Equipment levels are broadly comparable to the Volkswagen California Ocean. That means swivelling front seats and a sliding rear bench, plus a smart combined hob and sink unit in the kitchenette 758. Location. Cornwall. Vehicle. T6.1 Ocean 204 4 motion. Oct 11, 2020. #1. Anyone got an Ascot Grey Cali yet? Love to see some phot’s, looks an interesting colour. What speaks for the California Beach. The California Beach is actually a Multivan with a solid camping equipment. The Beach comes with a rail system, which allows the seat to be moved flexibly and up to 2 more individual seats can be added to the 3-seat bench. The result is 7 full seats with armrests and 3-point harness. Today I'm taking an in-depth look at the 2021 VW California Beach Tour options on the configurator. This is a great video to watch alongside configuring your Stretch out and relax. Featuring plenty of space to take home comforts on the road, the Grand California Campervan fits beds for two adults in the 680 and extra room for two children in the 600. The white surfaces create a modern and minimalist atmosphere, helped by the skylights. Enjoy open plan van life wherever you go. T6 Coast 150 4Motion Apr 6, 2023 VW California T6 Ocean Discussion. The VW California Club is the worlds largest resource for all owners and enthusiasts of VW kP2EBT. The new Volkswagen California Ocean is the most luxurious version, and provides seating and sleeping to four people. The Ocean is recognizable by the grille in high-gloss, the full LED headlamps and painted mirrors and door handles. Standard features include three-zone Climatronic airconditioning, heated seats and a multi function steering wheel. The Ocean pop-up roof can be operated electrically and the heater and double glass in the living area provides extra comfort during your stay. In the California Ocean, it is all about comfort. After an adventurous ride, easily prepare a delicious meal. You can do it in the sophisticated kitchen of the California Ocean. It has a beautiful ‘Darkwood’ look and is equipped with a 35 liter solution and recovery tank, 42 liter compressor cooler which also cools when it’s hot outside, a two burner stove with piëzo ignition and a beautiful glass cover. The kitchen is built with an aluminum sandwich structure, light and strong material that does not rattle while driving. Behind the wheel of the California Ocean you will experience an oasis of calm. In one glance you can see all the features that make driving and traveling even more pleasant and safer. With the California you have the holiday spirit at the first kilometer. In the evening you can completely obscure the windshield with a new system. The California Ocean is designed with a compact kitchen in ‘Darkwood look with a sink, tap and 2 burner stove with piëzo ignition and 42 liter cool box. Practical cupboards with sliding doors and a handy table that can be easily folded away. Ocean stands for comfort. With pressing just one button, the pop-up roof is raised, to create additional living space and headroom. It also creates space for the second double bed. Available from € (excl. VAT). Our starting prices are based on a 110 hp 5-speed manual transmission. All prices are including delivery charges (you can choose between pick up close to a dutch airport with insured number plates or let it bring to your home. Finally, you can register the car in your country and pay local sales taxes + registration costs. Media Colours There are many colours available for the Volkswagen California. We base, metallic and two-tone colours. Which one do you like most? Wheels Wheels make your new California stand out. Do you want to go for a sporty or more classic look? Available in 16,17 and 18 inch. Options The list with options is very long. We understand that it might be overwhelming. We are here to help you find the options that you need. