VW has released the California 6.1, which is the newest version of the California camping van. VW has made a plug-in hybrid version of the California, which is bigger and longer than the old model. All types now have a pop-up roof and sliding doors on both sides. The California 6.1 offers a range of five distinct trims—Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper, Coast, and Ocean—each presenting a unique interpretation of the camper van experience. The Volkswagen California, a name you might be familiar with, has never been available in the US. However, VW has been selling camping vans in Europe for over 20 years. Now, Volkswagen is introducing a redesigned California, incorporating new technology and expanding its dimensions. Every trim level of the California 6.1 features a pop-up roof and sliding back doors on both sides. The new California range has five models: Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper, Coast, and Ocean. Each one is a different take on the pop-top camper. There is no better place to save money in California than the beach. The top can be opened and closed by hand, and the second and third rows can fit six people in a 2+2 arrangement. The Beach Tour upgrade and later levels come with front seats that can turn around, a pop-up roof with lights, sliding windows in the back doors, and a new 5.0-inch control screen in the C-pillar on the passenger side of the front seat. The new unit can keep an eye on the water and power levels and handle the camping features of the van, like the lighting and heating. There is an “extremely compact” mini-kitchen and seats for five people in the Beach Camper. There is extra storage in the kitchen to hide any treats that would be in the way, a cutlery box, and a stove with one gas burner. The Coast type doesn’t have passenger space, but it does have useful room. It has a bigger kitchenette with cabinets, a sink, a fridge, and a stove with one burner. It also has four chairs. If you buy the higher-end Ocean model, it comes with nicer internal materials, heated front seats, storage on the roof, and an extra heater. The Volkswagen Multivan, with its long length, and the new California are both built on the same platform. It’s the same height as the van that was leaving, but it’s 10.6 inches longer and 1.6 inches wider. You can get the new van with three different engine options, and all of them have automatic transmissions. There is a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine, a 2.0-liter four-pot diesel engine, and a plug-in hybrid option with a 1.5-liter gas engine and an electric motor. This is a new engine for the California range. VW says that the new California will start being delivered later this year after it goes on sale in June. Volkswagen has yet to make plans to start selling the California to people in North America, which is a shame.
