Volkswagen’s new California camper van will cost from £37,657 when order books open on 3rd August.
Based on the latest Transporter van and sold through the VW group’s commercial vehicle outlets, the California will be offered in two trims dubbed Beach and Ocean.
Three 2.0-litre engines will be available for it with power outputs of 101, 148 and 201bhp, the upper two also offered with 4Motion all-wheel drive.
Beach variants offer up to seven seats and sleeping space for four – the bench-seat folds to convert to a two-berth bed across the width of the vehicle, while a manual pop-up roof gives access to a further double bed.
The sliding door and tailgate house a fold-out table and chairs between them, and an integrated awning is also included.
Beach models can be purchased with the 2.0-litre 102 PS TDI engine with a five-speed manual gearbox, and a 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG transmission.
The new Ocean trim replaces the SE grade of the previous California.
Prices start from £47,840 (on the road including VAT, with either the 150 or 204 PS engines and six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes, and the 4Motion option.
An electro-hydraulic pop-up roof with lighting, and a kitchenette with two rings, a fridge and sink are included in Ocean variants.
Volkswagen is emphasising the significantly upgraded safety, comfort and convenience features on the latest California. Safety upgrades include a Driver Alert System, Brake Assist and an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, as well as the option to add Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist and City Emergency Braking.
In the cabin California Ocean models gain a new ‘premium’ dashboard, this also optional on Beach versions and including a wide centre console plus the latest infotainment system, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth and new multi-function display. The first new California models are expected on UK roads towards the end of 2015.