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT California Ocean Highlights Ambient interior lighting, featuring dimmable LED cupboard lights Climatronic air conditioning system and auxiliary air parking heater Digital Cockpit Discover Media DAB+ navigation including ‘Streaming & Internet’ Electro-hydraulic elevating roof Fully functional kitchen with gas stove, sink and 42 litre compressor cool box Fog lights including cornering function Front and rear parking sensors, including Park Assist LED headlights with separate LED daytime running lights Kitchenette in Graphite Grey slate-effect California Beach Highlights Manual pop-up roof Foldable camping chairs and matching tables. smartphone integration apps 17-inch wheels turbocharged diesel engine, linked to a seven-speed DSG gearbox. Beach Tour seats five as standard (with the option to upgrade to six or seven), with sliding doors on both the passenger and driver’s side, The Camper specification has four seats as standard (option to increase to five), a full pull-out single gas hob. A pull-out awning is also included to help keep the elements at bay when sitting outside. What's the Difference between the Volkswagen California Ocean and Beach? VW California forums are full of prospective campervan owners asking for advice on which model would suit them best and there are as many ardent ‘Cali’ fans in favour of the Beach as there are of the Ocean. We spoke to Guy Vincent, California Specialist at Volkswagen Van Centre in Preston to ask his opinion, I’m going to give a diplomatic answer here and not plump for one or the other! What I do want to highlight are the reasons why buying a Volkswagen California, whichever model, is a very smart thing to do. Back to the Ocean v Beach battle; why the big debate? What is the difference between these two models and why does the discussion exercise the minds of so many campervan enthusiasts? Well the first thing to note is that this VW campervan is just as loved and makes its’ owners just as passionate as its iconic predecessor. It’s universally acknowledged as a fantastic piece of kit, and the truth is that both the Ocean and the Beach have ardent fans, so, it’s really not possible to make a mistake. Excellent build quality, lots of forethought and great design make this is a campervan for life, not just for Summer and whichever suits you best, you’ll find it changes your life in a very positive way. Since the outgoing Beach model, the Beach now features improvements including blinds for the front windows, a touchscreen camper-function control panel and engine upgrades. Both California Beach models come with the same engine choices for both the Tour and Camper, 150PS 7-speed DSG, however, the California Ocean comes with the additional option of 204PS , 199PS , 204PS 4MOTION and 199PS 4MOTION variants. First up is the Beach. The Beach slots in at the entry price point of the California line and come in two versions – the Beach Tour and the Beach Camper. The California Beach models are more MPVs with pop-up roof than fully equipped mobile getaways, but with the added flexibility to carry more people as a result. If opting for the Beach Tour, you’ll be able to seat five people as standard, with the option to increase to six or seven, while the Camper carries four as standard (same as existing California’s) with a fifth optional. The UK California Beach Camper variant, comes complete with a mini kitchen that folds out from the side panel and can be tucked away when not in used. There's no sink or fridge, unlike the California Ocean, but there is a single-burner gas stove and worktop. Those happy with just a sleeper van will be able to get a more capable people-hauler by opting for the Beach Tour. This is set up as a ‘day van’, with a smaller storage unit along the side of the van and no standard kitchen, instead complete with twin sliding side doors to make loading up passengers a breeze. True Beach lovers won’t mind the absence of a full kitchen at all; they prefer the flexible space this more minimalist interior gives them and are happy to cook outside. Beach fans may already have a pop-up tent and camping stoves, if not, they buy these along with a coolbox and they’re ready to rock and roll. Both Beach Camper and Tour , when the seats are folded down, provide a substantial double bed, providing comfy, cosy sleeping for 2 people or maybe even 3 if you have little people on-board. Another double bed is revealed, when you manually pop-up the roof and you very definitely get a comfy, snuggly, luxurious night’s sleep. With a picnic table and two chairs concealed in the boot lid and sliding doors, the added extra that most Beach buyers will be adding is the wind-out awning, just in case you need to hide from the thoroughly British showers or indeed keen in shade on sunny days. For lovers of the Beach the ability to be flexible on seating means their California can be used more as an MPV when it’s not being used as a campervan. For ocean lovers however, this is a cop-out! Find out more about the VW California Beach And so, into the Ocean If the Volkswagen California Beach Camper is a brilliant campervan, then the Volkswagen