Volkswagen's all-new VW California camper van sets new benchmarks for cleverness and practicality and is now a great drive too thanks to the company's decision to ditch the old load-lugging underpinnings.
The new model is based on the T7 Multivan and not the old parcels Transporter van as before, which makes it roomier and allows it to deliver a smoother, car-like feel at the steering wheel.
The revamped California is the latest in a series of home-grown camper vans which VW has been building in Germany's Hanover for nigh on 20 years.
The new model goes on sale in Europe later this year, with prices starting at €62,689. The entry model is cheaper than before, but add a few extras and the price tag soon adds up to six figures.
The Multivan basis uses the the latest modular transverse matrix from the Golf and other siblings and the changes this time around are near revolutionary. For the first time there is a selection of power units to choose from, namely diesel, petrol and hybrid.
The hybridised version mates an electric motor to a diesel or petrol engine, each with a displacement of 2.0 litres and 110 kW/150 hp or 150 kW/204 horsepower. This allows the California to run on electricity for a few dozen kilometres and the model also gets 4Motion all-wheel drive.
The California now has a state-of-the-art digital cockpit with modern infotainment and a suite of assistants. The new electronic handbrake handily does away with a lever coming out of the floor which makes it easier to spin the front perches and climb through to the rear.
The camper comes with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission as standard which can be a little sluggish at times. Ride comfort has improved although the van still rattles over uneven road surfaces.
Above all, the new format that comes with the new platform has opened up a range of new possibilities for the California.
For a start, the interior dimensions are more generous than before. The new California is almost 30 centimetres longer than the old model and is a tad wider too. Inside, it feels like you are getting an upgrade at your beloved holiday hotel.
The twin sliding doors are a boon. They make for more space as well as easier access. The swivelling front seat on the kitchen side now has decent legroom when the the cabin is set up as a lounge. The pull-out awning is now the left as well.
The downside is losing a hob in the kitchenette to make space for the access door. The standard pop-up roof contains the most comfortable "penthouse" upper berths, which also offer the best view. The California has sleeping room for four.
To go with the new living concept, VW has developed a variable folding table that can be used both indoors and outdoors. And the refrigerator is now mounted in such a clever way that it can also be reached from outside for quick access to cool drinks.
The inside has a range of USB C ports as well as old-school 12 volt and conventional plug sockets, and the lighting is impressive. It can be controlled from the camping panel, via buttons or by touching most of them directly.
The breath of fresh air ushered in by the second sliding door is welcome but otherwise the California relies on its time-honoured qualities as a holiday home on wheels.
Years of experience in maximising space are borne out by details such as the sliding floor in the roof hatch, which provides some privacy even in the tightest of spaces.
VW has retained a tried and tested formula, but injected new ideas. This time, for example, blackout blinds also serve as wall cupboards or else a digital network that allows all camping functions to be controlled via the cockpit touchscreen, a second display in the rear or directly on the smartphone. This turns the Hotel California into a temporary smart home.
VW is fuelling the travel bug with the California. But the van has retained its suitability for everyday use so that it doesn't stand around uselessly when not on holiday.
Despite the high roof, it remains just under two metres and therefore fits into the multi-storey car parks. Although 5.17 metres from bumper to bumper, it is easy to handle and manoeuvre, drives quietly and can also be guided through narrow streets with the help of cameras. The considerable weight is compensated for by high-torque engines.
And above all, the California offers plenty of space that can be utilized variably, with sliding individual seats that can also be removed. Those who order the entry-level "Beach" version instead of the fully equipped "Coast" or "Ocean" versions benefit from this even more. Instead of the complete kitchenette, there is a cooking and work area in pull-out compartments under the load floor in the rear, with space for up to four armchairs in between.
Yes, VW has taken its time with the generational change. But they have also thoroughly renovated the Hotel California - without changing its character and qualities. So the van bravely drives through everyday life and stirs up wanderlust anew every day - if only it were the holidays again.
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