Volkswagen UK is now taking orders for its all-new compact camper, with prices for the Caddy California starting from £30,720.
Based on the fifth-generation Caddy, the leisure vehicle promises “variable living, sleeping and storage space for everyday life and travelling”. Among its many tricks is a foldable bed that measures 1,980mm x 1,070mm that is stored in the parcel shelf and opens out above the rear seats.
There is seating for five, with the second row entirely removable for added flexibility, while a standalone tail-tent is said to provide additional living space. An extra sleeping compartment is available as an accessory.
A retractable mini-kitchen with single-burner cooker and integrated gas bottle is standard alongside camping chairs and a table. Interior blinds for the rear windows double up as storage bags while integrated LED reading lights in the passenger compartment and tailgate provide illumination for the working area.
Inside, there is an 8.25-inch colour touchscreen with Bluetooth and a DAB radio. Both front seats feature manual height and lumbar adjustment and are joined on the equipment list by air conditioning, power-adjustable wing mirrors and an anti-theft alarm.
Safety kit includes ‘Driver Alert system’, lane assist, cruise control with speed limiter and towing protection. For £984, customers can also spec the ‘California Plus’ pack. It comprises a front centre armrest with space for two drinks, a 230V inverter and three-pin UK domestic to supply everyday electrical appliances.
Prices for the standard Caddy California start from £30,720 for the entry-level 1.5-petrol and manual gearbox, with the 120bhp, 2-litre diesel and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission costing £32,820. The Caddy California is also available in ‘Maxi’ size. £32,076 gets you into a 1.5-litre petrol and £36,954 the range-topping diesel.
The Caddy California joins the California and Grand California to completes Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ camper line-up. “It means the brand, which invented the original iconic campervan, now has a touring model for every budget, journey, and adventure,” say Volkswagen.