California Ocean is a simply fabulous Glampervan. Opt for a California ‘Ocean’ model – the true top-of-the range camper – and this time the pop-up roof glides up hydraulically at the touch of a button; and when you wake from your comfy slumbers, you can pop the kettle on and get the bacon frying, on the built-in hob. You can wash up after yourself, keep food and drink chilled in the fridge and store your clothes in the wardrobe. What’s the pay-off for all this added glamping-ness? Well the downstairs bed is narrower to accommodate the kitchen/wardrobe etc, but it’s still super-comfy and pocketed sprung mattress bringing home comforts to the road! In exchange for this narrower downstairs double, you not only get a kitchen, but also storage galore, a pull-out table and there’s still the option to configure your seating in different ways, just not up to 7 seats. Referred to by ardent VW campervan enthusiasts, as the ‘full-fat’ option, the ocean will take you anywhere, anytime; keep you warm and your food cold; offer a haven in bad weather and a hotel in warmer climes. On the outside the Ocean looks swish too with LED headlights and even double glazing in the rear cabin; there’s also state-of-the-art digital cockpit, rear-view camera system, climatronic three-zone automatic climate control and an auxiliary air heater. When a campervan just isn’t enough, then choose the Ocean, truly now a glampervan! Find out more about the VW California Beach VS Ocean - Which is better? So, you’ve decided to join the campervan crew, now you need to decide, which is the right Cali for you, the top of the range Ocean or the entry-priced Beach. The Beach camper is easier and perhaps more practical day-to-day and arguably offers more flexible sleeping; the Ocean has everything, including the kitchen-sink and a touch of luxury. In truth, whether you’re a camper or a glamper the Volkswagen California is definitely the campervan for you and don’t forget, with plenty of pre-loved VW campervans for sale, the choice isn’t just about Ocean versus Beach. One of our VW California Specialists, Guy Vincent, at the Volkswagen Van Centre in Preston has shared his thoughts; With such good residual values, you can’t really go wrong, so, my advice is to think about how you’re going to be using your Cali; will it be a car during the week and a campervan at weekends and holidays, or is it a second vehicle just to be used as a campervan. Make a list of what you need and stick to it. If value for money and conserving your budget is uppermost, then the Beach will get you adventuring on a budget. If you want top of the range in every area and are happy to allocate a commensurate budget, then there’s no doubt the Ocean is for you. Exceptionally well spec’d with many things included that you’ve probably never even thought of. Find out more about the VW California Buying a VW California: Ocean v Coast Tell me more about the VW California range! NewsHomeVolkswagenCaliforniaCalifornia MPVVolkswagen has a long and distinctive history with campervans and its latest California Ocean could be its best yetVolkswagen has been making campervans for 60 years and the California name, which has been around since 1988, continues to draw a cult following. This hotel on wheels packs a lot into a small package and is perfect for impromptu camping trips or lazy weekends at the coast. There are three varieties on offer, the basic Beach, a better-equipped Ocean and the expensive and fancier limited-run Edition model. We’re testing the Volkswagen California Ocean variant here.• Volkswagen California in-depth reviewThe Ocean variant is a step up from the more basic Beach version turning the California into a proper campervan with a two-burner gas hob, sink and deep fridge. There’s also onboard freshwater and waste tanks, an electric hook-up to the mains and an electrically-operated pop-up roof. Technology includes a six-inch touchscreen infotainment system, three-zone climate control, sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android California Ocean sleeps four, just about. Two can fit in the pop-up roof bed – and with sprung slats, it is surprisingly comfortable. Less relaxing, however, is the climb up to it, through a gap that’s only as wide as a sunroof. You’ll need to be fit and agile to sleep up there. Two more can fit in the cabin, once you’ve reassembled the seating and folded out the bed attachment. It’s a bit fiddly but will become second nature with to a regular motorhome or caravan, the California feels small but