Volkswagen’s Multivan will be turned into plug-in hybrid family-friendly camper
The next-generation California has been teased by Volkswagen, with the brand showing off a new California Concept that’s due to make its public unveiling on the 25 August at the Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf.
We already know the new Volkswagen California will be based on the T7 Multivan but these new concept sketches show us what we can expect from the versatile camper. A pop-up roof is a traditional feature of the California but the double-awning is a step up from the single-side offering in the outgoing model – it’s also more practical, with dual slide-opening doors. Another sketch shows a pop-out tablet located inside the concept. The screen can operate the California’s climate controls as well as the cabin lights.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz review
Volkswagen ID. Buzz reviewWe expect the new camper to feature all of the features of the older models such as a rear attached tent, a sink and cooker kitchenette and the camping staple of a foldout bed.
The reveal of the production version of the California Concept is expected towards the end of the year and Volkswagen plans on putting it on sale in the UK just before summer 2024.
VW has previously stated that the next-generation California will come with the option of plug-in hybrid power – a first for the model. It’ll most likely utilise the system from the Multivan eHybrid, with a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor powered by a 13kWh battery. In the Multivan PHEV this is enough for an electric-only range of 30 miles but the extra weight of the California is likely to cut a few miles from this.
The California name is about to make an appearance on the current Volkswagen Multivan as VW looks to expand its popular factory-built line of van based camper models.
Volkswagen had spoken about the California at the 2022 financial results statement, “VW will build out the great success of its California model range by adding digital features and services to create a “California Universe”. That “California Universe'' could lay the foundations of a broader California-badged range. Currently there’s just a Caddy California within Volkswagen’s ranks but we expect camper versions of VW’s electric range – particularly the ID.Buzz – to join at a later date.
The new California model will replace the California 6.1, which is based on the outgoing Transport 6.1 van. The old California is still on sale, from £61,322, and we expect a significant increase on this for the new one.
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