VW California camper - only the surfers are missing

Published Oct 23, 2007

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Perhaps the most enduring automotive images of the "flower power" era are of VW's twin contributions to the summer of love - the Beetle and the Type 2 camper.

The camper in particular conjures up images of sun-bleached surfers following the perfect wave, of beach parties and sweet white wine. It's no wonder, then, that VW has chosen to call the camper version of its T5 Combi the California.

It sleeps four adults - two on the folded-flat seats and two more on a "mezzanine floor" under a 1.2 x 2m lifting roof, complete with goose-necked reading lamp!

The folding worktop in the wood-trimmed kitchen unit opens to reveal a stainless-steel sink, a two-burner hob with piezo-electric ignition, a 42-litre compressor cool box and numerous storage compartments.

The driver's and front passenger seats can be swivelled 180˚ to face the "living room", most of which has standing headroom with the roof up.

The California is 4.89m long and 1.99m high, on a three-metre wheelbase. It has a 2.5-litre TDI turbodiesel engine for which VW quotes 128kW and 400Nm and there's a version with all-wheel drive.

Since it's considerably heavier than a T5 van it has completely redeveloped suspension with Macpherson struts in front and rear trailing arms with "miniblock" springs.

Driver and front passenger crash bags are standard, as are front head and side crash bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic differential lock, an electronic stability programme with traction control, a high-level third brake light, first aid kit and warning triangle.

Prices

- 2.5 TDI - R460 000

- 2.5 TDI 4Motion - R490 000

The California comes with a three-year or 120 000km warranty and a five-year or 60 000km maintenance plan, which covers mechanical aspects such as oil and spark plugs and wear and tear components such as water pumps or alternators.

Camper components such as the folding roof, cupboards and camping accessories are covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

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