it makes up for that with a variety of clever storage solutions that means the available space works around you. The two front seats swivel round to create a living room, a stowaway table resides in the sliding side door when not in use, and there’s a pair of folding chairs stored in the tailgate. There’s also a small wardrobe, two kitchen cupboards and some shelving. It really is a home away from home, but when you want to use the bathroom, you’ll need to use the public option as there is no facility for toilets or showers on board. A particularly neat feature is the pop-out awning – something you’ll probably use a lot as you’ll spend a lot of time outside because of the limited space inside. Based on the Transporter van, the California drives well despite its size and weight. The driving position is comfortable, with a commanding view of the road ahead and the large, all-round windows give an excellent view out. The door bins are big, and there’s a pair of decent-sized gloveboxes as well as 12v and USB charging California, in Ocean spec, comes with a choice of three diesel engines, a 150hp, a 199hp or a punchy BiTDi 204hp twin-turbo model. Whichever engine you choose, all deliver decent performance and we would counter whether you actually need the most powerful versions as this isn’t a car you’re going to want to hustle six-speed manual is available as standard, but the DSG automatic gearbox suits the California well and would be our preferred option. There’s also the option of four-wheel drive with the Ocean, useful for helping you get out of muddy campsites or is, as ever, a VW strong point; the California Ocean is almost as quiet as the firm’s passenger cars and the only noise you’re likely to hear is your pots and pans rattling around in the cupboards as you California, even in its most basic guise, is not cheap. Prices start at £43,295 for the Beach version with the entry-level 150hp engine, rising to £70,629 for the fully-specced 30-year anniversary model. The Ocean model we’re testing starts at £53,267. Residual values are, however, famously strong so it will hold on to its value better than 4/5It’s little wonder Volkswagen has dominated the camper scene for more than 60 years. If you need a reasonable-sized camper van for weekends away – and you don’t need space for more than four – you will struggle to find better for the money. The Ocean as tested might be £10,000 more than the entry-level Beach variant, but it comes with more creature comforts and convenience features that make your camping trips that little bit easier. The fact that any California campervan will hold on to its value so well makes the proposition even sweeter. Yes, it might be small compared to more traditional motorhomes, but with its ingenious storage and space-saving touches it continues to set the standard among you want to know more about the VW California range, why not check out our review of the California Beach California reviewVolkswagen California22 Jun 2022Volkswagen California reviewMost PopularBMW X3 vs Mazda CX-60 vs Volvo XC60 – which should you buy?BMW X3 vs Mazda CX-60 vs Volvo XC60 – which should you buy?Best new car deals 2022: this week’s top car offersBest new car deals 2022: this week’s top car offersTop 10 best hybrid SUVs 2022Top 10 best hybrid SUVs 2022Tips & adviceCar dashboard warning lights: the complete guideTips and advice23 Mar 2022Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guideElectric car charging stations: a complete guideTips and advice5 Nov 2021Electric car charging stations: a complete guidePCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?Average speed cameras: how do they work?Tips and advice20 Jun 2022Average speed cameras: how do they work?Best carsTop 10 best car interiors 2022Top 10 best car interiors 2022Top 10 best electric cars 2022Top 10 best electric cars 2022Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2022Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2022The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2022The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2022 Brand: VolkswagenProduct: California Ocean Date: Never, at least for us AmericansPrice: ~$83,729+From: is one of the few carmakers that’s managed to create icons both within and outside of the automotive world. Since its inception in 1947, the VW Type II van has become the symbol for any wandering tribe of free-spirited individuals not only as a vehicle, but as a home. Its self-reliant nature and simple design have allowed it not only