Volkswagen California Beach camper van now available in SA... in time for December holidays

With the 6th generation Volkswagen California there’s no better way to add to the success story of a legend.  What began some 60 years ago with the original Volkswagen camper van, seen as a rolling symbol of independence and freedom, has become a true home from home on wheels.

Beach available

The VW T6 range of Transporter, Kombi and Caravelle is now extended with the re-introduction of the California Beach – the modern interpretation of the classic VW camper van.

The California Beach embodies the same spirit and charm, yet combines this with quality engineering, comfort, performance and style.  Add the latest driver assistance and safety systems and up-to-the-minute infotainment systems and you’ll discover the allure to hit the open road or head down to the beach is as strong as ever.

The Volkswagen California Beach is designed to draw the eye from even the most breathtaking landscape.  Wherever you travel, it demonstrates unquestionable style, poise and elegance.  What’s more, with a host of options, such as a selection of attractive exterior paint colours, you’ll find every journey a pleasure.  Simply park-up and enjoy the view.  Pull over for a spot of sightseeing and make a cup of coffee.

A true home from home

After a long day exploring, there’s nothing better than returning to your California Beach to take things easy.  Whether you simply want to sit back, relax and listen to your latest playlist via the California’s up-to-the-minute infotainment systems or enjoy the ocean waves cursh onto the sandy beach, or prepare and enjoy a delicious meal, you’ll find everything you need within easy reach.

At the front there’s 180° swivelling driver and passenger seats with armrests, atmospheric lighting, numerous storage compartments, and an ingenious pull-out folding table, enabling you to turn your California’s interior into a comfortable lounge or dining area.

Whether sat in the cab enjoying a commanding view on the way to your destination, or reclining in the living area after hitting the waves, the Beach adapts perfectly to everything life can throw at it – like an implusive last-minute drive to the coast.  No need to book hotel accommodation.

If you want to dine outside using the roll-out awning, removable table or twin folding camping chairs (charis conveniently stored in the tailgate) you’ll discover there’s no need to rush home.  The living areas of the Beach double as a cosy bedroom with pull-down blinds.

Whether you’re just out for the day or enjoying an extended break, the VW California Beach is a true home from home.

Berth and pop-up roof

Cleverly designed and well-equipped, the California Beach’s interior is upholstered in
easy-to-clean fabric.  Thanks to its versatile floor-mounted rail system and a variety of seating options, including 2 additional seats on the 2nd row and a 3-seat bench at the rear, it’s possible to carry up to 7 people, including the driver, as well as luggage, camping or sports gear, and still sleep 4 people on an inviting 2.0m x 1.5m lower berth, and the California Beach’s manually-operated pop-up roof creates an upper berth of 2.0m x 1.2m.

With numerous storage compartments and a comprehensive list of standard and optional features and accessory add-ons, you’ll find the California Beach as practical and adaptable as it is stylish.

4Motion all-wheel drive

The advantages of the Haldex clutch for 4Motion all-wheel drive include reduced weight, a decrease in fuel consumption and an improvement to vehicle handling and dynamics… but what you actually want to hear is that you could drive the Beach across sand or rocks, or nearly onto the beach, where still allowed.

Price for SA

Overseas markets have the California available in Beach, Coast and Ocean trim models, and only the base Beach will be offered in SA.  The single engine-transmission in the local California Beach is the 2.0 TDI 103kW/340Nm with 6-speed manual and 4Motion 4x4.

The Volkswagen California Beach 2.0TDI 4Motion retails at R 801 600, slotting in between the Kombi (R 513 900 to R 649 900) and Caravelle (R 814 900 to R 934 900).