Volkswagen California camper van to start from £37,657

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has just announced prices for the new generation California model. Deep pockets will be needed as prices start from £37,657. 

Volkswagen has built a reputation for producing camper vans over the last 60 years and the new California, based on the new T6 Volkswagen Transporter van is the latest in that line. Two trim levels are specified for the California, Beach and Ocean. 

Basic Beach specifications feature seven seats and comfortable sleeping for four people. As with previous models, this California camper van will have a manually operated pop-up roof to accommodate for a double sized bed. 

Ocean specification models start from £47,840 and pile on even more equipment. The Ocean is fitted with a electro-hydraulically operated pop-up roof and the cabin gets roof lighting, a fully functioning kitchenette plus appliances such as a sink and fridge. A new dashboard has been also been designed for the Ocean model, although can be specified on the Beach model at extra cost. 

The  California uses 2.0-litre diesel engines in three different power specifications ranging from 100 to 201bhp. All models will be equipped with Volkswagen BlueMotion technology for improved fuel economy. In fact, Volkswagen has claimed fuel economy and emissions have been lowered by up to 15 per cent compared to the old California. A range of transmissions is offered including a five-speed manual, six-speed manual and seven-speed DSG gearbox. On some models, power will be sent to the road via a 4MOTION four-wheel drive system 

Volkswagen has improved driver safety with a array of new driver aids. These include brake assist and an automatic post-collision braking system. The California can also be specified with safety options such as adaptive cruise control and city emergency braking. 

What do you think of the latest addition to the Volkswagen camper family? Let us know in the comments section below...