to persist, but to become cemented as a symbol of the counterculture movement of the ’60s as well as part of the camping pantheon. These German vans have become as much a symbol as they are a vehicle, representing seemingly endless possibilities. And that legacy endures to this your humble scribe spent three days in Canada driving the new Volkswagen camper van, the California Ocean, around the southern half of Nova Scotia, covering over 400 miles of pine-lined rustic shores and sprawling interior farmlands. Although VW sent us to this Canadian coastal province to drive a van named after the state son closely identified with boxy Vee-Dubs, neither Canadians nor Californians can have one; it’s not sold in North America. Volkswagen, it seems, just wanted us to know what we were missing. Buy NowWhat We LikeThe updated looks of the 2020 California Ocean — a new front bumper and an enlarged grill for added airflow to the engine — don’t seem overly striking at first; indeed, it somehow looks both very large and compact all at the same time. But the two-tone white on copper finish that our vans had gave the VWs a retro look that simultaneously managed to be modern and appeal was clear: whenever we stopped, someone would pull up alongside the van and ask a flurry of questions — and inevitably walk away sad when they heard they couldn’t have one. It’s no Italian sports car, but the mix of strange beauty and German practicality here is hard to the the California has been loaded with even more comfort- and efficiency-minded gadgets. The interior feels truly massive — at least by New York City apartment standards. The cabin has an hoest-to-god lounge feel, made possible by its driver and passenger seats’ nifty trick of turning 180-degrees, allowing them to face the rear bench (slash fold-out bed that sleeps two) and camper-van-classic fold-out list of features certainly doesn’t stop there. Y’all ready? The California also has (deep breath) a two-burner propane stovetop, refrigerator, sink, cold-water shower, on-board water and propane tanks, twin removable tables and chairs, an awning, a diesel-powered heater and more Batmobile-esque gadgets that would take years of ownership to spite of all those features, the interior feels well-thought-out. A few new touches include aluminum handles for the interior cabinetry, wood trim and flooring, new push-to-release mechanisms for some of the kitchen appliances and updated upholstery. Though some of these details may feel small on their own, they add up to a vehicle that feels much more like a home than a van ought course, there are still some classic features it shares with some of the camper vans of yore. The California is still fitted with that iconic feature, the pop-top roof bed that sleeps an additional two people. Unlike the Microbuses and Westfalias of the past, these new iterations aren’t a canvas tent with a sliding piece of wood for a bed. The has a new bed design with a built-in box spring and queen-size mattress surrounded by a sturdy, almost white-water-raft like material, and it can be deployed in less than two minutes with the push of a button. The van also has a digital pitch gauge allowing the driver to find a level spot setting up you decide, like I did, to forgo the new alarm clock feature (in which the cabin lights gently fade on at whatever time you choose), the pop-up tent has zip-open flaps on all four walls to allow the sunrise to wake you. It’s also great for letting in some fresh air if the diesel heater has been cooking a little too hard through the is a new display at the helm, which acts as the pilot’s right-hand man. This screen is home to a heap of controls for the technological wonders of the modern motoring (and camping) world. VW calls it the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit; it controls the auxiliary heater and fan, cabin lights, Apple CarPlay, sat-nav and pop-top mechanism. You can track the power you’re using from this same screen; on a full charge, the van’s camping accessories can run for nearly 40 hours. And even if you run the cabin power flat over a weekend, never fear; the motor and radio are on their own dedicated easy to forget this thing is a vehicle when it’s parked, but it drives pretty well too. The turbocharged inline-four provides plenty of power, while the three-way adaptive suspension provides a smooth highway ride in Comfort Mode and an appropriately responsive one when you hit the button for the rather-unexpected Sport Out ForIt may be surprisingly good to