New Volkswagen California Camper Van Unveiled with Hybrid Power, Extra Space and More Tech
The new California 6.1 camper will go on sale in Europe in June 2024, with deliveries starting later this year. It is unlikely that the all-new van will find a home in other markets, particularly India.
By Reetika Bhatt
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has revealed the latest iteration of the New California camper van. With roots in the 1950s Type 2-derived versions, the California 6.1 is the most recent in a long line of factory-built camper vans. This version improves on the long-wheelbase Multivan model, giving it more space and adaptability while keeping the well-known features of its predecessors. Although it will only be marketed in Europe for the time being, the Volkswagen California takes its name from the US state situated on the East Coast. It is the perfect contemporary camper van, with a pop-up roof, extra conveniences, and a variety of seating arrangements. Let's take a closer look at what else the model has in store for the buyers.
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New Volkswagen California Camper Van: Dimensions, Design and Interior
The California 6.1 and the Volkswagen Multivan with an extended wheelbase share the same underpinnings. Even though it is the same height as the departing van, it is 269mm longer and 41mm wider than before.
The all-new camper is scheduled to launch in five variants, Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper, Coast, and Ocean, to accommodate a range of travel requirements and tastes. The Beach is the most affordable variant available in the California range. It has a manual top and seats six people in the second and third rows in a 2+2 arrangement.
Upgrades to the Beach Tour (and higher trim levels) include swiveling front seats, lighting in the pop-up top, sliding windows in the rear doors, and access to a new 5.0-inch control screen positioned in the C-pillar on the front passenger side. Moreover, the new unit manages the van's camping features, such as heating and lighting, and displays information regarding power and water status.
A single gas burner, a cutlery drawer, and more storage space replace the last row in the Beach Camper, which is ideal for people who enjoy traveling and experiencing new adventures. With a four-seater configuration and an expanded kitchenette which includes cabinets, a sink, a refrigerator, and a single-burner stovetop, the Coast version improves on this even more. With its more opulent materials, heated front seats, additional storage space on the top, and an auxiliary heater, the Ocean version, at last, makes everything finer.
New Volkswagen California Camper Van: Multiple Powertrain Options
On the mechanical front, the new van is available with three different powertrain combinations, all of which work with an automatic transmission. There is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel mill, and a plug-in hybrid option that combines an electric motor and a 1.5-litre petrol unit. For the uninitiated, the plug-in hybrid setup is a new addition to the California portfolio.
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New Volkswagen California Camper Van: Launch
The new California will go on sale in Europe in June 2024, with deliveries starting later this year. It is unlikely that the camper van will find a home in other markets, particularly India.
