What is it?

The Volkswagen California has enjoyed an unwavering level of demand throughout its lifetime. Beloved by go-anywhere families and drivers who like to have a compact home-away-from-home, the California is a regular sight along beachfront and countryside destinations throughout Europe.

The previous T6.1-generation California was one of the most popular to date and now, there’s a new version. Quite a lot has been tweaked for this latest ‘bus’, too, so have the changes been a success or has it altered the California too much? We’ve been finding out.

What’s new?

The new California marks a significant turning point for this model as it’s no longer based on the van. Previous generation models have always sat atop the same platform as you’d find under the popular Transporter panel van but now, it’s on the same setup as the new Multivan. Called MQB, it’s an architecture that you’ll also find used on cars like the Golf. In theory, it means that the California should be more car-like than ever to drive.

Volkswagen says that the switch hasn’t come at the detriment of overall space or usability and you should find all the same features and fittings in this new version that you would on its predecessor.

What’s under the bonnet?

While a lot of Volkswagen’s line-up has taken a primarily electric-powered focus, the California is a little more traditional. You’ll be able to get it with both diesel and petrol powertrains while later on a plug-in hybrid will be added, which could be good for those who like to do local adventures where you could travel on electric-only power for much of the time.

We’ve got the regular diesel-powered version here, which brings a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit with 148bhp and 360Nm of torque linked to a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Volkswagen hasn’t released any official performance figures yet, but during our time with the California it felt more than powerful enough.

What’s it like to drive?

The previous-generation California was already quite a user-friendly option and this latest model takes that one step further. Being based on a car-like platform has paid dividends as the California is even more quiet and comfortable from behind the wheel, with great levels of refinement.

As we’ve found on other Volkswagen models the DSG automatic gearbox can be hesitant and switching it into sport mode can help alleviate some of this. If you’re not used to driving vans then the California will take a bit of adjusting to, but given that it remains reasonably compact it’s still easy to park and position. Even on tighter, twistier sections of road, it’s a van which is very simple to place.

How does it look?

There hasn’t been any loss of that classic California style for this updated model. You can still get that classic split-tone effect which has become so typical of the California and ensures that it still stands out from the crowd.

There are some new touches too, of course. The California name is written out in handwrite-esque script at the rear (like most new Volkswagen models) and the headlights and taillights are far sharper than before. It’s certainly similar to the Multivan upon which it is based, but it does have a character all of its own.

What’s it like inside?

Having a usable and practical interior is essential for any camper van. Fortunately, the California has been packaged in a cleverly intuitive way, with all of your essentials placed within easy reach. For the first time - and because of that new platform - you get sliding doors on both sides and this makes getting in and out of the van far easier, and much safer when you’re trying to exit while at the roadside.

You’ve got all of your homely touches, too. On this loaded Ocean version you’ll find a pop-top roof which opens to deploy a full-width bed - there’s a second bed in the main area of the cabin, too - alongside a compact kitchen area with sink, cooker and fridge. It’s all made to a very high standard, too, and all areas lock in securely.

What’s the spec like?

As a result of the new Multivan providing a basis for the California, there’s a lot more tech inside with a large infotainment screen and digital dials, similar to those that you’d find on some of the latest Volkswagen cars. You’ll also find loads of USB-C charging points dotted through the van itself, including handy areas like the pop-up roof bed. There’s a three-pin plug in the centre of the cabin as well, which you can use to charge domestic devices when the van is in motion or plugged into an electricity supply.

There’s loads of lighting throughout the van, too, and there’s a handy function whereby you double-tap one of the overhead lights to turn all of the illumination off throughout the van. It’s particularly useful for when you’re turning in at night and may have forgotten to turn off a light in another section of the van.

Verdict

The new California has improved the experience in lots of key areas. While it isn’t fundamentally different to the model which came before it, the tweaks and changes that have been made are welcomed, as is the more car-like driving experience that’ll make longer journeys in the California much easier.

The addition of a plug-in hybrid version might be handy for some, but it’s these more regular petrol and diesel options that’ll likely be the go-to for most, too.