drive, but that can lead you to feel a bit too trusting in the corners — a potentially hazardous issue with something that is nearly 10 feet tall and clocking in at 6,000 pounds. You really do have to keep its limitations in mind, because it is working hard to hide them from bigger issue though: it’s really expensive. Although there is a lot of value here, the price tag can be shocking: up to $99,000 for the fully-loaded Ocean package I tested. The differences between a base model and a fully-optioned one aren’t that extreme, essentially coming down to a flip-out kitchen instead of a fixed one and a handful of aesthetic items. The optioned-out model was a blast to spend a weekend in, but if these were available Stateside, I’d grab the simple, no-frills version and save tens of thousands of dollars while still having largely the same experience. VerdictEven though it’s too expensive for me, the new VW California Ocean has made me even more jealous of our European friends’ ability to spend the weekend in one of the excellent new iterations of VW’s long line of adventure machines. Here’s hoping this tradition of boxy camper vans continues into Volkswagen’s electric future — and that those future campers make their way NowVW hosted us and provided this product for review. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at On prête beaucoup de qualités au VW California ? Trop, sans doute. Aussi séduisant soit-il, le petit van aménagé de Volkswagen n’est pas exempt de toutes critiques. A piori, il est difficile de résister au VW California, considéré comme la référence absolue des vans et des monospaces de loisirs, malgré une facture pour le moins dissuasive : à partir de pour la finition Coast, qui représente l’essentiel des ventes en France. Et la note va encore grimper de 1,5% au 1er janvier 2018. La valeur de revente élevée du California sert souvent d’adjuvant pour faire passer la pilule du prix d’achat… Pour autant, l’investissement n’est-il pas trop élevé, à l’heure où la concurrence fourbit ses armes ? En bref, la réputation du California n’est-elle pas trop exagérée ? Quelles sont ses marges de progression et quelles sont sont aujourd’hui les véritables alternatives au VW California ? Radiographie du phénomène California. VW California : le toit est électrique sur trois des quatre versions. Aujourd’hui, le California se conjugue au pluriel, tant les déclinaisons sont nombreuses. Au-delà des quatre principales variantes (Beach, Edition30, Coast, Ocean), presque exclusivement en 4 places CG de série, il faudrait ajouter les multiples configurations liées au choix de la motorisation essence ou diesel et de la transmission (4 Motion). Au total, à la seule lecture du tarif VW, c’est-à-dire sans les options et les finitions, on compte déjà quarante versions… Bref, la famille du California est très étendue et toutes les ramifications partent d’un tronc commun, le VW T6 disponible, pour l’instant, dans une seule et unique longueur (5,06m) et un empattement de 3 m. La hauteur de 1,99 m à vide ne change pas quelles que soient les versions et la dimension des jantes : 18” sur la série Edition 30, contre 16” sur le Beach TDI 150 et TSI 150. La compensation se fait par la hauteur du flanc du pneu (taille basse de 45 sur l’Edition 30 et 65 sur le Beach). Modeles / Equipement VW California Beach VW California CoastVW California Edition 30VW California Ocean Prix 2017, (à partir de) 47 420 € 2,0 l TDI 15056 820 € 2,0 l TDI 15064 070 € 2,0 l TDI 15063 520 € 2,0 l TDI 150 Boite de vitesses DSG 7Option Option De série Option Commande du toit levable Manuelle ElectriqueElectriqueElectrique Meuble cuisine Non OuiOuiOui Banquette coulissante 2 places (3 en option gratuite)2 places 2 places 2 places Prises 230 V Option De série De série De série Systeme de navigation Option Option Option De série Quel est le concept ? Héritier direct du légendaire Westfalia Joker, le California apparaît en 1988, sur T3, c’est-à-dire la troisième génération du VW Transporter (T3), sur lequel le moteur refroidi par air se situe à l’arrière. La transformation intérieure, simple et fonctionnelle sur les premières versions, est confiée à Westfalia, l’aménageur historique et partenaire privilégié de VW jusqu’en 2004, date à laquelle le constructeur auto reprend totalement la main sur le California. Aujourd’hui, le célèbre van est d’abord produit à l’usine de Hanovre-Stöcken, comme l’ensemble des Transporter, puis terminé dans l’unité spécialisée de Limmer, où il reçoit la structure de toit, les placards, la