, so you can have a meeting/meal/break with the rear seat passengers.

Other options California Beach now has the option of the elevating "pop top" aluminium roof, with bed space of 120x200cm in Germany.

VW California specs & features

 * satellite navigation system
 * 3 Zone Climatic airconditioner
 * alcantara and leather upholstery
 * 6 disc CD changer
 * single seat for living area
 * parking sensors for front and rear
 * rain sensing wipers
 * auto dimming rear view mirror
 * headlamp washers
 * electric sliding door
 * privacy glass for rear
 * removable towbar
 * 4motion four-wheel drive system

Bedding The California comes with an electro-hydraulically elevating aluminium roof with bed space of 120x200cm.

The rear seating in the California can be arranged to make lower level double bed measuring 200x114cm.

Kitchen The kitchen comprises a sink, a two burner gas cooktop powered by a 2.8 kg gas cylinder, a 42 litre compressor fridge, two kitchen storage cupboards with drawers integrated in the design are also standard.

Indoor/outdoor features A standard fitment twin water tanks both hold 30 litres of water, one for drinking water, the other for foul/waste water.

There is an optional 250 cm awning which mounts above the sliding door, and a foldaway table and two chairs are hidden in the tailgate hatch.

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