Volkswagen’s Hybrid-Equipped California Camper Van Offers Enhanced Space

Rooftop tents and sliding doors standard on all trims, select models include a kitchen.

Volkswagen has revamped its California camper van for the European market. The compact motorhome, positioned in between the Caddy California and the Grand California models, now comes with a new hybrid engine and is more spacious than the previous version, offering a more expansive interior.

The upcoming camper van will come in five versions: Shore, Shore Tour, Shore Camper, Seashore, and Sea. Each variant includes a roof tent and dual sliding doors with mosquito screens. Volkswagen is introducing an optional awning that will be available in certain markets and included as standard in others for both sides of the van.

Within the vehicle, Volkswagen has swapped out the back bench for two separate seats. Fortunately, they are still capable of converting into a bed. This allows individuals to continue storing bikes in the rear without sacrificing a place to sleep.

Engineers have also reimagined the complete kitchen setup found on the Coast and Ocean models, moving it towards the back to allow passengers to easily exit from both sides of the vehicle. The kitchen is accessible from the exterior and includes a sink, a gas stove with a single burner, and cabinets. If you opt for the Beach Camper version, you will have a fixed rear kitchenette that slides out, equipped with a gas stove, two drawers, and additional storage space.

The rear seats, each weighing 53 pounds, can be taken out and include a drawer for extra storage. VW has installed multiple 45-watt USB-C charging ports in the interior. Users can also turn off all interior LED and background lights at once by double-tapping any light switch.

The Beach Tour trim and above models now feature VW’s latest camper control unit located in the passenger-side C-pillar. This system allows for managing different vehicle functions, which can be accessed via the infotainment system or a smartphone app.

The Ocean is the top-of-the-line model, including two camper batteries, two 230-volt sockets (one indoors and one outdoors), heated front seats, auxiliary air heating, a roof storage unit, a collapsible table, and a 7.4-gallon freshwater tank.

The upcoming recreational vehicle will be available for purchase with three different powertrain options, which are the same as those offered in the Multivan. The front wheels are powered by a 150-horsepower four-cylinder turbodiesel engine and a 204-hp gasoline engine. For those looking for something more powerful, there is also a new plug-in hybrid choice that features 4Motion all-wheel drive and delivers 245 hp. Additionally, this option has the capability to tow up to 4,409 pounds.

Source: Volkswagen