New Volkswagen California T6.1 revealed with updated look and tech
The facelifted Volkswagen California will make its public debut at the Caravan Salon show in Dusseldorf, with fresh styling and new kit
Volkswagen has revealed an updated T6.1 California camper. The updated model comes with a redesigned nose, new interior furniture and a host of technology revisions.
The new California gets the same styling revisions as the updated T6.1 Transporter, with a reshaped front grille, new LED daytime running lights and a tweaked front bumper that brings the van’s styling in line with the rest of Volkswagen’s range. The pictured range-topping California Ocean also gets a smattering of chrome trim.
• Volkswagen California Ocean: long-term test review
Inside, there’s a new set of compact kitchen units, aluminium door handles, new sliding cupboard doors and fresh upholstery. Volkswagen also says the California’s beds are now more comfortable, while the firm’s newly added “sunrise function” claims to make waking up easier, by slowly increasing the brightness of the interior lights throughout the morning.
The sunrise function, along with the pop-up roof and auxiliary heater, are controlled by a new, overhead-mounted colour touchscreen. The California comes with a choice of two infotainment systems, with buyers given the choice of either an eight-inch or 9.2-inch screen, while a digital instrument binnacle can be specced as an optional extra.
Volkswagen says the new California is packed with a range of “practical additions,” such as the space-saving camping table integrated into the sliding door, camping chairs which are stored in the tailgate and a “level” function for the overhead touchscreen which shows the angle at which the van is parked on campsites.
An electro-mechanical power steering system has replaced the old California’s hydraulic setup, while a host of driver assistance system have been added including lane assist, trailer assist and a side protection function which warns the driver of obstacles when manoeuvring. Cross wind assist will also be standard, to automatically stabilise the van in high winds.
It’s powered by Volkswagen’s Euro 6d-compliant 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which is capable of producing up to 193bhp in range-topping biturbo format. Front-wheel-drive will come as standard, although buyers can spec four-wheel-drive as an optional extra.
What are your thoughts on the new Volkswagen California T6.1. Let us know in the comments section below…
Find a car with the experts
