Volkswagen unveils evolved California campervan based on Multivan

The new Volkswagen California is based not on the Transporter but rather on the "passenger" Multivan. Despite this, the next incarnation of the iconic campervan is not a step back but an evolution of an already excellent idea.

Building a delivery van costs money, so Volkswagen joined forces with Ford for the new Transporter project. It will also be offered in a Caravelle version (a business, well-equipped van), but the Germans were somewhat reluctant to share their long-developed California version with Ford. It's understandable – the Transit also has a camping-ready version called the Nugget, and Westfalia prepared its previous incarnation.

A radical decision was made – the new California was built on the Multivan, which uses a "passenger" floor platform. Although it may appear narrower optically, it is about 2 inches wider. Most importantly, even with the roof bed, it stands at 78 inches, so it should easily handle underground parking, meaning, like its predecessor, the California can be used daily.

The biggest change—which also influenced the interior design—is the installation of two sliding doors, which significantly increased cabin usability and made it easier to find a convenient spot at the campsite. Interestingly, you can order two awnings or, depending on your preference, mount one on the chosen side. The Germans claim it's impossible (because unlocking it with a key has to be at the front of the vehicle), but it's the same part with the same serial number.

The kitchen itself is shortened to allow for the vehicle's exit, and the fridge is located at the bottom of the module. A small table opens to the outside, but if it rains, there's no problem attaching it at a right angle to the burner in the cabin (similar to the large table hidden in the trunk). With the elimination of the handbrake lever, the front seats are easier to swivel – but you still need to "stow" the steering wheel.

The cupboards (formerly the wardrobe) are smaller. Still, it seems users' experiences with the previous California model were taken into account, and a fabric pouch was installed in the rear right corner, along with an ample storage space on the rear window. The clean water inlet (with a funnel) and the gas bottle compartment, located on the left side of the trunk, are also easier to use. The campsite system display (lighting, battery status, water) is on the right C-pillar. However, the vehicle levelling is still accessible from the front, which is now on the multimedia display.

One problem for lighter individuals was closing the tailgate. Now, you cannot mount a bike rack there (since it will fit on the hitch), but the tailgate itself, with a compartment for chairs (which now have a folding lock), will only require the push of one button to latch shut.

And another important point: the rear seat has been replaced with individual seats, each weighing 53 pounds. So if you want, for example, to transport skis or an electric bike, but still have the option to set up the lower bed, just remove the middle seat. No more struggling with hauling the entire bench seat out of the vehicle and losing usability at the campsite.

Regardless of how advanced the changes are, it remains the good old California. Build quality is top-notch, nothing creaks, and details like double-clicking any LED light entirely shut off the vehicle lighting are very useful. The Multivan doesn't have double glazing, but the soundproofing level is on par with its predecessor. However, the weight has dropped from 5387 to 5228 pounds for the Ocean version.

Engine-wise, it's interesting. The most logical solution is a 2.0-litre diesel with 148 hp. I had a chance to drive this version, and although it requires some planning when overtaking, it can settle for about 1.6 gallons of diesel per 100 kilometres at a speed of 90 km/h. An alternative is the 204 hp petrol version, which has already proven quite fuel-hungry.

These engines only power the front axle. If you want an all-wheel drive, you must make a surprising choice. 4Motion is only available in the hybrid version, which can be charged from a socket. It has a 1.5-litre engine and a system output of 245 hp. While electric support in such a heavy vehicle might make sense, the MQB platform provides a tank that holds 42 litres of gasoline. And the electric range won't be extensive.