kitchenette, la banquette et l’ensemble des autres équipements de loisirs. Il se vend aujourd’hui 16 000 California en Europe, dont 600 en France. Ces chiffres en font le leader des fourgons à toit relevable. VW California : une longueur, quatre finitions et cinq motorisations diesel ou essence. Sujet de discussion et point d’attaque de la concurrence, les délais de livraison du VW California s’échelonnent généralement entre six et douze mois… C’est assez surprenant, mais la configuration du California n’a pas beaucoup évolué au fil du temps et s’appuie toujours sur un mobilier fixe disposé dans la longueur du véhicule, le long de la paroi gauche. Cet ensemble comprend des rangements, penderie et placards, et une petite cuisine tout équipée avec réfrigérateur, évier et un réchaud deux feux raccordés à une bouteille de gaz de 2,8 kg. Une table intérieure sur glissière et une banquette 2 places convertible et coulissante complètent le tableau. Le toit aluminium se soulève, manuellement sur le Beach, électriquement sur les autres versions, et abrite une chambre haute munie d’un classique sommier à lattes en bois de 200 x 120 cm et d’une mousse de faible épaisseur. Sur le couchage bas, obtenu après transformation de la banquette, on ajoutera en option un sur-matelas confort, fortement recommandé. L’optimisation des espaces passe par le choix d’un mobilier fin, léger et rigide, réalisé en sandwich d’aluminium avec un noyau minéral, de type Alucobond. L’absence d’isolation, pleinement assumée par VW, permet aussi de gagner du volume intérieur, selon le constructeur… Loin d’être totalement irréprochable, le VW California soulève encore des remarques, sinon des critiques. → Manipulation du hayon, très encombrant et lourd. La difficile compression des vérins étant justifiée par l’installation possible en post équipement d’un porte-vélos sur le hayon. En revanche, pas de fermeture électrique en option, à l’inverse du Multivan et de la Caravelle. → Aucune isolation de la carrosserie. La puissance du chauffage stationnaire, de série sur toutes les versions, à l’exception du Beach, compense très largement cette lacune. Sur le Beach, l’option chauffage est fortement conseillée. En plus d’être un avantage à l’usage, c’est un atout très fort à la revente. → Banquette arrière plane sans maintien lombaire ni accoudoir central. Pour les passagers, ça balance un peu dans les virages. → 4 places CG de série sur les versions loisirs et 5 pour le Beach en option gratuite avec banquette AR 3 places. Avec le Beach, on peut même pousser jusqu’à sept places, avec deux fauteuils passagers supplémentaires. Les versions 4 Motion restent en 4 places CG, y compris sur le Beach. → Volume d’eau propre de 30 L (pas forcément une contrainte le temps d’un week-end, mais plus gênant au-delà.) Et n’espérez pas trouver de l’eau chaude au robinet de la cuisine ou de la douchette extérieure. Ce n’est pas forcément une priorité par les clients qui font chauffer de l’eau sur le réchaud en cas de besoin. → Aucune personnalisation de l’ambiance intérieure. La couleur du mobilier varie selon les niveaux de finitions (et donc le prix) : imitation bois blanc pour la finition Coast et Edition, bois sombre pour l’Océan. En revanche, très large palette de couleurs de carrosseries, parmi des peintures métallisées, nacrées ou bicolores. → Fragilité. Le VW California n’est pas exempt de reproches. Ce qui est le plus souvent mis en avant, c’est la fragilité de la petite quincaillerie, à l’image des stores, des charnières, la faiblesse de la coupelle de remplissage de l’eau propre ou l’évacuation inefficace de l’évier… Les évolutions successives corrigent le tir, notamment sur le système de verrouillage du volet de pare-brise (des clapets remplacent les aimants) ou l’ouverture des abattants réchaud / évier, ou du couvercle du réfrigérateur. → Toit électrique. Généralisation du toit électrique relevable sur les versions Coast, Ocean et Edition 30. Certains le regrettent et n’accordent qu’une confiance mesurée au mécanisme de motopompe hydraulique électrique sur le long terme. Dans la mesure où le toit peut supporter 50 kg de charge (coffre ou porte-vélos sur barre de toit), VW justifie son choix du tout électrique. → VP/VASP. Dans sa version première, le Beach est redevable du bonus écologique, dans la mesure où il est homologué en VP et non en VASP. Le surcout n’est pas neutre. California, une famille à succès depuis 30 ans CONCLUSION C’est vrai, au regard du prix du California, on peut raisonnablement se poser la