Is the Volkswagen California good for new drivers?
For those of us who prefer glamping to camping and hate pitching tents, the opulent and practical Volkswagen California Coast is a dream come true. But what is it like to drive this rather large camper van if you've just been awarded your license?
Day-to-day practicality
The van life is a good life, but if you're used to a much smaller car, it will probably take a few days or weeks to get used to piloting such a voluminous vehicle around town. However, the California Coast's current price tag of R 1 232 600, (the price of a two-bedroom apartment), ensures that there's plenty of kit on board that enhances daily user-friendliness, and also assists in keeping your California in tip-top shape. You'll have everything from a rearview camera to hill-start assist, crosswind assist, park assist, smartphone mirroring (with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), voice control, built-in Sat-nav, and all-wheel-drive to keep your van in check. (Fitted as standard, the Discover Media Pro Navigation system features a 9.2-inch screen with wired and wireless App Connect, two USB (type-C) ports, Bluetooth, SD card slot and eight speakers.)
Even if you don't add any optional extras, you'll still be left with a remarkably well-specified van. Just bear in mind that the California is only suited for light off-roading, but there is a rear differential lock to lend a hand when things get a bit sticky. If you want to go further off the beaten track, and you still need a sizeable car, then opting for a VW Touareg may be a better idea.
Drive, engine, and transmission
The California Coast 2.0BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION has an automatic (DSG) transmission while 4MOTION is Volkswagen's nomenclature for all-wheel-drive. Power is rated at the aforementioned 146 kW with 450 Nm of torque coming from its 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine.
The California may be large, but it isn't as thirsty as you'd imagine, and is not difficult to drive either, offering neutral steering and not as as much lean in the corners as you'd expect from a square people-mover. Diesel consumption is rated at 8.2 litres per 100 km by Volkswagen, but expect a figure closer to 10, especially if you have passengers and luggage on board. If you're shopping in this segment of the market, fuel economy is probably the least of your problems.
Verdict
With an ergonomic dashboard layout, a multitude of safety- and assistance systems, and excellent visibility in all directions, new drivers will be utterly spoilt and deliriously happy to be driving a vehicle like the California, however, if you're not the die-hard outdoorsy / camping type, you may be better off in something smaller and more affordable that's also easier to manoeuvre around town, like the Volkswagen Caddy, Golf-based Volkswagen T-Roc, or the smaller T-Cross. The Volkswagen line-up has a car for everyone, but the California is something truly special.
If your life is all about camping but you can't be bothered with trying to pitch a tent and blowing up a mattress (especially if you reach your destination after dark), and you can afford those hefty monthly repayments, we don't see any reason not to buy one. I know I would if I inherited some cash from a distant uncle.
See listings on AutoTrader for new and lightly-used VW California 2.0BiTDI models here.
