The most legendary fitted van on the market is about to be renewed. The current generation of the Volkswagen California is based on the utility Transporter 6.1, but its next version will be derived from the new generation of Multivan, for the first time developed as a vehicle in its own right.
Thus, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles presents the California Concept at the caravanning and motorhome fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, announced as close to the production model. It is based on the long version of the Multivan, which makes it both longer and wider than the California 6.1. The layout is always carried out in-house, whereas the Ford Transit Custom Nugget and the Mercedes Marco Polo, for example, are fitted out by the specialist Westfalia.
Two side doors, to enjoy nature even better
The biggest development in terms of layout of this new California Concept is that it is based on a version with two sliding side doors, whereas fitted vans usually have only one. This makes it possible to access the kitchenette from the outside and to get into the van from the left side, which can be more practical and safe in particular in countries with left-hand drive.
The kitchen equipment as well as a 230 V power outlet are accessible from the outside, in order to enjoy your campsite even more.
In addition, the touch screen dedicated to the management of functions specific to the California is now larger, in tablet format, and housed in the cupboard at the level of the rear pillar. It still allows you to control the electric pop-up roof, the lighting, the fridge and the auxiliary heater, as well as to consult the level of the water tanks and the auxiliary battery.
In addition, mounted on an articulated arm, the tablet can be repositioned to be easily visible from anywhere in the cabin. “It can also rotate 90°, meaning nothing stands in the way of an entertaining evening watching your favorite TV series”explains Volkswagen, without further details on the content available.
While waiting for the electric, the California switches to the rechargeable hybrid
If Volkswagen is unable to offer a fitted version of its ID electric van. Buzz, because of the excessive mass of the latter, the manufacturer will for the first time launch a California plug-in hybrid. Thus, the concept uses the eHybrid engine of the new Multivan, which combines a 1.4 TSI 136 hp petrol unit with an 85 kW (116 hp) electric motor integrated into the DSG6 gearbox. The set develops a maximum cumulative power of 218 hp and a torque of 350 Nm sent to the front wheels.
The production version of the new Multivan will be presented in 2024, while Ford is presenting on its stand the final version of its new Nugget, also available as a plug-in hybrid.