Road test - Volkswagen California

Author: Ian Strachan

The Volkswagen California camper van – great grandchild of the iconic VW Combi – takes you into a tiny world. Tiny fridge, tiny wardrobe, tiny sink, tiny hob. In fact the one thing that isn’t tiny about this Lilliputian creation is the price tag.

The Volkswagen California will set you back just over £43,500. Bear in mind this vehicle is based on the Transporter van which your local plumber will buy for around £15,000.

But apart from the chassis and front end, it bears little resemblance to the Transporter, and you do get a heck of lot of vehicle for your money, not to mention the lifestyle that comes with it as standard.

The California can sleep four people: two downstairs on the folded-down seats, and two upstairs in the pop-up roof which rises hydraulically at the push of a button. There aren't any stairs, of course, so getting in and out of the upper bed can be an undignified affair, and if four people were occupying the vehicle they'd have to be very good friends. But as a weekend getaway vehicle for a couple, the California is just the job.

Which is exactly what we did with the California we tested. Off to the Yorkshire Dales for a few days hitting the roads, taking in the scenery and hanging loose. The real luxury of this well-appointed vehicle is being able to pull up on a deserted moor, halfway up a fell or beside a stream. Put up the awning (a £360 option) open the electrically latching sliding rear door and cook dinner on the two-burner gas hob. A halfway house between camping and luxury, without having to drag a caravan around.

We found a small Caravan Club site with an electricity hook-up in the charming Dales village of Thornton Watlass - pretty much everything you need for just £8 a night. And if the privations of semi-outdoor living get too much, The Buck Inn - a great village local, is less than 100 yards away.

The California has been seriously specced up, with satellite navigation (£1800), heated swivelling seats, iPod connector, auxiliary remote-controlled heating, good eight-speaker CD player, backout screens all round, 18 inch alloy wheels, blind spot sensors, fresh water tank (30 litres), waste water tank, and extra internal lighting.

Every spare inch has been used, with lots of cupboards and stowage space. There are also some clever touches, like the fold-up table disguised as an internal panel in the sliding door, the two picnic chairs zipped into the tailgate, and the kitchen unit with cupboards, cutlery drawer and a foldout work surface.

This is all nicely put together. To drive it handles well, with minimal body roll. The 180 bhp two litre diesel engine gives you all the power you need, linked to a seven speed automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption of a fraction under 35 mpg in mixed driving is respectable for a vehicle of this size.

Volkswagen has been building camper vans for more than 60 years, so they know a thing or two about it. Plus you get the benefit of a full manufacturer's three-year warranty. If it suits your lifestyle and your pocket this could be just the vehicle for you.

Road test by Ian Strachan Communications Ltd

Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949 202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserve.co.uk