Volkswagen California Range

Want a car you could really live with and live in? Yes really. Jonathan Crouch tries Volkswagens California

When I was little, I always dreamed of having a car I could live in. With the wisdom of age, that now no longer seems such a desirable idea but I was nonetheless interested to see how habitable Volkswagens spin on the concept might prove. The company has produced a kind of mini-motorhome version of its Caravelle called the California. With prices starting at around £35,000, its not cheap but then, neither is any starter home.

The Land Registry reckons that the average UK house now costs £199,184. So the Californias a snip.

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Of course, thats a rather fatuous comparison but it is rather difficult to know what to compare this car to. Since you can effectively live in it, you cant put it alongside conventional MPVs (and anyway, it only has four seats). Yet its far more car-orientated (to drive and to look at) than a normal motorhome, a decent example of which would cost you much more. California buyers get full central heating (or more specifically a fresh air system with manual air con, a separate timing switch-operated domestic heater for when youre parked up and even a remote radio control for the whole system), split-level accommodation (theres a fold-out double bed downstairs and once youve opened the electrically elevated section, a bigger double in the roof).

For mealtimes, theres a gas cooker with stainless steel sink and drainer and, naturally, alongside the cupboards and ample storage, a fridge. There are also great views all round (particularly if you pull up for the night in the Highlands), Other features include a folding dining table, two folding chairs (stored neatly in the tailgate), a clothes cupboard, blackout blinds and smart draw curtains. Most owners will also specify the extra cost roll-out awning too. Downsides? Well, the ceiling is rather low and the kind of older people being targeted by Volkswagen for this car will struggle to reach the roof-mounted bed.

Younger families meanwhile, will need more than four seats.

"Living with your car doesnt get much easier than this"

As with the Caravelle, the cab area up-front is nicely constructed. It features a dash mounted gear stick plumbed into the centre console that frees-up floorspace for better walk-through access to the rear. This configuration shaves vital seconds off the time it takes a parent in the passenger seat to reach the back bench and apprehend a wayward child before they can make-over their brother or sister with a felt-tip pen. The driving position and steering wheel are infinitely adjustable.

So much so that, from Kylie Minogue to Giant Haystacks, virtually anyones optimum driving position is attainable its just a matter of finding it. There are armrests on each chair too, along with supportive cushioning and fetching two-tone fabric. When stationary, you turn around the front two chairs to face the two in the rear. Externally, the California looks like the van with windows that it actually is, the chassis platform also forming the basis for Volkswagens Transporter panel van and Caravelle people carrier.

Those who owned one of these in the past will probably like the subtle but effective styling changes of the latest version. The nose is characterised by prominent vertical lines running through the grille and the air-intake below it. While, wide clear-lens headlights arc round at the corners and fog lights are embedded low down near the bottom of the substantial bumper. In typical Volkswagen style, its an uncomplicated, pleasing look.

Under the bonnet lie either 130 or 174PS versions of Volkswagens familiar 2.5-litre five-cylinder TDI PD diesel engine. Neither are very quick off the mark, but then you dont care too much about that kind of thing with this kind of vehicle as long as it cruises quietly and easily as this model does. You also need frugality and again the California delivers, returning over 30mpg on a regular basis.

Options on the 174PS model (priced from around £37,000) include a Tiptronic gearbox for another £1,600 or 4MOTION four-wheel drive for just under £2,500 more. Safe stopping is achieved with the help of ABS, ASR traction control and emergency brake assist, while the Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) aids handling. Passive safety isnt neglected either: there are airbags galore along with 3-point belts and headrests on all seats. The California wont suit everyone but the select few whose needs it meets will just love the thing, provided their retirement incomes stretch to the upfront purchase price. Living with your car doesnt get much easier than this.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Volkswagen California range
PRICES: £35,162-£39,157 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 15-16
CO2 EMISSIONS: 251-257g/km
PERFORMANCE: [174PS] 0-60mph 12.2s / Max speed 114mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [174PS] (urban) 26.6mpg / (extra urban) 39.2mpg / (combined) 33.6mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, ABS, ESP
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 4890/1904/1999