California dreaming? Icon goes digital

FOR those who like their holidays on the go, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be giving their new California 6.1 its world première at the end of August at the Caravan Salon show in Düsseldorf, Germany.

An icon in the world of motorhomes, the latest version of the California features a restyled new front, enhanced kitchen units and beds plus a digitised new multi-function control panel in the overhead console.

Other new features inside the camper van include the optionally digital instruments and the next generation infotainment systems with integrated online connectivity. And to keep the precious ‘cargo’ safe new electro-mechanical steering makes driving safer and easier, and also introduces driver assistance systems such as Lane Assist to the vehicle range.

It's the camper van of choice for globetrotters all over the world: the California, boasting total sales of over 175,000.

Usable day to day as an MPV, the California has forever impressed with its well thought-out details. In the case of the three model line-up of Beach, Coast and Ocean these include a compact set of kitchen units. This has now been enhanced and equipped with new details such as an additional double USB socket. Eye-catching and practical: new aluminium handles on all doors. Also new: push buttons for opening up the kitchen surface (sink, cooker, fridge). The shutters in the rear cupboard have been replaced by newly designed sliding doors; the aluminium handles in keeping with the automotive camper's style are of the same design in the back as their counterparts on the kitchen units. All of the cupboards’ elegant wood grains have also been redesigned: the lighter Bright Oak and darker Graphite Grey. Also matched to the new décor by the interior designers are the new darker seat covers in Palladium Grey.

The beds will from now on provide even greater comfort. The high bed is being equipped in future with a sprung base, while the double rear bench seat that folds out to create a bed can also be transformed into a lounge.

For the first time, the instruments are optionally digital – the new ‘Digital Cockpit’ on the new instrument panel.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has also reconfigured the range of drive systems. The California 6.1, which as standard is front and optionally all- wheel drive, will launch with highly efficient two-litre turbo diesel engines (2.0 TDI).

Aside from all the new features of the California 6.1, it remains as ever the case that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is staying loyal to all the clever details that make this camper so practical and thus ultimately iconic – such as the camping table integrated within the sliding door and the camping chairs stowed in the tailgate.

The world première of the new California Beach, Coast and Ocean will take place at the end of August at the Caravan Salon show in Düsseldorf with sales starting in the autumn.