question : n’est-ce pas trop cher payé tout de même ? Le prix ne nous met pas forcément à l’abri des petits tracas et soucis techniques que connait le California, considéré comme un véhicule assez fragile. Les loueurs ne s’en cachent pas. Il faut en prendre soin. Avec ses quatre places carte grise, il se montre pour le moins décalé par rapport aux besoins des familles qui veulent transporter toute la tribu ou accessoirement les copains des enfants lors des sorties sportives. La cinquième place CG, en option à la commande, prend la forme d’un siège complémentaire et démontable en 2ième rang, derrière la cabine. Dans ce cas, Il faut repousser d’autant la banquette et retirer la plateforme arrière du lit si l’on veut profiter d’un maximum d’espace pour les jambes. Notez encore que ce siège additionnel, peu commode à manipuler, car assez lourd, interdit aussi la transformation du couchage bas… Il faut le démonter au préalable. On le voit, ce n’est pas la panacée. La seule solution acceptable, c’est de passer sur le California Beach, de conception plus simple (pas de cuisine et toit pop- up manuel), disponible en 5 places CG sur demande et sans supplément de prix. Attention, tout de même, c’est un VP ! Quoi qu’il en soit, le VW California reste tout de même une très belle référence, même si tout n’est pas parfait. On ne saurait lui opposer uniquement des arguments rationnels, tant la dimension affective compte beaucoup dans la décision d’achat de ce véhicule, chic, malin, porteur d’images et de sens. Le prix de vente lui donne un caractère très exclusif qui renforce sa valeur de revente… Le cercle vertueux. Rien ne semble pouvoir entamer le capital sympathie qui l’entoure. QUI SONT LES CONCURRENTS DU VW CALIFORNIA ? Les concurrents, ils sont très nombreux. Nous en avons retenu trois en raison de leur conception sur VW et leur banquette coulissante. Westfalia KEPLER ONE Commercialisé à partir de 2016, le Westfalia Kepler One fait légèrement mieux que le VW California, dans un format de fourgon, il est vrai, supérieur : 5,30 m, contre 4,89 m. Le flanc gauche étant libéré de la cuisine, contrairement au plan classique du California, le Kepler One dégage un espace de vie pour le moins inhabituel et plutôt sympathique. Pas de banquette coulissante sur le Kepler One, mais un espace propreté composé d’un WC fixe à cassette et d’un bac à douche dans le plancher. Là encore, c’est une disposition rare sur un aménagement VW T6. Le volume d’eau (50 L) et la capacité du réfrigérateur à compression (51 L) sont aussi plus favorables sur le Kepler One. Comptez près de pour une version tout équipée en TDI 150. >> VOIR L’ESSAI COMPLET (+) Grand salon pour 5 personnes (+) WC fixe (-) 4 places CG (-) Pas de véritable coffre REIMO Triostyle Disponible en version courte (4,89m) ou longue (5,29m), en cinq ou six places CG, ce modèle Reimo Triostyle pourrait faire douter n’importe quel partisan acharné du VW California ! Son argument central, il le tient de sa banquette coulissante 3 places, à laquelle est bridé le support pivotant d’une table multipostions très pratique. En somme, elle suit le mouvement de la banquette ! Notez encore les très belles finitions intérieures, des détails inédits (réservoirs d’eau amovibles qui facilitent le remplissage) et le toit relevable manuel. La configuration du modèle se fait par l’intermédiaire du site internet : Prévoyez un budget de 57 000 € sur une base de VW TDI 150. >> VOIR L’ESSAI COMPLET (+) De 5 à 6 places CG (+) Espace modulable avec la banquette coulissante (+) Pas de réservoir d’eau sous plancher (-) Position basse du réfrigérateur LANDO Adelaïde L’aménageur narbonnais oppose au célèbre fourgon venu d’outre-Rhin son modèle Adelaïde, décliné aussi bien sur Renault Trafic, dans une version économique, que sur VW T6. Lando pousse la comparaison jusqu’à développer un mobilier réalisé dans un matériau comparable à celui du California en sandwich d’aluminium de 6 mm d’épaisseur. Léger et résistant, il permet des cintrages et des formes très pures impossibles à réaliser avec le bois. Avec la banquette coulissante 3 places, le Lando Adelaïde surclasse même le California. Et côté prix, il n’y a pas photo ! L’Adelaïde se commercialise à partir de 48 900 € en VW 150 ch. >> VOIR L’ESSAI COMPLET (+) Mobilier aluminium aux finitions impeccables (+) Banquette coulissante (+) 5 places CG (+) Prix compétitif (moins de 50 000 €) (-) Abattant unique pour le combiné réchaud/évier (-) Table intérieure encombrante

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