Volkswagen California 2.0 TDI Ocean 4dr 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 equipmentYou get all the camping equipment of Coast along with an electric roof, climate control, ambient interior lighting, an upgraded 8.0in infotainment system with sat nav, digital instruments, front and rear parking sensors, LED headlights and foglights. Pricey, but the only model available with the more powerful TDI 204 engine and four-wheel drive.
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.
