Volkswagen California 2.0 TDI Beach Tour 5dr DSG Review
Category: Camper van
Section: Version review
You can tell plenty of thought and experience has gone into the VW California’s practical interior, even if folding out the beds takes a bit of muscle. It handles well by camper standards and has reasonable performance, but the Mercedes Marco Polo is better to drive, plusher inside and has easier to convert beds.
The trim
See full equipmentThis is effectively an MPV that just so happens to have a couple of double beds, one in the pop-up roof and another created by folding the rear seats. You don’t get a kitchen or cupboards, but you do get the option of up to seven seats, a removable camping table with a couple of folding chairs, a 6.5in touchscreen infotainment system and twin sliding rear doors as standard.
The engine
See full engine specsUnless you opt for an Ocean model, this 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine is your only option. Available only with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, its 148bhp was good enough for 0-60mph in 12.1sec during our tests and it managed 33.5mpg, too. As it’s unlikely you’ll be driving quickly in your camper, it’s our pick.
