Rating
Quick Summary
Recommended. A camper van that drives like a large people carrier, the California might not be as cool as its 1960s ancestor, but it's just as practical
Road Test
Like the original Mini or the Porsche 911, the Volkswagen camper van is one of those vehicles that have entered the collective consciousness of people who would not otherwise be interested in cars. The modern version might not have the classic smoothed-off shell of the classic surfer-dude carriage - and it's now badged California - but its increased practicality more than makes up for the van-like looks.
The latest camper van will sleep four and standard equipment includes a kitchen unit with a working sink, a gas hob and a fridge along with a selection of tables, chairs, cupboards and lights.
The sleeping space is maximised by a pop-up roof that allows two of the four passengers to bed down 'upstairs'. This is perhaps best reserved for younger campers, as access is by clambering up through a sunroof-sized hole in above the front seats and requires a bit of manoeuvring to avoid the light that is handily placed on a flexible arm up top.
While parked up, the internal layout means you can access most of the interior storage and facilities while the downstairs bed is in place, but the close proximity of the hob and your duvet might mean that you want to fold it all away before putting the bacon on.
The amount of space on the inside of the California might leave you thinking it cuts an imposing figure on the road as well, but it is less intimidating than you might fear. Despite being too high to fit into car-designed spaces, such as on the Channel Tunnel, there are few adaptations that will be needed to jump in from a normal hatchback.
It drives more like a well-laden van, and corners have to be taken with anticipation rather than speed due to the weight being distributed throughout the back of the vehicle rather than on the floor as it would with a normal load.
Choose the larger of the two diesel engines available and straight-line speed is not hindered by this bulk though, and it will comfortably ease itself up to motorway pace and sit there for prolonged periods. One irritation with this is the lack of cruise control as standard - strange on a vehicle this expensive. The lack of sat nav is bearable and fits with the exploratory nature of a campervan, but cruise control is conspicuous by its absence.
For those that are downsizing from a caravan there will be moments that you will feel the lack of space inside, but the efficiency with which the space is used and the simplicity of the whole package ensures the California is no compromise.
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